10.
Darkest Before the Dawn
The night was peaceful and warm as two figures made their way to a small clearing deep in the woods. It was a special spot for the two of them. The ripple of water running over rocks from the nearby river and a gentle breeze blowing through the willow trees were the only sounds. They both sank down to the soft grass and moss near the riverbank. As one of the couple sat down the other one laid on his back resting his head in her lap. Absentmindedly she gently stroked his headfur as they both stared up into the star strewn sky.
"Look! It's a shooting star!" he exclaimed as he pointed up.
"No it's not silly. It's just a lightning bug," she said giving his ear a playful pinch.
"I guess you're right," he said.
"Get used to it," she said with just a hint of smugness. "I usually am."
"Says who?" he asked as he looked up into her kind hazel eyes.
"Says me," she replied daring him to challenge her as she stared back into his grey eyes.
He couldn't think of anything to say in response. Instead he just enjoyed the sight of her beautiful face framed by the night sky. She noticed him staring right away.
"What is it?" she asked with a smile on her face.
Instead of answering her, he just pulled her down and kissed her. After several long and blissful moments they broke apart both grinning ear to ear at each other. He reached up and stroked her cheek with the back of his paw.
"There's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time now," he told her. "I lo-"
"Rose! Time to get up!"
Rose's eyes snapped open at the shout. She shut them right away when she realized that her dream had been interrupted and she was laying beneath the blankets in her bed in Noonvale. With a groan she rolled over and threw her pillow over her head. Why did he have to wake me up right then? she groaned to herself.
"Come on Rosie! You need to get up." Brome's voice came from the other side of her door as he knocked on it this time.
"Go 'way!" Rose said in a sleepy voice. "'M tired!"
She heard her door open and Brome's voice. "Rose?" he said in a singsong voice. "No more sleepy time. It's wakey time."
In response Rose just reached down to where one of her spare pillows had fallen off her bed. Grabbing the pillow she hurled it in the general direction of Brome's voice. To her disappointment she heard it thump into the wall across her room rather than into her brother's face as she had been hoping for.
"Go away," she said again, her voice muffled from under the pillow. "I was having a good dream."
"Yeah? And what was so good about it?" Brome said as he swept the blanket off his sister.
The blast of cool air proved to be the shock that fully woke Rose up. She curled up as she rolled over and grabbed the pillow off of her head. Opening her eyes for the first time she swatted her brother in the leg with the pillow. "None of your business dear brother. Besides if you tell a dream it won't come true," she said as she reached back to hit Brome with the pillow again.
"You were dreaming about Martin again, weren't you?" Brome said with a sly look to his eye as he caught the pillow Rose was trying to hit him with.
Rose didn't say anything although she knew her blushing face had given her away. Instead she tried to focus on reclaiming her pillow from her brother.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," he told her.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Rose insisted as she gave her pillow one more tug.
Brome let go of the pillow as Rose tugged causing the pillow to fly back and smack Rose square in the face. Grinning at his sister's irritated expression he turned to leave her room. "If you say so. Breakfast is ready and then I'll help you to Council Lodge for your exercises today."
Rose watched him go and shut the door behind him. "Ugh!" she sighed as she flopped back down onto her mattress. While she was more than grateful for her brother's help in her recovery she was growing bored with the regimen. Just until the next full moon, then this will all be over, she thought.
Under Brome's care she had regained most of her mobility. Summer had come and gone twice since the Summer of the Warrior. During that time Noonvale had played host to more visitors than ever before. The feasts held in Council Lodge to commemorate the victory over Marshank had become legendary in the northlands for the good food and friendship that gathered in Noonvale. However no matter the amount of cheer that spread through the valley during those feasts, Rose couldn't help but ache inside. Every time the stories were told she felt her heart tremble because she knew that Martin thought her dead. She wished that somebeast knew where he had gone. One thing her experiences with Martin had taught her was that the lands outside Noonvale were a big place and it was very easy to disappear.
