A/N; Well we all know what's coming in this chapter, so I'll be quick. I quoted heavily from "Martin the Warrior" and "Winter's Flowers" in this chapter.
7.
Fallen Petal
Rose watched Martin intently as Boldred related her news. The young mouse had gone from joyful and happy to intense and focused. Gone was the pleasant smile that had been on his face after felling the sycamore tree. Instead Rose saw the spark of determination be kindled into a fire in Martin's eyes. Her suspicions were proved correct when he jumped off the tree trunk.
"I must go now!" he shouted.
Boldred nodded. "The old squirrel Barkjon is a shrewd beast, he said that you would act thus, and here is his message to you. Tell Martin if he is coming to travel with all speed and bring plenty of help!"
Aryah looked at Boldred anxiously. "Did you see my son Brome? Did you speak to him?"
Boldred spread her wings wide. "There was no time, I had many things to do. The hare Ballaw assured me that Brome was lively as a grasshopper and fit as a flea. The badger Rowanoak confirmed this. She seemed like a wise and sensible creature. Badgers usually are."
Aryah climbed down from the sycamore and took Martin's paw. Fear was in her eyes and voice. "Bring my son back to me, please, Martin. I beg you."
Rose saw that Martin was at a loss for words. She leapt down to join Martin and her mother. "We will Mama, don't worry."
"Rose how can you go?" Urran Voh gazed sternly at his daughter. "Is it not enough that we have Brome caught up in a war far from home!"
Rose faced her father resolutely. "I must go. Martin and I are the only ones who would stand a chance of bringing Brome back to Noonvale."
"Hurr, you'm not leavin' us'ns yurr, mizzy!" Pallum and Grumm joined paws with Martin and Rose.
While little Bungo tried adding his help, Rose looked back at her father. The Patriarch however was not looking at her. Urran Voh and Martin were staring at each other in a silent contest of wills. Martin with unmistakable courage blazing from his eyes and Urran Voh with long seasons of experience behind his. Rose had seen that stare before from her father. It was the look he gave a beast when he wanted them to know exactly who was the Patriarch of the Tribe of Noonvale. It had never failed to remind a creature to whom their loyalty lied. However what surprised Rose was that her father broke eye contact first and looked down with a nod of his head.
Martin's voice then rang out loud and strong. "Is anybeast with us? You heard Boldred, we need plenty of help!"
The otter quartette, several moles and a few hedgehogs stood forward. Martin counted, sixteen in all including his three friends.
"I am sorry, Martin," Urran Voh said, his tone more kindly, "but we are not warriors, my creatures do not have and knowledge of battle. Many have families to care for. Those who have volunteered to go with you are few, but brave." Urran Voh then look to the volunteers and addressed his next words to them more than Martin, to charge them of their duty. "None of them have ever used a weapon, yet they are prepared to go and help you with their very lives."
Martin bowed to his small army and to Urran Voh. "I thank you with all of my heart."
Boldred came back up to Martin to begin planning. As the owl did so Aryah clasped her daughter's paw. "Come Rose, you and your friends will need to be resupplied. We have more than enough back at the cottage."
Along with her parents Rose made her way back to the small building. When they entered they found the packs where they had been left near the door. After brushing out the debris of travel the three mice began packing rations and supplies. They worked in silence, none of them really knowing what to say. They even avoided looking at each other for fear that one of the others would break down and begin weeping. Rose was trying to pack the supplies quickly, while her parents were moving slower. Rose knew they were trying to put off the moment of her departure as long as possible. In truth she was scared too.
Am I really doing this again? She thought to herself. Leaving Noonvale and home to journey after Brome? At least this time I know where he is. And Martin will be with me the whole time. He promised to not let anything happen to me.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother. "Rose dear, you can't go travelling over hill and dale in that dress. You'll ruin it. I washed your purple travel dress, it's in your room." Aryah still hadn't found the courage to look her daughter in the eye as she spoke. Wordlessly Rose nodded and left for her room.
Aryah turned to her husband. "I'm scared," she said.
Urran Voh pulled his wife to him and held her. "I know dear. So am I."
Soon Rose came out of her room in the clean purple dress. She and her parents had just finished putting together some food and drink in packs when Martin strode into the cottage. Rose took the small shrew sword from its peg behind the door and held it out to Martin.
