A/N; Welcome to the longest chapter I've ever written. I hope you're comfortable, because this one's going to take awhile. Also be prepared for quite a bit of fluff. Just letting you know right now.
6.
The Blossom and Blade
"What's Noonvale like Rose?"
"Well to me it's the most wonderful place I could ever think of. It's a large valley set deep in the old forest. There are orchards and gardens that grow the best kinds of fruits and vegetables. There's also a stream that flows through the valley and over a waterfall that has a nice pool at the base of it." Rose's eyes had a wistful look to them as she describer her home. It was clear she missed it.
They had left Polleekin's tree house at mid-day and were following the mole's directions to the letter. With their frontshadows as their guide they were making their way through the scrublands farther in from the coast. Martin had taken the lead of their little column, his eyes casting about, ever on guard for danger. Rose was walking next to him with Grumm and Pallum bringing up the rear.
"Why so curious about Noonvale all of a sudden?" Rose asked Martin.
The Warrior looked at her before he answered. "Well both you and Brome speak so highly of the place. Before I was captured by Badrang I lived in a small cave on the Western Sea with my father and what was left of our tribe. It wasn't a very nice place to tell you the truth. But Noonvale does sound like a nice place and I'd like to know more about it."
Rose smiled at Martin. "What would you like to know?"
"Brome talked a lot about the food there. He said that your mother was one of the best cooks and made things like mushroom and chestnut stew, spring vegetable pasties, and oatfarls. I've never even heard of some of those things."
Grumm piped it at this point. "Hurr Maister Brome b'ain't be fibbin' zurr Marthen. Missus Aryah do be a roight foin cooker. Burr 'ecky she'm is."
"Let me guess Brome was tormenting you and Felldoh with the thought of food while you were waiting for Grumm to finish the tunnel," Rose said with a grin.
"Something like that," Martin told her.
"Well both Brome and Grumm are right. My mother Aryah is a very fine cook. She's even taught me to make a few things."
Martin perked up a bit. "Like what?"
"Well my favorite dish is actually a dessert."
"Sounds like my favorite too," piped in Pallum.
Rose turned back and smiled at the hedgehog. "You don't even know what it is yet."
Pallum was unconcerned. "If it's a dessert it's my favorite. Life's short, so eat cake."
"What kind of dessert is this Rose," Martin said. He was intensely curious to know.
"It's a damson and hazelnut flan. I usually top it with mintcream too, just for a finishing touch."
Martin was trying very hard not to show how much his mouth was watering. "If it tastes half as good as it sounds, then I'll be one happy mouse."
Rose linked her arm with Martin's and smiled at him. "Don't worry Martin. When we get to Noonvale I'm sure my father and mother will have a huge celebratory feast. I'll be sure to make one."
"Tha' be the bes' kind 'o moteevashun there be. Roight noice food back at 'ome. Oi carn't wait." Grumm was also a little homesick, but the though of the wonderful Noonvale cooking was helping him out too.
To stop his watering mouth Martin decided to change the subject. "What else is there to do besides eat in Noonvale?"
Rose thought for a little bit before she answered. "Well a lot of the creatures there concentrate on the gardens and orchards. Then there are others who tend the flower beds. There are flowers everywhere. Bluebells, daisies, petunias, celandines, and columbines to name just some of the flowers there."
"And of course roses," said Martin as he smiled at Rose and gave her arm an extra squeeze.
"Yes, roses too," Rose said quietly. She felt her face flame at the kind smile Martin was giving her so she continued to talk about her home. "Hopefully when we get there the flowers will all be in bloom and the fruits will have started to grow in the orchards. Close to the top of my favorite things to do in Noonvale list is walk through the orchards. There are trees and bushes of all kinds. Apples, pears, plums, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, blackberry, gooseberries, black currant, and blackberries just to name a few."
Martin was a bit startled at the list. "I didn't know you could grow all those kinds of fruits and berries in the same place."
"It's no easy task," Rose told him. "But most of the creatures in Noonvale are gardeners anyway. We all help each other out and it makes it a lot less difficult."
"What else is there?" Martin asked.
"Hmmm, well like I said most creatures in Noonvale are gardeners. Almost every cottage has a small herb garden behind it. Some folk specialize in cooking herbs like rosemary or thyme. Others tend medicinal herbs and plants or grow small willow saplings."
"Willow saplings? What are those good for?"
"For the bark of course. Willow bark tea is a very good pain killer. It soothes a lot of aches for just about any creature that needs it."
Martin had a far off look to his eye as he walked along. "It sounds like a wonderful place. I'm having a hard time imagining what it must be like."
Rose smiled up at him. "Don't worry. Soon we'll be there and you can see for yourself."
Darkness had finally fallen over the small company. Pallum's discovery of the three-topped oak from Polleekin's instructions had been a big boost for morale. They now knew they were on the right track to find the Warden of Marshwood Hill. After a small dinner of carrot and turnip farl Grumm and Pallum had quickly fallen asleep. Martin and Rose again found themselves awake by themselves. They sat in comfortable silence as the stars twinkled above them and a fiery-tailed comet flashed across the peaceful scene.
It was Rose who broke the silence. She talked softly so as not to wake Grumm or Pallum. "Well, we found the dead three top easy enough. Tomorrow we'll look for the twin paths. Oh, I do hope Brome and Felldoh are all right. I'd hate to think of us lying here eating if they needed our help."
Martin took a sip from the canteen. "Trust Polleekin's words, Rose. There's nothing else we can do. Brome is young, but Felldoh will look after him – he's a warrior."
The mousemaid looked at the short shrew sword sticking in the ground close to Martin's paw where he could reach it quickly. She had been amazed at the change that had come over Martin when he took full possession of the small blade. It was if the sword was an extension of his being the way he had carried it. She knew it was only a small substitute for his father's sword, but the reverence Martin gave the blade showed. She had thought him confident before he had a sword at his side. Now with it tucked in his belt she knew he truly was a warrior.
"What's it like being a warrior?" Having grown up surrounded by peaceful creatures she was very curious.
"I don't know really," Martin shrugged. "I won't consider myself a warrior until the day I take my father's sword back from Badrang."
Rose tossed a piece of her bread. It bounced off Martin's nose. "Silly, of course you're a warrior. Even Polleekin saw that. I know you're a warrior because you protect others. Look at the way you've helped me and Grumm and Pallum. And the way you dealt with that big seabird. Nobeast but a warrior could have done that."
He didn't answer her. Instead he just seemed to think about the words Rose had said. She was about to reach across the small space separating them to squeeze his paw again when gentle snoring noises came from the mole and hedgehog. Martin and Rose looked at each other and they both knew that this special moment had run its course.
Martin chuckled. "No good asking them, they're sound asleep like I should be." He lay down in the moss. "Us warrior need lots of sleep, you know. Good night Rose."