Now as winter was fast approaching she was waiting for the return of the Rambling Rosehip Players. The troupe had taken to the road again and was traveling across the land for audiences to play for. However the players always returned to Noonvale for the winter when deep drifts made travel hard at best. She was hoping that somewhere in their travels they had heard of Martin or his whereabouts.
After breakfast Rose took up the walking stick she now used to get around with. Her legs had recovered much of their old strength, however if she pushed herself to hard she would still find herself losing her stamina quickly. The walking stick mainly served as a reminder to her to use caution. She walked to Council Lodge and into her Recovery Room to begin her morning exercises with Brome.
These now consisted mainly of walking back and forth across the room holding onto a pair of metal weights. Each time she walked across the room Brome had her try to walk faster without breaking into a jog or a run. While it was very effective for re-building her leg strength, Rose found it increasingly more and more boring. However with the weather turning colder she and Brome didn't have a choice and had to remain indoors. The two mice finished their session and walked into the main room of Council Lodge. Usually the Lodge was bustling with activity as the kitchens were busy preparing the noontide meal. Today however it was different.
There seemed to be fewer helpers walking about the kitchen. Those that were making their way through the tables all had tired and worried looks to their faces.
Brome went up to where his mother was helping to organize the scene. "Mother is there something wrong?"
"We're just a little short-pawed today Brome, that's all," she said.
Rose came up to stand next to her brother. "It looks like you're more than a little short-pawed. There's less than half the number of kitchen helpers here today. What's going on? And where's Papa? He's usually here at Council Lodge by now."
Aryah could see there wouldn't be any fooling the two. She cast a worried look over her shoulder before beckoning Rose and Brome back to the Recovery Room so they could talk in private. When the door was closed behind them Aryah gave them the bad news.
"Your father came down with a fever this morning. Sadly so did many other creatures. It came on quickly and I don't know how long it will take for a beast to recover. I'm afraid we'll have a plague on our paws if many more creatures fall ill."
"What can we do?" Brome said.
Rose looked at her brother. She could see that the thought of a plague in Noonvale scared him, but he was trying hard not to let it show. Rather he had a look of determination in his eyes and a note of confidence in his voice. It was very encouraging to hear him speak that way.
"I think it would be best if we address all of Noonvale tonight at supper." Aryah told him. "They have to know what we could be facing."
"It would also be a good idea to ask them to start gathering healing herbs and medicines," Brome suggested.
Aryah nodded her head. "That's a good idea Brome."
"Let's hope that these fevers aren't all that serious," Rose said.
"Yes Rose," Aryah said. "Let's hope."
By the time winter arrived in Noonvale the fever had spread throughout the valley and beyond. Regardless of all the precautions the Noonvalers had taken it still spread. As the snows fell that winter the last of the healing herbs were expended and due to the cold new herbs would be impossible to grow again until the spring thaw. Creatures healthy one day were shaking from fever the next. If their fever did break it was days before they were strong enough to get out of bed and help their fellows. If their fever broke that is. Sadly many new graves had been dug in Noonvale for those who hadn't been able to fight off the effects of the illness.
Throughout it all Brome and Rose did their best to lead the Noonvalers. Brome had learned much of the healer's arts while tending to Rose's recovery. Still the sheer number of those who were sick was enough to tax him and those who had the strength to help aid their fellows. More often than not the only thing that could be done was to hold a damp cloth over a creature's brow in hopes it would help the fever to break.
Rose looked up from where she was bathing the brow of a young mousebabe. The tiny creature was shivering under its blankets from the fever that racked its young body. "There has to be something more we can do," she said to Brome as he was passing her.
Council Lodge had become an impromptu infirmary and it was filled with patients. "There's only one thing I know of that can help," he said. "The Flowers of Icetor."
Despite being bone weary Rose managed a laugh. "I thought both you and Mama said they were a just an old tale?"
Brome nodded. "We did, but I did a little more research. It seems that they're not just a tale, they really do exist. If only we knew where to find them because according to what I've read they don't grow around here."
"It's the middle of winter. Nothing grows around here," Rose said.
"But the flowers grow and blossom in the depths of winter," a new voice said from the entrance to Council Lodge.