"You gave this up freely, now I give it back to you."
The Warrior thrust the sword into his belt. "I'm ready." There was no doubting that now Martin the Warrior stood ready for battle at a moment's notice. His eyes were clear and bright, his grip hard as granite on the sword hilt poking through his belt. Martin then bowed formally to Urran Voh. "Thank you for your hospitality sir. You and your creatures were more than kind to me. If there is anything I can ever do in return, name it and it is yours."
Urran Voh looked at Martin and then to Rose. "Protect my daughter, find my son and bring them home."
Martin bowed again. "On my honor as a warrior I will do so sir." He then turned to Rose. "It's time to go."
Rose nodded. "I know, can you give me a moment to say goodbye though?"
"Of course." Martin put his own pack on his back before grabbing the other three and walking outside.
Aryah rushed forward to embrace Rose. "I know nothing I say will stop you from going, but all the same I don't want you to go. You're here, you're home, and you're safe. But promise me Rose, promise me you'll come back with that brother of yours."
Rose felt her mother's tears seeping onto her shoulder. "I promise Mama. We'll come back."
"I love you Rose," Aryah said with a sniff.
"I love you too."
Slowly Aryah let go and Urran Voh also stepped forward to embrace Rose. He held on as if he never wanted to let go. "I hope you're right about Martin. But I am glad he's made you so happy."
Rose held onto her father tightly too. "Thank you Papa."
Urran Voh let Rose go but still held onto her shoulders to look at her. "Remember you are of the ruling line of Noonvale. I charge you to help any who need help and…and…" Urran's voice choked off as he looked at his daughter. After taking a few deep breaths he looked at her again. "Be careful Rose, and come back to us. I love you."
"I love you too Papa," said Rose as she gave her father a final hug. When she let go she turned around and walked outside leaving her parents behind in the cottage.
Aryah finally broke down and fell to the floor weeping. Urran Voh kneeled down next to her and held her as his own tears slid down his face.
A few hours later they were all travelling swiftly on the Broadstream aboard the Waterlily. Rose saw Martin speaking to Boldred at the bow but was too busy helping getting settled to hear more than snippets of the conversation. When she could she joined Martin who was still peering over the bow.
"Calm down Martin. Like Boldred just said you can't make the Broadstream flow any faster."
The Warrior looked at the mousemaid who had joined him on the bow of the Waterlily. He wrapped an arm around her waist as he looked over the river. "I know Rose. It's just that with every moment that passes we could already be too late to help your brother."
Rose leaned her head on Martin's shoulder. "Don't worry Martin. Once all this is over we can return to Noonvale. We'll never have to leave and with you as our warrior with your father's sword there will never be anything to worry about again."
Martin closed his eyes and held Rose closer to him. "That sounds nice."
Together they watched as the flotilla grew. More and more creatures were seen running along the banks as the big otter drum boomed out over the river. It came to Martin as a shock to hear the next command Starwort shouted out.
"Bring 'er around mates! Make for the shore and set up the camp!" The Waterlily bumped to a stop on the banks of the Broadstream.
"Starwort what are you doing?" Martin was near livid. "We don't have time to stop! We need to keep going!"
Starwort was anything but used to another beast trying to give him orders on his ship. However he had been quite impressed with Martin so the otter talked reasonably to the mouse. "There's nothin' for it Martin. There's rocks ahead of us and I wouldn't risk me Lily tryin' to skirt them in the dark. Even ifin we did make it there's more craft not as sturdy as the Lily which would be smashed sure as the Broadstream flows to the sea. Also we've got to ferry the beasts on the far shore to this side so's we all are in one united front. I would'a thought a skilled warrior like you would'a seen that."
However Martin wasn't soothed. Grinding his teeth he leapt over the rail and stormed off into the surrounding woods. The otter crew watched as he swung his short sword at a bush before disappearing behind an oak tree.
Marigold looked to where she had last seen Rose. The otterwife was going to suggest to Rose to find Martin and try to calm him down. She needn't have worried. Rose was already over the side of the ship and making her way to where Martin had last been seen.