Rose watched him as he closed his eyes. Looking back up at the sky she felt her mind begin to wander. Brome where are you? Are you hurt? Did you make it to land? Are you waiting for us in Noonvale? Then she looked down again the sleeping form of Martin. I've never felt this way about another mouse before, she thought.
She reached across and gently stroked his headfur away from his closed eyes. Rose got a pleasant surprise when in his sleep Martin gave a contented sigh and a slow smile appeared on his face. Rose felt a smile creep across her face too. He's so different than any other mouse I've ever met. So full of confidence and determination. I don't think it matters to him that I'm the daughter of the Chieftain of Noonvale. I've never had a friend like this before.
Her thoughts then drifted to the home she had been describing all day to the mouse sleeping near her. Long after Martin had gone to sleep, Rose lay awake thinking of her home in Noonvale.
"Noonvale." She said the name in a whisper to the star-strewn night.
To her it meant peace, happiness, and security, filled as it was with family and friends. Noonvale, the secret place in the ancient northeastern forest. The young mousemaid closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber, far from her home. Noonvale.
Dawn arrived soft as a feather on the air. Martin opened one eye and watched two ants trundling off with the tiny piece of bread that Rose had thrown at him. He rolled over and was pleasantly surprised to see Rose lying close to him. He had thought she had been further away from him when he had laid down the night before. Martin looked on her peaceful sleeping face and felt a warm glow in his heart. A beam of light shone across her face as Martin thought of the conversation about Noonvale he had had with her the previous day. The thought of seeing her peaceful face every morning like that was quickly becoming more and more appealing to Martin. Gently he brushed some of her headfur off of her face. When Rose smiled in her sleep at his touch a contented grin also spread on Martin's.
Later he sat with Rose and Pallum while Grumm was off searching for water. Rose had dug turnovers from her pack and split them among the three friends with Pallum leaving a portion for Grumm when he returned.
"Sleep well Martin?" Rose asked.
He nodded. "I did, thank you Rose. I know I had a good dream, but I can hardly remember any of it. I think I remember this soft feather brushing against my face but that's it. What about you Pallum? Did you remember your dreams from last night?"
"You betcha I remember them. What with all that talk about desserts and food yesterday, I dreamt I was swimming in a huge bowl of puddin' then dove into a lake of strawberry cordial."
Rose was glad Martin was paying attention to Pallum and his dreams of food. When Martin had mentioned his dream Rose knew that it was somehow due to her touch the night before. To cover her flushing face she stood up and looked around for Grumm.
"Where has that mole that mole got to? He only went for water. I'll give him a shout…"
Martin was alert in a flash. He jumped up and put a paw close to Rose's mouth. "No, don't raise your voice, Rose. If Grumm can hear it then so can others. Come on, we'll take a quiet walk and look for him."
In a short while the twin paths were discovered. Pallum stayed behind to watch the fork in the paths Rose and Martin started exploring them. Rose walked behind Martin and kept her eyes and ears peeled for any signs of their mole friend. When the first path proved harmless she and Martin set out on the second of the two. When they passed Pallum they gave the hedgehog reassuring winks. A heavy humming soon reached their ears. Martin drew his sword and motioned Rose to follow him slowly. Straining her ears, she caught a low, frightened whimper.
"That's Grumm!" she whispered.
After a quick discussion they rounded the bend and saw the dozens of beehives and millions of insects that were keeping their friend captive. Rose glanced over at Martin. The Warrior was beside himself with anxiety and he gazed hard across the clearing trying to find someway to get to Grumm. Rose looked back at Grumm as he gave another frightened whimper.
"Sit still Grumm," Rose said in a husky whisper. "Don't cry, there's a good mole. Martin and I are here now."
"Hurrmm, Miz Roser." Grumm's voice sounded muffled as he talked around the ladle. "They'm trapped oi daown yurr. They stinged oi, not all at oncet, moind, just when the feels loik 'avin' some fun with oi. Ooch!"
Rose kept her voice low. "I'm sorry you're being stung, Grumm, but sit still and we'll have you out of there soon."
Martin spoke out of the side of his mouth. "Rose, they've got us trapped now. There's as many behind us as there are in front, and they're blocking out way out. Ow! I've been stung on the footpaw and they're beginning to swarm on me. You can't fight bees with a sword. Owch!"
Rose looked at Martin then down on herself. "That's strange, not a single bee has landed on me. Look!" She held her paw forth. Not a single insect tried to land on it.
Martin blinked in surprise. "How d'you do it…? Owch!"
Realization dawned on Rose suddenly. "Martin, Grumm, don't speak, don't say a word. I've just noticed that every time you speak you get stung. Now, the bees aren't stinging me, so they must like the sound of my voice. I've got an idea. Listen, I'm going to start singing. If they like my voice when I speak, they're sure to like it if I sing gently. As soon as you feel that it's safe, then take my paws and we'll walk out of here, or at least give it a try. Well, here goes. Let me sing a bit first."
Martin and Grumm remained still, like two statues covered by masses of slowly moving bees. Rose began her song.
"You will find me in Noonvale on the side of hill,
When the summer is peaceful and high,
There where streamlets meander the valley is still,
'Neath the blue of a calm cloudless sky…"
Right away Martin noticed a difference in the behavior of the bees. The buzzing diminished to low background hum and the insects that were crawling over him ceased their activities.
"It's working," he whispered urgently to Rose. "Keep singing. I'm going to take your paw. Grumm, can you hear me? Reach out for Rose's paw when she sings."
Rose continued her voice like warm breeze on a soft night.
"Look for me at dawning when the earth is asleep.
Till each dewdrop is kissed by the day,
'Neath the rowan and alder a vigil I'll keep,
Every moment that you are away…"
Rose stretched her paws forth. Feeling Martin and Grumm take them, she turned and began walking back down the path with a slow, measured pace. Martin and Grumm trod carefully alongside the mousemaid. She continued singing, and as they went the bees began dropping off and buzzing lazily back to their hives.
"The old earth gently turns as the season change slowly.
All the flowers and leaves born to wane.
Hear my song o'er the lea, like the wind soft and lowly.
Oh, please come back to Noonvale again."
That was incredible! Martin thought. He found himself staring at Rose as they backed up down the path back to where Pallum was waiting for them.
As Pallum fussed over them Martin still couldn't take his eyes off of Rose. He shook his head in amazement, burying his short sword point down in the loam. "Thank you, Rose. That was marvelous. Who needs a sword to defend us? That's the second time you've won a victory with your voice – first as a sea eagle, then as a singer. You know the strange thing is that I hardly noticed the bees. All I could hear was your song. I could have listened to it forever!"