Brome, Rose and everybeast that was able to, turned to see who had spoken. It was a short-eared owl that Rose recognized at once. "Emalet!" she cried as she rushed to the owl. Rose now had full use of her legs once again and was able to walk and run just as she had before the Battle of Marshank.
"Rose, it's good to see you again," Emalet said as she returned the hug Rose was giving her.
"You are most welcome to Noonvale Emalet," Brome said as he came up and bowed to the newcomer. "That is what welcome we can offer under present circumstances."
"Thank you Brome," said the owl as she let go of Rose. "Perhaps there is somewhere we can talk in private with your father?"
"You are welcome to our cottage of course, but I'm not sure if father will be able to talk much. He was one of the first to fall ill and still hasn't made much of a recovery even after his fever broke."
Rose and Brome led Emalet out of the crowded Council Lodge along the snow covered path to their cottage. They entered to find Urran Voh sitting in his arm chair resting neat the fire. Aryah was tending to her husband by offering him some broth. They were both quite surprised to see the young owl in Noonvale.
"Emalet! To what do we owe the pleasure of your company in these troubled times? Where are your parents?" Aryah asked.
"Both my mother and father were taken by this sickness as well. I did all I could for them, but…" her voice trailed off and she hung her head.
"Oh I'm so sorry," Rose said as she put an arm around the owl.
"Thank you Rose," said Emalet as she tried to recompose herself. "After they passed I started looking through their maps and charts for anything that might help. I found one map leading to some mountains to the south east of here that had the words 'healing flowers' written on it. I have it with me as you here in Noonvale know much more about healing than I do. I hope it will help."
She reached into the small pouch slung across her shoulder and pulled forth the map she was talking about. Brome rolled it out onto the table and began to look at it. Rose peered at the map as well. As Brome looked over the mountains with the inscription Emalet had spoken about, Rose looked further to the south on the map. At the very bottom of the page a path led off the parchment with the words 'To Mossflower' with an arrow pointing down the path next to it.
"Where is this?" Rose asked pointing to the path.
Emalet looked at where Rose was pointing. "Mossflower? It's a forest far to the south of here. It's said to be ruled by a Wildcat King. Why do you ask?"
Rose stood from where she had been leaning over the map. "No reason, I was just curious." A wildcat? There's no chance Martin would go that way. Not even he could stand up to an enemy like that.
"What did you mean that the Flowers of Icetor grow in winter?" Brome asked.
"According to the notes my mother made when she made this map, the Flowers of Icetor only grows in the very high reaches of these mountains. The top crags are said to be so high that snow stays atop their peaks during every season."
"Brome we have to get those flowers," Aryah told her son. "If we don't there's no telling how bad this plague will last or how many more creatures will fall ill or worse."
"I agree mother," Brome nodded as he looked up from the map. "The trouble is that we don't have anybeast to spare to journey to these mountains. Most of the creatures here in Noonvale are still sick and those who aren't are needed elsewhere."
"I'll go," Rose said.
At this Urran Voh sat up. "No Rose, you cannot. You are needed here with your brother. And you've only just recovered full use of your legs," he said with a cough.
"I'm plenty strong enough father," Rose said.
"I'm sorry Rose but in this I agree with father," Brome told her. "I need you here to assist me."
"Besides by the time you were to travel to these mountains and return it might be too late for many of those here in Noonvale and the surrounding woodlands," Emalet told her. "I came to Noonvale not just to tell you where these Flowers could be found be to offer my assistance in retrieving them for you. I've studied these charts extensively and could fly there and back much quicker than you could walk there."
Hope shone for the first time since the fever's outbreak in the hearts Rose and her family. Finally they had a way to help the creatures of Noonvale. "We would be in your debt if you would do this for us," Brome told the owl.
"Think nothing of it. I only request a warm room to sleep in tonight and provisions for the journey so I can depart on the morrow."
"Of course, of course," said Aryah as she rushed to embrace Emalet to show her thanks. The mousewife released the owl and looked at Rose. "You don't mind sharing your room with Emalet tonight, do you Rose?"