Frustrated beyond belief Martin hacked at any plant or bush in his path. He couldn't believe that the otters would stop like they had. Brome and Felldoh were in trouble and he wasn't drawing any nearer to them with the flotilla resting on the banks. A twig snapped behind him and Martin whirled around, ready for anything. It was Rose. Relaxing he tucked his sword back into his belt as the mousemaid approached him.
"There you are," she called out. "I thought you might have walked all the way to Marshank."
"This isn't the time to joke Rose. Not with the way Starwort is acting."
Rose put her paws on her hips and glared at Martin. "The way Starwort was acting? What about the way you were acting? You were rude!"
"He's the one that's stopping for the night when we need to get to the coast as quickly as possible!" Martin shouted back. "I'm the one trying to get to your brother and you're taking his side?"
"Yes I am," Rose responded coolly. "Because of the two of you, he's right."
"WHAT!?"
"You're going to start yelling at me now?" Rose folded her arms across her chest.
Martin paced back and forth as he pulled on his headfur in frustration. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Rose, yet he could think of nothing to say that wouldn't upset her.
"Martin for once would you please stop thinking so much with your heart and start thinking with your head?"
The question caused Martin to stop his pacing and look at Rose. "What do you mean by that?"
Rose took a deep breath and softened her face before she answered. "In the short time I've known you there has been much I've come to admire about you. However if there is one thing I would wish you, it would be that when the time for action comes you leave your feelings in your heart where they belong and don't let them cloud your mind."
It was a new concept for Martin. He had always used his emotions to fuel his actions. Always he had done what he thought was best, but then on further reflection realized that his outbursts had often caused more trouble than they had solved. With an effort he got his breathing under control and turned to face Rose.
"Where did a pretty young maid like you learn so much?" he asked as he extended her his paw.
She took it and smiled as he pulled her into his embrace. "You forget my father is the Patriarch of Noonvale. I've picked up a few things over the seasons."
They stood under the trees simply holding each other as the moon came cast its silver glow on the woods. They didn't need words to express their feelings at that moment. Then Rose began humming under her breath.
"That's a pretty tune," Martin commented.
"It's an old Noonvale blessing song. Would you like to hear it?"
"Nothing would please me more."
Rose broke free from Martin's hold and walked to where a sliver of moonlight was shining down through the trees. She closed her eyes as she began to sing.
"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be as darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh, how far you are from home
Mornië utúlië
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornië utúlië
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië
A promise lives within you now"
She opened her eyes to see Martin staring at her. She smiled before she walked over to where he stood. "Did you like it?"
"I don't think I could find the words for how lovely that was," Martin told her.
He leaned down to give her a kiss. Just before their lips met the deep drums of the otters sounded again jerking them away from each other in surprise.
"I guess that's our call to get back to the ship," Martin said.
"Hmmm," Rose suddenly found she couldn't keep her eyes open. As sleep came over her she felt Martin scoop her up and begin to walk back to the Waterlily.
The fleet of river craft grew the next day. After negotiating the rapids and waterfall at the end of the tributary all paws were put to paddling or setting canvas. The growing army fairly flew down the swift running water of the Broadstream. It was late morning when Martin, who had been standing in the bows of the Waterlily the whole time, called back to Starwort.
"We're near the coast! Bring us into shore where we can get all these boats in safely!"
Starwort skillfully piloted his small ship to a long stretch of sandy riverbank. As soon as Martin felt the keel scrape against the river bed he drew his sword and jumped over the side and into the shallows. "Which way to Marshank?" he called back to the otter.
The draught from Boldred's wings nearly knocked Martin over as the owl landed at his side. "Over that hill. Follow me!"
Rose saw Martin stop at the hilltop. She ran to catch up with him, Grumm and Pallum following close behind her. "Martin, wait for us!"
Martin didn't say a word. He was standing still looking out over the vast numbers that stood before him. Amballa's tribe of shrew warriors, jabbering crowds of Gawtrybe squirrels, the Warden of Marshwood Hill, and even more woodlanders all were assembling at the base of the hill. Each eye was focused on the young mouse holding a short sword at the top of the hill.