As Grumm and Pallum tended the bee stings and added their agreement to Martin's words, the Warrior saw Rose blush as she bent to her pack. He could tell that she was quite taken by his kind words, even if she did try to act humbly as she stood up with her pack.
"It was only an old Noonvale song. Every young creature there can sing it as well as me. Come on you two, or are you going to sit there all morning?" He's heard me sing before, so why is it now that I get all a-fluster? It really is just an old song from back home, we all sing it. She was again glad that Martin wasn't there to see her red face.
They made good progress that day, though the woodland grew high and gloomy as they traversed it. Pallum had finished treating Martin's beestings, so the young mouse trotted up to walk beside Rose.
"I didn't mean to embarrass you back there. I just really liked your song," he told her.
Rose looked up at Martin walking next her. "I know Martin, it's just I've been singing my whole life. I can't begin to count the number of times I've sang that song. I've just never had anybeast say something like that to me before."
"You mean no beast has ever said you have a remarkable voice for song? I find that hard to believe."
"No, that's not what I meant. I'm not trying to sound boastful or anything like that. A lot of creatures have said they like it when I sing. But to tell you the truth I sing because I like to sing, not because I want to have beasts constantly surrounding me demanding I sing this song or that. There was only one other time in my life when I got so flustered after a song." Rose looked down at the path.
Martin tilted her chin back up so he could look at her again. "If you don't want to tell me that's alright. I'm sure that if it's that personal it's a very private memory."
Rose felt couldn't help but feel just a little safer walking next to Martin. "Thank you Martin. It means a lot to me that you're willing to respect my privacy like that. But I trust you so I don't mind telling you about it. It was when I was very young back in Noonvale. There's an old mousewife there named Gracelyn. She's always taking care of the youngest creatures there. One night at dinner in the Council Lodge she started playing her pipes. I started singing along with her. It wasn't even a song; it was just her pipes and me singing la la la along with her. Well I didn't realize that everybeast in Noonvale was listening. When we got done and they all started clapping I think I hid my face in my mother's dress."
Martin chuckled softly to himself as he listened to the story. "I'm sure it was a lovely tune. What happened after that?"
"Well that's why it's a somewhat private memory. The next day my papa had me go and play with these three other mousemaids named Camilla, Joyce, and Teerla. They said mean things about me and my singing. I almost never sang again."
Rose didn't realize it but she had found herself staring down at the path again as she told of the aftereffects of her young song. She only looked up when she felt Martin's arm curl around her waist as he pulled her next to him. When she looked into his eyes she saw the same incomparable determination she had seen in them that night on the shore outside the escape tunnel.
"Don't worry Rose. I promise you that as long as I'm with you, you won't have to worry about bullies like that."
She gratefully leaned into his warm embrace. "Thank you. I think I'm old enough to handle things on my own now, but it's very nice for you to say something like that. I'm honored."
She continued to look up at him trusting that he would guide her around any obstacle in the path. Rose wanted to say how impressed she had been that Martin had blazed into action when they had realized Grumm had gone missing. How she could tell he had been frustrated that his warrior skills couldn't have done anything to help the mole. But with Grumm and Pallum walking along behind them she decided that having them hear that conversation would have to wait for a more opportune moment.
They stopped for lunch soon after and enjoyed a few tasty applescones. Grumm and Pallum went to dip their footpaws in the brook they were resting beside. Rose sat next to Martin giggling as the pair enjoyed their paddle. She was about to tell Martin the thoughts she had been thinking earlier when a booming voice rang out.
"I see you. Beware!"
It ended up being a silly adventure, and even though the early afternoon tea was delicious the four travelers were soon on their way from the prissy Mirdop's burrow. Martin nudged Rose after they had recovered from laughing at Pallum's imitation of the rabbits. "I see what you mean about now being able to handle yourself, Rose the Slayer," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Rose only laughed again as she shoved Martin playfully and they continued their way along the path.
While their adventure with the Mirdop rabbits had been silly, their trials with the lizards of Marshwood Hill were anything but silly. Rose found her courage had grown beyond anything she could have imagined since she had met Martin, and was able to have the dipper send for help in the form of the imposing Warden of Marshwood Hill. Though she felt braver now, she was also very glad when Martin put a paw over her eyes as the Warden dispensed his form of justice.
That night as the Warden went off on patrol the dipper sat with the four friends enjoying their company. After supper, the dipper whistled and chirped happily. When he had finished they applauded him. Martin lay back, sipping at the tangy cordial they were all sharing.
"Wish I could sing like that. I've got the worst singing voice in the world. Come on, Rose, sing something to cheer us up in this gloomy march."
Rose looked at Martin and saw the kind expression on his face. After their conversation the previous morning, after the bees, she somehow knew that Martin would ask her to sing again sometime soon. Oh what to sing, she thought. I know that tune we all sang at the wedding feast last spring, that's a good one. The mousemaid obliged willingly, her wondrous clear voice ringing melodiously into the deep marshland night.
"O happy is as happy does,
Misery never useful was,
And I am happy now because
I'm with ones I love.
Sing fol lol oh a lairy lay,
Let the sun shine bright all day,
So I'll go happy on my way
With the good ones that I love.
O fie on you, O great disgrace,
Look at that sad unhappy face,
I'll not walk, with you not one pace,
You're not the one I love.
Sing dumble dum and derry dee,
You'll have to smile to come with me,
Till happiness doth let you see
You're the one that I love!"
Rose and Martin had been sitting across the small circle the friends had formed. As Rose sang the last line hers and Martin's eyes locked and, as had happened so often since they met, they both smiled broadly at each other. They only looked away when Rose pushed Grumm up to do song and dance number. Martin and Rose both watched Grumm sing his quaint song and dance his little hopskip, but for the most part they just continued to look at each other. When Grumm finished dancing the two mice laughed almost as hard because they had missed a good portion of Grumm's performance, than because of the actual dance itself.
When the Warden appeared out of the gloom and bade them all go to sleep Martin got up to put away the remains of the food from their packs. Rose sat up watching him until he finished.
"Well bold Warrior, what did you think of that song?" she asked quietly with a teasing tone.
Martin put the re-packed bags down and sat down next to Rose. "I think that there's something in that old saying about a song taming the savage beast."
"Martin you're not a savage beast, intense and focused maybe, but not savage" she said and reached forward and tickled his footpaw.
Martin softly chuckled at the sensation and held onto Rose's paws for her to stop. He then pulled her to him twisting her around so he could hold her. "True, and I'm eternally grateful that I've got your songs to keep me from becoming one," he whispered into her soft headfur.
Despite the fact they were in a strange place far from her home she felt safe and protected in his presence. She put her paws over Martin's where they were clasped over her waist. They fell asleep that night completely at peace.