"Not at all. You'll be more than welcome," Rose replied.
After dinner that night, which was meager by the usual standards of Noonvale fare, Rose and Emalet retired to their beds. The next morning Emalet woke early and left Noonvale at first light. A small crowd of Noonvalers watched her depart having all wished the owl well. Once the owl was lost to sight over the trees the crowd dispersed to their tasks. Brome and Rose were the last ones to watch after Emalet.
"I hope she returns quickly," Brome said to his sister.
"So do I," Rose said.
Brome turned to go back inside Council Lodge. He left Rose outside with her thoughts. South, maybe she'll hear something about Martin. Since the Rosehip Players still haven't returned she's my only hope of finding out about him. But after all this time would Martin even still want me? How could he want to be with a barren maid? Did he love me the way I love him? I was the only maid he ever knew. Was it love or just because I was the first maid he ever really knew?
Rose shook her head to clear it of her depressing thoughts. There were still sick creatures in Noonvale and she knew her duty to them. Taking one last look to the south she then turned around and walked back inside Council Lodge.
Brome had better have a good reason for calling this meeting so soon after Papa's funeral Rose thought to herself as she joined the crowds entering Council Lodge. As she passed a tree something caught her eye. It was just some green moss growing on the southern side of the tree, but more curious was the pale flowers that were somehow growing from the tree despite the drought Noonvale was facing.
Moss and flowers on the south side of a tree, that's odd Rose thought. That's the third time I've seen that since the summer has begun.
Ten seasons had passed since the plague had ravaged the peaceful valley. After Emalet had returned with the Flowers of Icetor many of the creatures had made full recoveries. The owl had also brought the somber news that she had heard the Rambling Rosehip Players had been lost to the plague. Urran Voh though had remained quite weak ever since the fever struck him. As the seasons passed he had begun passing more and more of his responsibilities onto Brome who took up the mantle of leadership quite well.
Now new threats faced Noonvale. For several seasons creatures had been fleeing to Noonvale carrying with them tales of vermin horde. The horde was led by a black fox called Rassk the Mask. It was said this Rassk was a master of the sword and led vermin so skilled in battle they had never been defeated. Then the spring rains hadn't come and summer had started just as dry. The heat and lack of rain was choking off the streams the fed the orchards and fields of Noonvale. With so many creatures now seeking refuge in Noonvale the resources of the valley were starting to be quite heavily taxed.
The signs she had seen on the trees nagged at Rose as she found a spot in the back of the crowd near the wall. She listened as her brother stood and began speaking.
"Friends! You all know of the threat of Rassk the Mask and his Silent Slavers. Many of you came here seeking shelter simply due to the rumor of him. Even though his numbers are small, the battle skill of his band is more than anything we could ever hope to match." Several otters and squirrels murmured angrily at that statement. Before they could grow out of control Brome reasserted himself.
"I know there are many stout hearts amongst those gathered here, but if even half the stories are true we would fall like chaff before the wind no matter how brave our hearts may be. We are creatures of peace and know not of the business of war."
"What of the old Fur and Freedom Fighters and those who threw down Badrang? Surely such a force could be raised again," called out a voice.
"Aye!" called another. "Sound the call to arms!" Shouts of approval grew in the hall. It took a long time for Brome to quiet the assembled down so he could speak again.
"My friends, I dearly wish we could call on that noble regiment again. But as those of you who have been here long know the Fur and Freedom Fighters can never be called again. For those of you who are new to Noonvale there are two reasons.
"The first is that sadly, the Rambling Rosehip Players, who formed the core of the Fighters, all passed on to Dark Forest seasons ago during the plague that swept our valley." Many of the older residents shed a tear at the sad memory. Brome went on.
"The second and greater reason is that the true force of the Fighters was not realized until the final battle at Marshank. There was only one who was truly united that force into the army that was able to pull down the Tyrant, Martin the Warrior."
A hush went through the crowd. All assembled had grown up hearing of the legendary mouse. He who had fought to reclaim his father's sword and left in grief sworn never to return. Still a shiver of awe went up the spines of all creatures in Council Lodge that day at mention of the heroic mouse.