From the east they could smell the salty scent of the sea. A hush fell over those assembled, even the Gawtrybe had gone quiet. Martin had stopped looking at them. Instead his eyes were focused on the wall of Fortress Marshank not far away. Rose stared at Martin; it was as if she were looking at a strange creature. He was still as a rock, the blood rising behind his eyes as his paw whitened with the furious grip he had on his sword handle. The blade rose above his head and fell in a straight line, pointing at Badrang's hated fortress. The horde went silent, staring up at the Warrior mouse, waiting on the word which rolled form his lips like steel striking stone.
"Chaaaarge!!!"
They went in a rush like a giant tidal wave covering the land, but none was more fleet of paw than the mouse Martin. He was out in front, teeth bared, sword still pointing as he tore through dune and foothill. Rose was swept along in the midst of the howling horde with Pallum and Grumm. Now and then, through the forest of spears, lances, and swords, she could see him, a lone figure ahead of the rest. Her heart went out to him as she remembered her first sight of him, bound between two posts, left to die on Marshank's walls, and recalled the words he had shouted out into the stormy night. Now she heard those words as in a dream:
"I am a warrior! Martin son of Luke! I will live, I will not give in and die up here! Do you hear me, Badrang? I will live to take back my father's sword and slay you one day! Badraaaaaang!"
The army crashed into the back of Marshank and began to circle the fort. The woodlanders immediately began shooting arrows and sling stones up at the horde beasts atop the walls. However since there was no laid out battle plan the woodland army wasn't doing much other than yelling up at the Marshank defenders and shaking their weapons. Very few actually had bows or slings with which to engage the enemy.
Rose found Boldred and the Warden on a hillock out of weapons range. The sight of battle had shocked her and she didn't want to go nearer to the walls than she had to. When a hare and badger she had never met up found them she volunteered to go find Martin so they could re-group.
"Are you sure you that's wise Rose?" Boldred asked her. "Marin may not listen to you and it's very dangerous there by the gate."
"Don't worry about Rose," Pallum said. He and Grumm had just found their way to the hillock. "Grumm'n me'll look after her."
"And I know Martin will listen to me," Rose told the owl.
"Very well, be quick we don't want to lose any more creatures."
Together the three friends began making their way to the main gates of Marshank. They found Martin trying to hack through the gates with his sword. By chance he glanced over and Rose saw him look at her. He stopped hacking at the gates to deflect a spear but his voice had lost none of its edge.
"Rose, get out of here! It's too dangerous!"
She picked up the sharp pointed end of the spear boldly. "Not without you, Martin. Come with us, you are needed. Starwort, Gulba, you too. We need a proper battle plan, too many creatures are being killed needlessly. We won't get inside Marshank by charging and milling about willy-nilly. Come!" Rose grasped Martin's paw and began pulling him away from the gates.
The Warrior gave one more look at the gate before allowing himself to be led away by Rose. As he did he shouted commands. "Starwort, get the drums going. Tell everybeast to pull back to the cliffs and dunes out of sight of Marshank."
Soon they were out of weapons range. Martin stood his ground as the drums sounded out over the din of battle. Rose stood next to Martin as he watched the army fall back from the fort. Finally Martin was the last to turn his back and make his was to the camp now spreading out on top of the cliffs.
Rose turned to Martin. "We need to go find Brome."
"You go," he told her. "I need to meet with these Fur and Freedom Fighters and start coming up with a decent battle plan. I'll find you later."
Grumm trundled up and grabbed Rose's paw. "Coom on Miz Rozer. Maister Brome be's abouts 'ere somewhere's. Oi knows et."
Together they walked off to where the wounded creatures were being cared for. Rose had been told Brome was learning to become a healer. Many had been wounded in the battle. Brome was finishing a dressing on a wounded shrew when a voice from behind hailed him.
"You'm growed quoit a bit Zurr Brome. Oi be very glad to be a-seein' you'm agai' hurr."
Brome turned around and saw Grumm smiling at him. The young mouse ran to the mole and hugged him tight. "Grumm! You're here! I thought you had drowned in the sea after we were separated."
Grumm only chuckled. "Hurr hurr hurr, doen't be thinkin' such bad thoughts Zurr Brome. Oi bees fit az 'ee fiddler and roight as rain. Mizz Rozer and Zurr Marthen too."
"Rose and Martin are here?" For the first time since Felldoh's death hope shone in Brome's eyes. "Where are they?"
"Right behind you, you little rascal."