The Gawtrybe squirrels were forming a small area as Martin withdrew his sword from his sash and passed it to Rose. She could tell that he was readying himself for the fight because his eyes had grown hard and his arm muscles were beginning to clench.
"Be careful," she whispered to him.
Martin didn't have a chance to reply because of Pallum's cry of warning. Rose tucked Martin's sword next her own knife and stood beside Grumm and Pallum to watch the fight. Wakka went at Martin like a madbeast. Martin though had the blood of generations of warriors pumping through his veins. His only mistake was when he relied on the same tactic to long. Martin's error allowed Wakka to jump on Martin from behind and score the Warrior's face deeply with his claws. Martin bucked forward and sent the big squirrel flying off him to land face first in the dirt. Martin leapt onto Wakka's back and locked his legs around the squirrel's neck pulling hard on his ears as he did. Wakka tried to dislodge Martin, and actually managed to stagger upright but to no avail. Martin just leaned his body weight forwards and they went crashing back down into the dust again. With the breath driven out of squirrel Martin put his footpaw on Wakka's head and ground it into the dirt hard. The Chieftain of the Gawtrybe struggled feebly, sobbing for breath as Martin's paw stamped down harder.
The young mouse was breathing hard as he rasped out the question, "Have you had enough, squirrel? Because if you haven't, we can carry on until the death!"
As Wakka cried out Rose couldn't take it anymore. She ran out. Grasping Martin's paw, she cried piteously, "He's had enough. Don't kill him, Martin!"
The sound of Rose's voice brought Martin back to reality. Veils of red mist fell from his eyes and the Warrior's desire to kill left him. He allowed her to lead him back to his friends, and Grumm set about bathing his deep-scored face. They sat there as the rest of the Gawtrybe left or started jumping on each others shoulders in a cruel imitation of the small battle that had just taken place.
Pallum shook his head gravely. "Listen to that. What a bunch of savages!"
Rose applied strips of dockleaves to Martin's wounded face. "There, that's the best I can do for now. Let's get away from this place. I hate it, and those horrible wild squirrels too!"
Martin was still in a bit of a daze as Rose helped him to his footpaws. She rechecked the dockleaves she had applied. He noticed her paws were slightly shaking. "I'm sorry if I scared you Rose," he said quietly.
She looked up at him. "You didn't scare me Martin. It's those squirrel bullies that have me upset."
Martin took her paws in his again. "Remember what I promised you Rose. I'll never let another bully hurt you so long as I'm around."
She immediately felt herself begin to relax at his words. "Thank you Martin. Now we best be off if we're to find that cave."
As they set off Rose noticed that Martin wasn't walking as fast as he had been earlier. This was strange to her as she had seen him fight before and then continue walking till they made camp in the evening. Was that red I saw in his eyes when I pulled him off the squirrel? I wonder what that means. I'll just have to keep a careful eye on him. It's probably because of all that fighting. First the searats, then the gannet, then those worms and lizards in the swamp, now that fight against those horrible miscreants who call themselves squirrels. And he's been watching over us along the way too, it must be exhausting to him. I'd probably be a little tired too.
Rose proved to be right. Martin was walking a little slower than the rest of their small party even though he tried to hide it. She was all concern for him when he tried to press on to the mountain cave in the coming evening. "Never mind if we don't, we can camp on the mountainside until morning and reach it tomorrow. There's no great rush, Martin. Take it slower. You must be tired after battling that big squirrel."
Martin touched his stinging cheeks. "Don't worry about me, Rose. I can walk as fast as anybeast."
Oh no, not this time, she thought. The mousemaid put on a stern face. Stumping ahead, she imitated the Warden's stick-like gait as she mimicked the grey heron. "I say you will walk slower. I am the law!"
They fell about laughing and sat in the ferns while Grumm unpacked some of his invention cakes and a drink of water for each of them. Martin accidentally dozed off as Pallum was singing a little ditty.
"Oh the hedgehog is a fine old beast,
All covered o'er with needles,
Not smooth, oh no, like some I know,
Eels an' fish an' beetles.
Some creatures calls us hedgepigs,
An' others says hedgehogs,
But I do know that frogs is frogs,
An' hedgehogs is hedge hogs!"
Rose held a paw to her lips. "Hush now, let him sleep awhile. He'll feel better for it." She sat down next to Martin to hold his paw as the Warrior slept the afternoon away.
It was a boon to them all that Rose insisted that Martin sleep. Once again they found themselves fighting for their lives in the form of the Gawtrybe's deadly game. The rest he had gotten gave Martin the energy to summon his courage as they made their way up the mountainside. His bravery was felt by the other three, and helped them scale the mountain. Then Martin looked back down at the pursing squirrels. Rose saw the look in his eyes and before he said it she knew what the Warrior was going to say.
"Don't stop keep going," Martin yelled up to them. "Take Pallum with you! I'll act as a rearguard. At least I'll stand a bit of a chance being above them with a sword in my paw. Go on, Rose. Do as I say!"
Oh no, he doesn't. I'm not going to lose him to those monsters. The mousemaid sat down firmly on an outcrop, her footpaws dangling over the landscape far below. She looked down and glared at Martin. "Oh no, if you don't start climbing I'm stopping right here. Either way we go together or not at all, Martin!"
Rose prepared herself to argue it out with Martin. However when he turned to look up at her she saw her reflection in his eyes. She surprised even herself with the intensity of the glare she was giving him. To her undying relief Martin put up his blade and began climbing fast.
"All right, I'm coming. Keep moving!"
Later when they were all safely inside Boldred and Horty's cave Martin stole quietly up to Rose. "How is it that we always seem to be the last two to go to sleep every night?" he asked her.
"I don't know, but I've really been enjoying these little talks of ours," she told him in reply.
"Me too," he said as he sat down next to her on the mattresses they had pushed together. "I'm sorry I told you to go without me earlier Rose. I was just trying to protect you."
Rose opened her arms and Martin pulled her into his embrace. "I forgive you Martin. I just couldn't let you give up like that. I don't know what I'd do if you were lost to me like that."
Martin slowly rocked her back and forth as they gradually fell asleep. "And I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost you, Rose. In only the short time we've been together you've become the best friend I've ever had."
Rose didn't answer. She was sound asleep. Soon they both were sleeping peacefully in the warm cave.
Two days later Martin was standing next to Rose beside a huge boulder in the trees. It was in a forest as old as time, with a special feel about it, cool in the dark green shade, carpeted with their light on fern and bush. Velvety green moss was soft underpaw, and melodious birdsong was the only sound to filter through the variegated canopy of emerald and viridian green.
"Rose what is it?" Martin felt his own voice ringing strangely in the stillness.
She stroked the monolithic stone and pointed downwards. When she turned to Martin he saw the most beautiful smile he had ever seen on her face. It was as if he was looking at her for the first time all over again, and like before he stood there thunderstruck.