In the back Rose put a paw to her mouth. She hadn't believed it would be possible, in fact it was the last thing she had expected, but she knew what her brother was going to do. He was going to call on someone to seek out the Warrior. She began racking her mind for a way to help as her brother went on.
"Sadly," Brome continued, "we don't know where Martin has gone. We only know he journeyed south, alone." He then turned to Emalet. "Emalet, daughter of Boldred the Mapmaker, did your mother ever seek after Martin?"
"No," said the owl. "My mother honored Martin's request. She never followed him. His location is as lost to me as it is to you."
It was then that the signs she had been seeing came together for Rose. Her mid flashed back to the map Emalet had followed to find the Icetor Flowers and the place to the south off the edge of the parchment.
"South to Mossflower." All eyes turned to face her at the sound of her voice which while not loud was clearly heard by all.
Emalet turned to her well. "Mossflower is ruled by wildcats. Not even one so brave as Martin would be fool enough to challenge their strength."
Rose however would not be dissuaded even though she herself didn't know how she knew that Martin was in Mossflower. "He is in Mossflower," she said firmly. Then a sudden spark of inspiration gripped her and she took off the headband she had been wearing. "When you see him give him this." Rose gave Emalet the token and walked out of the crowded Council Lodge.
Emalet's eyes were wide with shock at what had just happened, but she recovered herself swiftly. "Seems I'm off on a journey to the southlands. I will return as swiftly as I am able."
Rose ran back to her room as quickly as she could. She opened her closet and reached into the back. Her paw quickly found what she was seeking. It was a short sword, only slightly longer than a dagger to her paw. Rose looked over the simple blade. It was the only thing she had of Martin's and it was very special to her. Excitement came flooding through Rose as she tucked the sword into her sash. Somehow, someway she knew that this time Martin would return to Noonvale.
Despite the heat and feelings of gloom that had pervaded Noonvale lately, Rose found her heart light as she stepped back outside. It was then that she remembered a song she had once sang as a tiny mousebabe on evening in Council Lodge. Looking up she saw Emalet begin her journey south. Rose began singing hoping the owl would take her song with her.
"Can you feel the river run?
Waves are dancing to the sun.
Take the tide and face the sea,
And find a way to follow me.
"Leave the field and leave the fire,
And find the flame of your desire.
Set your heart on this far shore,
And sing your dreams to me once more.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghile mear
"Now the time has come to leave,
Keep the flame and still believe.
Know that love will shine through darkness,
One bright star to light the way.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghile mear
"Lift your voice and raise the sail,
Know that love will never fail.
Know that I will sing to you,
Each night as I dream of you.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghile mear
"Gile mear, the wind and sun,
The sleep is over, dream is done.
To the west where fire sets,
To the gile mear, the day begun.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghile mear."
Days later Rose again found herself inside Council Lodge. Regardless of how many creatures she told of her certainty of Martin's return most seemed to doubt her. She was wondering what she could do to convince everybeast in the valley as Brome was again speaking.
"My friends, you all know of the peril facing us. We know we cannot defeat this slaver and his vermin. We are creatures of peace, not trained warriors. But we can stand as ready as possible in order to prevent us from becoming additions to the line of slaves this masked fox seeks. According to latest reports the slavers are still half a season's march from our valley. This gives us time.
"Never before has Noonvale played guest to so many fine creatures. Therefore I ask your help in these dark times. I ask you to help build a larger shelter house next to the waterfall cliff. We will use the rock face and the timber of the forest to create a place where we can all take refuge should the time come."
A cheer of approval met his words. The creatures of Noonvale all thought working on such a project was a lot better than sitting around twiddling their paws waiting for Rassk to appear. With this plan they might stand a chance. Filled with confidence at the enthusiastic greeting of his plan, Brome went on.
"You all know of our plea to Emalet to find Martin the Warrior. But it has been many days since the owl left us. I knew Martin personally and I can say for a fact he would want us to prepare ourselves as best as we are able. This we will do and try to hold our valley should he never come."