Brome turned to see Rose standing right behind him. With a yell of glee he launched himself at his sister and they hugged each other tight. Their moment of reunion didn't last long. Rose let Brome go and took a look around. "You can tell me all about what's happened later, but we've got work to do." She motioned to the scores of wounded creators. Together the two Noonvalers did all they could to treat the wounded.
They only stopped when two of Starwort's otter crew came over to relieve them so they could find some dinner. Brome led Rose to the main fire where the Rosehip Players were sitting with Martin and his captains. The Warrior greeted Brome fondly. "Brome! I can't begin to tell you how good it is to see you again. Rose and I were always thinking about you and Felldoh."
At the mention of the squirrel Brome turned crestfallen. "Martin, there's something I need to…"
But Martin cut him off. "I know about Felldoh Brome. Barkjon told me. We're going to have a small ceremony later. But right now we all need some food and time to think."
Brome found himself even more impressed with the strong Warrior. When Martin's gaze turned over his shoulder Brome found himself turning to see what had caused the Warrior to smile so wide. Rose had stopped to gather a few of the small clover flowers growing on the rough cliff top. She was braiding them into her headfur as she approached the fire. What really surprised Brome was when his sister made a beeline for Martin's side and he put an arm around her waist. He looked at his sister wonderingly, but she only gave him a 'we'll talk about this later look.'
Ballaw De Quincewold, as most hares are, wasn't so shy. He strolled up to where Martin and Rose were standing and making an excellent leg bowed to the pretty maid. "Good evening to you m'dear. Allow me to introduce myself. Ballaw De Quincewold at your service. Master actor, magician, and slayer of pies, flans, trifles and other such ghastly beasts, wot. To whom do I have the jolly pleasure of addressing?"
Rose only laughed her tinkling laugh at the hare actor. Brome spoke up before any other beast. "This is my sister Rose."
Rowanoak smiled and came over to where Martin, Rose, and Brome were standing. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last Rose. Brome here couldn't stop talking about you."
Rose shook the Rowanoak's proffered paw and smiled warmly at the badger. "A pleasure to meet you too Miss…"
"Rowanoak," Brome cut in again. He quickly began introducing his new friends with youthful enthusiasm. "Her name's Rowanoak. And this is Buckler, Trefoil, Gauchee, and Kastern. They were once called the Rambling Rosehip Players, but after Felldoh and I washed up on the beaches they took us in. We rescued the slaves from Marshank and now we're called the Fur and Freedom Fighters. But I'm just the healer…"
"Steady on there m'boy." Ballaw cut in. "First rule of showmanship is breath control. Breathe in, breathe out, you'll turn bally blue in the face if you keep on like that."
"I don't know about blue Ballaw. Red more like it," Gauchee joked from the other side of the fire ring. Laughter erupted around the circle. Brome told Martin, Rose, Grumm, and Pallum, who had joined the group around the fire, of the adventures he had faced since they had been separated at sea. Rose did the same as the stars came out over the northern sky.
Soon the camp grew quiet as the last of the fighters were fed. Martin gave the order to douse all fires so the Marshank horde wouldn't be able to find the encampment if they sent out a scouting party. Martin sat awake with Rose as the camp lay in slumber. The mousemaid stared up at the stars which twinkled with pale fires in the midnight heavens.
"Strange isn't it, Martin, the same stars that shine on this terrible place with all its death and war, those same stars are shining over Noonvale, where all is at peace and war has never been. What are you thinking of Warrior?"
Martin smiled, nodding at the sight of Grumm, his small fat stomach rising and falling gently. "I wasn't thinking of anything, Rose, I was just watching Grumm, flat out and snoozing with his ladle clutched in both paws."
The mousemaid relieved the sleeping mole of his ladle, placing it close to his side where he would find it on waking. "He's the most friendly and loyal mole anybeast could wish to know. Grumm has always looked out for me, ever since I was a tiny mousebabe in Noonvale. When we go back there you'll make lot of friends among out moles – you're a hero to them."
"Me, a hero? What for?" Martin laughed softly.
"For bringing down that great dead sycamore. They've been at it for seasons, on and off, without much success. Then you came along and in a single day it was uprooted and fallen."