"Noonvale!"
Rose turned from him and led him through a curtain of hanging willow trees. The panorama of Noonvale displayed before him was awe-inspiring to the young mouse. Now he felt he finally understood why Rose treasured her home so much. The valley and its scenery laid out before him seemed to wrap itself around Martin's spirit even more powerfully than the fierce blood of his warrior forbearers.
The spell was broken by Grumm's shout. "Hurr, we'm made et. C'mon!" As Grumm rolled down the bluffs Martin, Rose, and Pallum joyfully dashed after him.
They reached the floor of the valley and Rose immediately took Martin's paw. "Welcome to Noonvale Martin! Let's go! I just have to have you meet my parents!"
Rose's joy was infectious and Martin gladly ran after her as they made their way through the valley. Rose was calling out greeting to friends as she dashed by. She was certain that her parents would be near the gardens, helping raise the crops.
Rose was right and soon she spotted her parents just as they were beginning to help with the morning tasks. Rose threw herself into their welcoming paws breathlessly. Both mice hugged their daughter affectionately. Aryah's welcome was interspersed with anxious enquires about her son.
"Oh, Rose, my Rose, you're home. Did you find your brother? My, you've grown taller, slimmer too. That rascal Brome, did you see him? Did he mention his mother and father? Noonvale has been quiet without your singing, Rose. Is Brome following along? Will he be here soon?"
Rose's heart sank. Brome and Felldoh had not found their way to Noonvale! She could only hope that they were safe, somewhere…
Rose began gasping out her story, but Urran Voh held up a paw. "Later, it is enough that you are safely home, Rose. No doubt you've risked life and limb several times to help your brother. You must realize that Brome is a born wanderer, never content and stubborn to the last word. Well, that young mouse is getting big enough to look after himself. But if you've agreed to meet up here, I expect he'll turn up sooner or later. Maybe someday he'll have enough sense to stay in Noonvale and not go dashing off every time the mood takes him. Ah! Grumm Trencher, you good mole, greetings. Who are these two young creatures?"
Grumm introduced them. "Yurr be Pallum an' Marthen 'ee Wurrier, zurr. They'm wunnerful gudd friends to oi an' Miz Roser."
Urran Voh shook Pallum's paw and then turned to Martin. The Patriarch of Noonvale had seen confident creatures in his seasons ruling the vale. However he had never seen the likes of Martin the Warrior before. The young mouse stood proud and tall. His paw was like steel as he clasped it with Urran Voh's. But the intensity and courage that burned from Martin's eyes was undeniable. Urran Voh turned to his wife and then saw the look that Rose was giving Martin.
Aryah must have seen the flash of concern that appeared on Urran Voh's face. She cut short the introductions. "We can talk later. You must be starving. Rose dear, show your friends where they can wash and find clean robes, then bring them to Council Lodge. I must prepare a homecoming party for you!"
Rose beamed at her mother. "Oh how wonderful! A welcome home feast! Grumm go and find that brother of yours. I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. I'll take Martin and Pallum to my cottage so they can wash up."
She grasped both Martin and Pallum's paws and went dashing off in the direction of her home. Grumm likewise trundled off to find his brother, Trumm. Behind them Urran Voh and Aryah watched them all depart.
"Did you see the way Rose was looking at this Martin the Warrior?" he asked his wife.
"I did," Aryah said gently. "And it's about time too. After all we were the one encouraging her to find a nice young mouse."
"But he's not from Noonvale," Urran Voh said. "And he carries a blade. I don't know."
"Calm down dear," Aryah put a comforting paw on her husband's back. "At least give him a chance. The rule in Noonvale is one of peace and welcome. We should extend every visitor those courtesies, regardless of who they are. Now I need to rouse the kitchens in Council Lodge. Did you see the state of their clothes? I fully intend that by the time they make themselves presentable to have a full feast on the tables and ready to go. I've got a feeling I know exactly what Rose would like."
"That damson and hazelnut flan she's always making" Urran Voh said with a grin. Despite his worries he was very glad to see his daughter again. Aryah only nodded at him as she trotted off in the direction of Council Lodge.
Throughout his life the memory of that happy day stayed locked secretly in Martin's heart. He had dashed after Rose to her cottage. The mouse and hedgehog had both taken long baths in an old copper tub. Rose waited until they were clean and then pointed them to Brome's room and provided some of her father's old tunics and trousers while she washed the dust of travel from her fur.
Soon Martin walked smartly out of Brome's room clad in new smooth clothes. He had chosen tan trousers and a faded purple tunic. Pallum had found brown trousers and a red tunic that would now forever be his due to his spikes now poking through the back. Together they waited for Rose to come out of her room.
Pallum was growing restless as they waited. "How long does it take one to get ready?"
Martin shrugged. "I couldn't tell you. I've never been to a feast like this."
"Well I'm going to go off and see if I can find Grumm. You don't mind waiting for Rose do you?"
"Of course not. Go find that mole and tell him to steer clear of any bees." They both laughed as Pallum made his way outside.
Martin settled himself in a large armchair in a large room at the front of the cottage. While he waited he passed the time by going over to where they had dropped their travel bags and digging out a small whet stone. Sitting back in the chair he drew his sword and touched up the sharpness on the small blade. It had grown slightly dull in the time it had been given to him. He was so intent on his work that he didn't hear Rose come out of her room.
She paused in the hallway leading to the main room and watched Martin. He was so focused on his task. It was something she admired about him, the way he committed himself to whatever it was he was doing. It was a quality she hadn't seen in many creatures. She watched him awhile before she cleared her throat to announcer her presence.
"Ahem."
Martin looked up at her and the whet stone fell from his grasp. He was shocked at the vision in front of him. He had thought she looked pretty in her purple travel dress. Now he knew she looked beautiful in the light blue dress she had put on. Woven from a lighter cloth than her heavy travel dress, the blue dress was decorated with silver colored thread about the skirts. There was also a silver border around the edges of the dress' short sleeve. Martin didn't know where she had got them from, but Rose had also woven columbines into her headfur that she had brushed out of the ponytail she had been wearing during their travels.
Martin got to his feet and smiled at the gorgeous sight before him. He bowed formally to her. "Milady Laterose, you look amazing."
She only laughed her tinkling laugh and gave Martin a curtsey. "Why thank you good sir, but this isn't a very special occasion. That's the only time I like to use my full name."
Martin held up a paw and Rose gladly put hers into it. "Of course Rose," he said as he kissed her paw.
This time Martin did see the blush that formed on Rose's face. There was no way she could hide it this time. He linked his arm with her and motioned to the door. "Shall we?"
Rose couldn't stop smiling at Martin. "Of course."