"Martin will come." Rose said in a clear voice. Once again she found that every eye had turned to face her. Just tell them as confidently as you can, Rose thought to herself "Martin will come," she repeated.
With that she left the assembly and the stunned silence she had left in her wake. I've told them all I can. I know Brome could use my help for this refuge idea of his, but some creature needs to watch for Martin and by the seasons that creature is going to be me!
Rose went back to her room and gathered a few things, then set out of the bluffs at the southern end of the valley. She sat down next to a rock outcrop that offered protection from the weather and began her vigil. She put the hood of her cloak up to shade her eyes from the sweltering sunlight pouring through the dried trees. It wasn't long until she heard a creature coming up from the valley behind her. She wasn't surprised to see that it was Brome.
"Good afternoon," he said to her.
Normally Rose would have answered back to her brother, but she was intent on her vigil to reply
Brome though needed somebeast to talk to. When Rose looked up at him again she could plainly see the worry in his eyes. "You say you know Martin will come, you sent Emalet to Mossflower when we know that it is ruled by an evil even more powerful than the threat we face now. How can you be so sure of your claim?" There was an edge of panic in Brome's voice.
Rose gave him a look that told Brome that the belief of Martin's return was nothing he could ever doubt.
Brome fell to the ground sobbing he poured his heart out to the one next to him. "Sniff…I just wish I had your courage and resolve. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing keeping us all here in Noonvale. The crops are starting to die, there are more mouths to feed than we have available foodstuffs, and this slaver comes closer with each passing day." Hot tears burned the eyes of the mouse.
Talk to him Rose. He needs you right now she thought to herself. Reaching across she put a comforting paw on her brother's shoulder "Aryah is right Brome. You are the right mouse to lead us during this time. You may not be one to wield a weapon and drive out evil, but you have a different courage. Not many creatures could unite so many to stay and face the dread now facing us. Most others would turn and run as soon as possible. But where would we go? Most of us know nothing of the land beyond Noonvale. The hardships of travel would be too much for so many. Here, you are right, we still have a chance.
"You ask how I know Martin is coming, I wish I knew myself. I don't know how I know it, but he is in Mossflower and he will come. I don't know how long it will take him to reach us, or if he will get here in time, but Martin will return to Noonvale."
Brome felt his confidence return at the words of the Vigil Keeper. Wiping his eyes he got to his footpaws. He brushed off the dirt covering his robes. "Thank you my friend. Can I count on your help to build the refuge?"
Rose turned again to gaze into the woods. "I'm sorry no. I must remain here. Please allow none to join me. I prefer my own company at this time. I give you my word that if needs be I will come back down into the valley and do my part to assist. Until such a time comes, my only advice is to follow your heart and prepare as best you can. You were right when you said Martin would want us to make defensive preparations to the best of our ability. I know that as well as you."
Brome bowed to her before he departed. Rose watched him go for a little before she resumed her watch on the woods. She sat alone with her thoughts in the woods.
Martin is coming back I just know it. But what will that mean? He could have found another maid by now. He could be wed and have young ones of his own. Is it wrong of me to hope he's never looked at any other maid but me? Does he even still remember me after all this time? What if he comes back and asks me to marry him? Marry him? He's not even here! You only knew him for two and a half weeks at best and you're thinking of if he'll marry you? But how can I tell him about my condition? His family has always been warriors. How will he react when I tell him I was too ashamed to look for him after I recovered?
Rose shook her head to clear it of such negative thoughts. Martin is coming back. Then a new thought came to her mind that caused her to grin. I hope he kisses me like how he did before and how I've always dreamed he would.
The following weeks were long ones for Rose. True to her word she kept her vigil in the southern woods. She only came to Noonvale in the morning for food and drink for the day which she would take back to her small campsite. Even still she watched the progress of the Refuge and couldn't help but be impressed with the way Brome was organizing the construction. She even heard that the Noonvalers had taken to calling her the 'Vigil Keeper' one morning. She smiled at the young mouse who had told her of her new title as she walked back to the southern bluffs.