The young mouse passed her a cloak Trung had given him. "You look tired, Rose. Better get some rest. Go on. I'm not sleepy, I'll sit here close by."
Rose draped the cloak lightly about her, and she was soon asleep. I hope Martin will hold me like this forever, was the last thought that went through her head before sleep claimed her.
Rose woke up early the next morning. Martin still sat next to her, his arm still around her shoulders. He looks so peaceful, she thought. I'll let him get some more rest. Slowly she got up and put the cloak she had been wearing over Martin's sleeping form. Bending down she gave Martin a kiss on his forehead. "I'll see you soon," she whispered.
Grumm had also woken up early and was organizing the platoon of moles he would lead to dig under the Marshank wall. "Good mornin' to 'ee Miz Rozer. Where be Zurr Marthen?" he asked as he handed Rose a bowl of breakfast soup.
"He's still asleep. When are we going to move out?"
"As soon as oi gets 'ee wurd from Zurr Ballaw. You'm and Pallum be slingin''ee stones at 'ee badbeast whoil moi molers dig 'ee tunnel."
Rose unwound her sling from around her waist and rechecked it. "Of course Grumm."
Soon the entire camp was awake and buzzing with activity in the pre-dawn light. Whispered orders were heard as creatures began assembling. Rose tried to look out over the crowd to catch sight of Martin, but the cart he was helping to load with dry grasses was obstructed by the press of hundreds of bodies.
"What is it Rose?" Pallum saw her looking.
"I was looking for Martin," she told the hedgehog.
Pallum gave her a friendly pat on the back. "Don't worry Rose. You'll find him once this whole thing gets sorted out. I don't think this battle will last all that long."
Rose still had a worried expression on her face. "I hope so."
"Come on, we need to go."
She took one last look over the crowds, but still didn't catch sight of Martin. Slowly Rose turned to follow Pallum to where the group of moles had assembled.
Silently the Fur and Freedom Fighters encircled Marshank. They were all waiting for the cart to crash into the gates, signaling the start of the attack. They did not have long to wait. As the sun rose over the Eastern Sea the cart was lit on fire and sent on its last trip. Fire blossomed over the front walls of Marshank as the cart hit home. It was the signal the entire corps had been waiting for. With a deafening roar they broke cover and attacked the stunned vermin. Nets were thrown over the walls, arrows and sling stones hissed upwards, and a group of moles began digging.
The three sided attack caught the Marshank defenders completely by surprise. Creatures were pouring over the walls and fighting savagely. Vermin fought back desperately but there was no way they could hold back the tide. Inside the fortress one vermin felt the chill of utter defeat more than any other.
Badrang abandoned his soldiers to their fates and began looking desperately for any means of escape. Everywhere he looked his forces were being pushed back. Then he saw the mouse. Suddenly the Tyrant's blood chilled, his mouth went dry from fright. There illuminated in the light from the burning gates stood a warrior on the battlements. Badrang recalled him in a flash. This was the one called Martin, the young mouse who had defied his authority, the one he had tied over the gate and imprisoned in the pit. The mouse warrior fought like ten beasts. Reckless of caution, he was everywhere at once, teeth bared, eyes glittering as he threw himself into the fray. Hugging the wallshadows, Badrang whimpered and ran for his life, before he was seen and identified by the fearless avenger.
"Badraaaaaang, I am here!"
Martin's shout cut clearly through the din of battle. His challenge put fresh heart into the Fur and Freedom Fighters and fear into the remaining Marshank hordebeasts. Grumm's moles had succeeded in digging under the walls and reinforcements poured into Marshank. There was only one thing standing in their way. Badrang the Tyrant.
The stoat was cutting down everybeast in his path in his cowardly attempt to get to the tunnel and escape. Grumm had emerged from the tunnel and swung his ladle at Badrang. The Tyrant easily deflected the blow and sent the ladle crashing into Grumm's head, knocking the mole out.
Rose leapt out of the tunnel and threw herself on him. She grasped Badrang's back and swung her sling in his face. Once, twice, thrice she struck. She was swinging her arm down for a fourth strike when she felt Badrang grab her by the back of her dress. Rose heard Badrang snarl before she felt herself being thrown hard at the nearby wall.
She didn't even have time to scream. Rose's head struck the wall heavily, and she slid down like a broken doll.