Martin led her outside and closed the door behind them. He started looking around before turning to Rose. "Er, which way is Council Lodge?"
She laughed at him. Here he was trying to be polite and genteel, but had just put his footpaw in his mouth by not even knowing where they were going. Rose pointed in the direction of the Lodge. "That way."
As they walked they found Pallum wandering around by himself. Martin called over to him. "Pallum! Over here!" The hedgehog turned and joined his friends. "Couldn't find Grumm then, eh?"
Pallum shook his head. "No, and I just about got lost looking for him. I'm glad you two showed up when you did."
"Don't worry," Rose patted him gingerly trying to avoid his spikes. "I'm sure Grumm will show up at Council Lodge. Now come along with us. Your dream is about to come true."
The hedgehog licked his lips in anticipation of the feast he knew was about to start. They found Grumm waiting for them at the entrance to the large building. The mole was hopping exitedly.
"Miz Roser! Zurr Marthen. Pallum! Oi bees an nuncle now!"
Rose dashed forward to congratulate her oldest friend. "Oh Grumm! That's amazing!"
Martin and Pallum likewise clapped the mole on the back as he explained it to them. "Hurr, whoil we be a-gone moi bruther not only be a-married, but he's had a little moler an' named him Bungo. Oi bees Nuncle Grumm!"
They were all smiles as Rose and Grumm led Martin and Pallum into Council Lodge. They entered the main room and the inhabitants of Noonvale all raised a cheer as they came in. Rose pulled Martin further into the room from where he had been standing unsure of the applause that had greeted him.
"Come on, take a bow Martin."
The young mousse bowed formally amid the applause. Afterwards Urran Voh bade them all take their seats and said a blessing for the food. Martin sat next to Rose as she pulled the damson and hazelnut flan topped with mintcream towards her.
"Dessert before the main course?" he asked.
Rose only laughed. "We don't stand on much ceremony when it comes to feasting Martin. Cake is as good as salad to start with. At a feast like this the only rule is, 'if it looks good share it with your neighbor so they can have some too.'"
As he dug into the dish with Rose, Martin looked around the Lodge. Pallum was busy burying his snout in his beaker because of the pretty hogmaid he was sitting next to. Grumm was trying to control the little ball of energy that was his new nephew. All around him creatures were eating, laughing, and singing. For the first time since he had been captured on the shore seasons ago, Martin felt he had found himself a home. He looked over to where Rose was working on the flan they were sharing.
Rose saw him staring at her. "What is it?" she asked.
Martin only smiled. "Nothing Rose. I'm just very happy right now."
Later after the food had been cleared away a few musicians took up their places. Martin looked at them curiously. "Why are they moving the tables out of the way?"
"So we can have room to dance silly," she said.
The Warrior looked down at Rose and knew at once what her expression said. She was waiting for him to ask her to dance. Martin gulped. This would take an altogether different kind of courage. Taking a deep breath he looked down at Rose. "M-may I have this dance?"
Rose beamed up at him. "Of course."
Martin led her out to the floor and stood there awkwardly. Rose noticed at once. "What is it?" she asked.
Due to his nerves Martin's throat was very tight. "I don't know how to dance," he said in a squeaky voice.
Rose looked shocked. "You don't?"
Martin hung and shook his head. "It wasn't something I can remember my tribe doing before I was captured. And the guards in Marshank would never let the slaves dance."
"Martin," Rose tilted his head up to look at her. "I don't mind. We can start slow. I'll be happy to teach you some simple steps. But first you've got to calm down. You'll only wind up stepping on my paws if you don't take a deep breath." Martin did so and at once felt a little better. "Good," Rose said. "Now just look into my eyes and we'll start. Remember go slow to start with. I'm sure that you didn't learn sword tricks in a day, dancing is the same."
The analogy did much to settle Martin's nerves. He began following her directions as best he could. He was constantly alternating between looking at his footpaws and her eyes as he tried to get the steps. Before long though Martin did become accustomed to the tempo of the various songs that were played. Even though there were other dancers much more skilled than he, Martin found he didn't care. He was just enjoying the feel of holding Rose as she taught him the reels of her home.
Finally the feast began to wind down. Rose took Martin back to her cottage with her parents. They sat in the main room as Rose told them of the adventures she had faced since she had left Noonvale. Then Martin explained of the true nature of his quest and his desire to return to Marshank and free the slaves and reclaim his father's sword.
Urran Voh's face was serious. "You ask a great deal. Our creatures have never seen war, they are dedicated to our life of friendship and peace."
Aryah could tell that some tension was building in the room. She said quietly, "but my dear, where there is such pain and hardship for so many innocent creatures, surely we could let Martin speak to our folk. Any who wish to help can decide for themselves."
It was a compromise that did much to ease the tension, until Urran Voh asked Martin to give up his sword. Again Aryah filled the role of the peacemaker. When Martin had placed his sword on the peg by the door she showed Martin to the guest room.
When they had gone, Rose's father put his paw about her shoulders and sighed unhappily. "Rose listen to me carefully, daughter. What I tell you is for your own good. This Martin, he is a warrior, and death walks alongside such creatures. You must never let yourself grow too close to him."
The mousemaid smiled. "Father, you're not a warrior, you're a worrier. Martin is my best friend in the whole world, he would never hurt me or let me be hurt. I'll change him, you'll see. One day he will be the most peaceful creature in Noonvale!"
Urran Voh rose from his chair slowly. "You and Brome are alike, both strong-willed. I only hope that you are right, Rose, though I think no good will ever come your friendship, because I can tell that Martin has a will and determination far stronger than any I have ever come across. Good night, my Rose. Before you sleep, think on what I have said."
Rose ruffled her father's grey beard. "Good night, you great fusspot. There's nothing to think about except a much needed night's rest. When you come to know Martin the Warrior as well as I do, you'll understand."
With that Rose left for her room. Urran Voh waited until Aryah rejoined him. He was deep in thought as she picked up her needlework again. "So what are you worried about this time?" she asked him. "Martin?"
Urran Voh nodded. "We've never seen his like here in Noonvale before. Remember what Boldred and her husband said when they visited here before? About that other warrior, Luke? His wife died at the claws of searats. I don't want the same thing to happen to our Rose."
Aryah put her needlework down and nodded gravely. "I know Urran. I'm scared for Rose too. But we did say she could make her own choice. It looks as if she's made it. Though Martin does seem to inspire trust. I'll talk to him tomorrow, would that help?"
"Very much, thank you my dear."
The next morning Aryah woke early to start breakfast preparations. She had just woken up Rose who had promised to help the night before. As the mousewife walked to Council Lodge she had a quick conversation with Boldred then noticed Martin sitting by the waterfall pool. She walked over to the Warrior and talked to him. The force of his gaze when he promised to protect Rose was such that she couldn't help but trust him. She bade him come with her and together they walked to Council Lodge for breakfast.