With each passing day her worries and excitement became greater and greater. She was also frightened about the tales of Rassk that she had heard. She clearly remembered how Martin had once described what it had been like to be a slave and the thought of spending the rest of her life in chains worried her just as it did everybeast in Noonvale. Yet she also knew that everyday meant that Martin must somehow be closer to returning. She went to sleep every night hoping she would wake up to him smiling down at her, carrying his father's sword then sweeping her into his arms. She spent every day wondering when she would see the Warrior Mouse proudly marching through the trees to once more defend the freedom of the peaceful woodlanders of the Northlands.
Mid-summer approached and the drought still hadn't broken. The trees and shrubs of the Northern forests were turning brown for lack of water. As the sun set one evening Rose suddenly thought she heard a rumble. Looking to the north she thought she saw the shadows of thunderclouds rolling in. Watching and listening carefully she was rewarded with the sight of the storm clouds beginning to gather just as the sun set. Then a new noise reached Rose's ears and it wasn't thunder.
Wham! Boom! Wham! Boom! Wham! Boom! Wham! Boom!
It was the early warning alarms that Brome had told her about. The Silent Slavers had been spotted. Dread filled her. She knew it wouldn't take long for the creatures of Noonvale to reach the Refuge. She found herself torn.
Stay here and continue to wait for Martin or go help Brome? Rose took one more look through the forest before she made up her mind. I promised Brome I'd help him.
She kicked dirt on the campfire she had lit leaving only glowing coals behind. Turning north she began running for Noonvale to help her brother. She reached the bluff tops just as the storm clouds she had seen were settling over the valley.
It made for a very chilling sight as lightning began to crack through the night. As each bolt lit the sky she saw the line of Silent Slavers draw ever closer to the Refuge. Rose pounded down the slope towards the Refuge. She arrived just before the slavers did.
"Take your vermin and leave here slaver!" she shouted at them. Rose found herself trembling as she saw the black fox cock his head at her and signal two of his vermin to attack.
Though she had never wielded a sword in her life Rose pulled out the short sword that had once belonged to Martin and deflected the spears thrust at her. She saw her opening and flashed the small blade to the left and right. The suddenness of her attack surprised the two rats and they fell slain by her small sword.
That was pure luck! Rose thought. Then she didn't have time for any thoughts but fear. Rassk the Mask drew his sword with a flourish and attacked himself. Rose saw the slice coming in from the right and barely was able to deflect the blow with her own sword. It was followed up closely by an overhead chop and a thrust towards her left side. Rose felt herself being forced backwards as she tried to defend herself. The before she knew it the small sword was sent flying from her paw. Rassk hadn't even seemed to move his blade. Rose followed the path of the blade and in so doing took her eyes off Rassk. As she watched her sword fly off into the night a hot wind began to blow. Then the air was driven from her lungs as Rassk kicked her in the midriff. She fell against the wall of the Refuge trying to draw breath. Rose looked up to see Rassk swinging his arm back for the final blow.
Turning her head she closed her eyes. MARTIN! WHERE ARE YOU?! was the only thought going though her mind as she heard the wind whistling as Rassk's sword fell.
Sswish! Zzzzthpth! Thunk! Clang!
Rassk's blade had been stopped. From seemingly out of nowhere another sword had blocked the slash and buried itself point first into the wall of the Refuge. Rose started at the sword in wonder. Keen as a mid-winter icicle, a single fuller ran the length of the blade to the scrolling silver hilt. Bound in black leather the sword was unadorned save for a ruby red pommel stone.
A/N: Wow! I never thought I'd ever get to use this old cliffhanger again. I'll be honest it's one of my personal favorite scenes from my Redwall writings. I've wanted to get to this part since I first started writing this story so I'm quite glad we're here. I hope you liked it and of course I look forward to your comments.
Oh, one last thing. The opening dream scene at the start of this chapter was taken from yet another picture, called "Stargazing," from the wonderfully talented cybercatmia from DeviantArt. Though this time it was written into this story as a surprise for her.