After the meal Martin wandered outside to wander through Noonvale. Rose had to help clean the breakfast dishes and promised to meet him when she was done. She had ignored his offer to help saying he was a guest and didn't have to worry about such things. He wandered through the flower beds and picked a few on his way towards the waterfall pool.
Noonvale, a place to call home at last. The thought came to Martin as he looked around. There by the waterfall, that's where Rose and I can live. He looked down to the circlet of flowers he was making. Growing up on the northlands coasts, seasons as a slave, and all his previous adventures hadn't left much time for Martin to learn craft skills. Still he hoped Rose would appreciate the effort he had put into the headband. He was waiting for her by the waterfall. She told him to wait there as she helped clear away the breakfast dishes.
Martin was so lost in his thoughts he didn't hear Rose creep up behind him until she covered his eye from behind.
"Guess who?" her melodic voice seemed to ring in the morning air.
Martin spun around to see Rose smiling up at him. He felt a grin break across his own face as he stared down into her eyes. "Stand still a moment," he told her. Gently he placed the circlet of flowers on her head.
Martin didn't know how it was possible but Rose's smile seemed to grow even wider as the flowers came to rest on her headfur. At once she darted over to the waterfall pool to see her reflection.
"Oh Martin! That's lovely!" Rose spun around and hugged Martin tight. "Thank you!"
"It nothing much," he said modestly.
"It was sweet for you to take the time to make this just for me." Rose leaned in and gave Martin a quick kiss on the cheek. As Martin stood in shock from her peck Rose took his paw. "Come on I want to show you the entire valley."
She took him everywhere. She called out greetings to her friends as she passed them. Martin was introduced to so many new creatures he couldn't begin to remember all their names. The happy feeling that had come over him the previous day had remained and he didn't want to do anything to be shaken out of it.
For her part Rose was beaming. She had great fun in showing Martin where many of her first adventures had taken place before she had set off to find Brome. Finally after a tour of the orchards Rose looked up at Martin with her quiet smile.
"There's one other place I want to show you. Remember those willows we passed on the way here? Well there's a shortcut to them that only a few know about. It's one of the loveliest spots here because so few creatures go there. I'd love to show it to you."
Martin smiled down at her. "Lead on."
It may have been a shortcut, but it was still a fair hike up the northern bluffs of the valley. Still the forest was as welcoming as ever and the morning sun was warm on the two mice. Soon they arrived at the secret glade.
Rose led Martin to an old stump on the riverbank. Birds chirped their songs while the river skipped over the rocks lodged in the muddy bottom. Willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze that was blowing. The tips of the branches dipped in and out of the river causing a small cascade of droplets to catch the morning sun.
"Isn't this the most lovely place Martin? I'd sit here for hours when I was young just watching the river go by. Then the dragonflies would buzz around my head while I skipped rocks and…you're doing it again."
Martin blinked a few times before he looked up from his gaze. It was hard to look away from her. He had met Rose for breakfast that morning and been stunned at the sight. She had put on a flowing blue dress of light silk with short sleeves. It wasn't as fancy as her dress from the previous night, but it was still well made. The dress was modestly cut yet still did justice to Rose's petite frame. As Rose walked the dress swished and swayed like a playful breeze.
"I'm sorry, doing what?"
"Staring at me. You've been doing it all morning and have barely said a word."
"Well it's just…" Martin stumbled on his words.
Rose walked over to stand next to him. She had to admit that although a brown or forest green tunic was more his style the purple smock and red scarf around his neck made Martin look very handsome. "Go on Martin you can tell me. You've become such a good friend to me over the past days. You can tell me anything."
"I…I…I don't know." He took the few steps to stand on the riverbank and stared across the gently flowing waves.
Rose followed him and standing next to him took his paw in hers. "Please tell me, you've been so aloof all morning. I want to help you with whatever this problem is."
"I can't help but ponder the unfairness of it all," he finally admitted. "Here we are in Noonvale, peaceful and safe, yet we still don't know what's happened to Brome or Felldoh. We couldn't have been swept that far apart from each other, but for some reason they're not here."
"I worry about them too Martin. I set out to find my brother only to be separated from him again." She leaned her head on his shoulder and gave his paw a squeeze.
"I don't know how I know it, but I feel the need to leave Noonvale soon and return to Marshank"
Rose heard the steel in his young voice. "To reclaim your father's sword?"
"Not only that," Martin answered. "But more importantly to free the rest of the slaves. You have no idea of the living horror that is the life of a slave. We were beaten without mercy for pointless reasons, starved for stumbling over rocks the horde intentionally put in our way, or whipped simply because the guards felt like it."
"You're right Martin. I have never known pain such as that. My only wish is that once your task is complete you can find peace here in Noonvale."
Martin gave a relieved sigh and turned to face her. " Thank you for understanding Rose. This morning and yesterday have been so wonderful. Especially sharing it with one as lovely as you Rose."
Rose fluttered her eyelashes on hearing the compliment. "Why Martin, that's so sweet of you to say."
He took both of her paws in his before he went on. "I've never felt so happy since we came here Rose. I feel like Noonvale can be a place where I can truly belong somewhere. Especially with such good friends like Grumm, and Pallum, and you."
"Is that all I am to you Martin? A friend?" Rose gave him a hopeful smile.
Martin looked deep into her hazel eyes before he answered. "You're a friend to everybeast you meet, a guide to those who are lost, a comfort to those who are hurting, and the song of light to those in the darkness. I wouldn't know where to start to list all the things you are to all those around you. But to me you'll always just be Rose, simple and beautiful."
Rose felt her heart melt at Martin's words. For one of the few times in her life she found herself at a loss for words. "I…er….um…wow." She leaned forward and hugged the Warrior next to her tight. It took awhile before she found her voice again. "I'm honored you think so highly of me. No one has ever said something like that to me before." She felt his arms encircle her and couldn't help but think how right things were at that moment in that place with Martin.
They stayed locked in each other's embrace for a long moment before Martin spoke again. "Rose?"
She looked up at him. "Yes Martin?"
The nervousness was clear in his eyes and voice. "Would it be to forward of me to ask for a kiss?"
Martin felt his heart leap at the gorgeous smile she gave him. Took him long enough to ask, she thought. "Not at all my brave Warrior."
Martin closed his eyes and leaned down to kiss Rose. It was unlike anything she had experienced before. Her entire life she had been sought after by male mice that had only seen her for her position. It had created a longing in her heart for somebeast to see her for who she really was. A capable, intelligent, caring, mousemaid. Finally at last she knew she had found the one who did understand her like that. And he was right next to her, kissing her. She didn't know what to think at that moment, but she didn't care. All she did care about was the mouse who was kissing her.
At last they broke apart. Martin rested his forehead against Rose's but couldn't think of anything to say. Words were meaningless anyway in such a moment. Finally it was Rose who broke the silence. She took her head away from Martin's and looked at him
"I think it would be best if we returned to Noonvale now." Her words were kindly spoken and Martin knew the truth of it.
He smiled at her. "You wish is my command Laterose."
Her merry tinkling laugh echoed around the glade as she swatted his arm. "Laterose? I only use that name for formal occasions as you know only too well."
Paw in paw and laughing at jokes they told each other the two mice walked back to Noonvale under the warm summer morning sky.
When they got back they found Grumm hard at work on the old sycamore tree. "Hurr, look at oi, not 'ome twoday an' oi'm back at work!"
Martin and Rose both laughed at his comment. Then Martin jumped down and rolled up his sleeves to help. Rose soon joined him and together they started scooping earth out of the holes dug around the base of the tree. Rose provided the work crews with a light melody as she hummed to them as they toiled. The day grew hotter as the sun rose higher. Soon Martin noticed that several creatures were beginning to show signs of heat fatigue. He quickly called a halt to the work.
"Let's take a break everybeast!" he said. "Get some water and cool down a bit. We'll all feel much better for it, after that we can work on those roots."
Martin helped Rose out of the hole they had been working in and they both went over to the waterfall pool for a drink. He was surprised to see Rose slow down a bit as the approached the water. "What is it?" he asked.
"Them," Rose said as she pointed at Camilla and her two friends Joyce and Teerla near the pool. "You'd think they would have grown up by now, but they're still the same delicate maids they've always been."
"Don't worry about them Rose. Remember how you told me they hate getting dirty? I've got an idea that might help you out."
As Martin and Rose approached the pool Camilla called out to her. "Well if it isn't Laterose? You found the wrong mouse. You were supposed to find your brother, not some outsider who doesn't even know how to dance a simple reel."
Joyce and Teerla both had the same haughty tones as Camilla. "You'd better go off and get the job done right Laterose," Joyce said.
"Right, but don't worry you can leave Martin here with us," Teerla said. "I'm sure he'll find our company a lot more agreeable than yours."
At first Martin had been thinking about tossing the three maids in the mud at the base of the pool. But something in the tone of their voice struck a cord with him that reminded him of his days as a slave. He looked up at the three mice. "And what makes you think that?" he asked them.
"Well just look at us," Camilla said. "We don't go around getting nice dresses all dirty just for the sake of some great ugly tree. That's the work of male creatures. Why should we ever have to do any kind of work like that?"
An idea sprang into Martin's mind right then. Plastering a smile on his face just like he did with the Squidjees he spoke to the three maids again. "You know something, you three are absolutely right. You're too delicate to have to worry about things like digging. I'm sure you'd all much rather prefer to be clean as a whistle."
Joyce turned to Rose. "See Laterose? He does understand."
Rose whispered to Martin. "What are you doing?"
He only grinned his fake grin as he addressed the maids. "Come with me. I'll be sure you are the cleanest maids in Noonvale."
This seemed to please Camilla, Joyce, and Teerla to no end. They hopped down off the rock they had been sitting on and followed Martin. No matter how many times they asked him what he was up to he wouldn't give them a straight response. Rose followed them intensely curious as to see what he was up to.
Martin led them past the sycamore tree. Suddenly he stopped and turned to face the small party following him. "If you'll please excuse me for one moment. I just have to confer with Grumm and Gumbler about some of the roots we've been having trouble with. It won't take long."
Teerla fluttered her eyelashes at Martin. "Oh take all the time you need. We don't mind."
Martin jumped back down under the sycamore and was lost to view. After a short pause his voice called up from the hole he was in. "Oh Camilla! Joyce! Teerla! There's something I forgot to tell you! Could you please come here to the edge of this hole?"
The three maids leaned forwards excitedly. They peered in looking straight down into the blackness of the excavation. Suddenly a great shower of dirt, mud, sand, and bits of debris was shot up and out of the hole. The mess instantly covered the three maids, covering them in the debris from the bottom of the sycamore tree. They stood in absolute shock as the shower of earth abated only to get dirty, stinky, sweatrags flung at them from two of the other holes.
Martin climbed out of the hole with a hard look in his eye even though he was still grinning. The moles that had helped him out were likewise grinning too. "I promised you three you'd be the cleanest maids in Noonvale. Now you will be because you just volunteered for laundry detail. You say it's a male's job to dig, fine. Then it's a maid's job to clean up afterward and then cook the dinner. So hop to it! And if I ever hear of you three being petty to any other beast I'm sure I can find other jobs for three maidens like yourselves. Now get going!"
The three maids stood completely humiliated. All of Noonvale knew them as arrogant bullies that hardly did any useful work in the valley. Yet, most creatures were too good natured to call them out on it. Martin's words and deeds had been just what many of them had wanted to say, so they were more than happy to see the three prissy mousemaids get their comeuppance.
Seeing they would receive no sympathy or support from the rest of the Noonvalers, Camilla, Joyce, and Teerla accepted the fact that they would have to work on laundry duty for the rest of the day. They gathered up the pile of sweatrags and slunk off with their heads hung low.
Martin watched them go with a satisfied not. Rose came next to him and gave him a hug. "That was wonderful Martin. I really think you showed them something there."
"I think so too," he said as he returned her hug. "Now let's get back to work. I think I might have another idea that can get this tree toppled today."
A few hours later Martin's words proved to be true. With most of Noonvale watching the great dead sycamore tree finally crashed to the ground. An impromptu celebration started up at once. Martin and Rose found each other and after exchanging a quick kiss joined in the happy throng.
Urran Voh stood aside and watched. Maybe I was wrong about this Martin. The sycamore is finally fallen and this is the happiest I've ever seen Rose. He truly cares not just for her but for everybeast he meets.
Supper was taken picnic style by the fallen tree. Having cause for celebration the Noonvalers seized it with a will. It was then that Boldred dropped out of the sky like a thunderbolt with her news.
A/N; Congrats, you made it to the end (of this chapter that is). I do hope you've enjoyed it. I know I skipped over a lot of scenes in "Martin the Warrior" that most people would consider important. Polleekin's house for example. Well first off the book "Martin the Warrior" is in my opinion the best written book in the entire Redwall series. There are some scenes that I think are fine the way they are and don't need me going into more detail about them. Also that's Brian Jacques' tale. This one is mine. I may be following the same plot line, but I have more own story to tell. The scenes from the book I choose to use are the ones that I feel are best at helping me to tell my story. So that's why certain parts of the book are included and other's are not. If you'd like to know more about this send me a PM and I'd be more than happy to discuss it with you. And as always I look forward to your comments.