Rinn was brought up to the pediatric surgery floor. His father remained faithfully at his son's side. Departing only when he was required to sign paperwork, and discuss the little ferret's medical history. He tried to appear calm for the sake of his child. The nurse had assured him this was a very mild procedure; however it did little to settle a father's mind.
Shortly after arriving to the surgical floor, a nurse shaved off some of the fur on the top of Rinn's left paw. There she applied a liberal amount of numbing cream, covering it with a clear bandage so fidgety paws wouldn't rub it away. Once the cream had set for a little under thirty minutes, a cheerful faced dormouse nurse arrived. She brought with her an IV pole and the necessary supplies to run an intravenous line. Rinn held surprisingly still while the nurse secured his paw to a board with tape. She lightly wiped away the cream then pinched the skin.
"See you're not going to feel a thing." She spoke encouragingly.
Regardless of whether or not any pain was to be felt, the moment the needle was spotted Rinn threw a fit. Screeching as loud as his lungs would allow for, a passerby may wonder if a child was being murdered within the room. Bulfie pinned his son down with one paw keeping the little ferret in place. The other ensuring the little head was turned to face him, and not the nurse.
"There's a good lad." He coaxed, wiping away the tears from his son's face.
"I… don't… wanna… Papa.. I don't wanna go!"Rinn sobbed his words escaping between deep breaths.
Bulfie watched the dormouse work, the worst was over, and she had the needle in. Now she was just adjusting the saline drip. "Worst is over now." As the little ferret no longer struggled he released him.
The nurse stepped back, gently placing the IV paw along Rinn's side. "All done little fella. Now, we're going to go into the operating room."
Seeing the look of anxiety on his son's face, Bulfie tried to explain in a manner his son could understand. "Remember Rinny, Remember 'ow I said ye' were going t'go with the nice doctor and take a little nap while he takes out that eraser from yer belly."
Rinn nodded slowly.
Ruffling the fur between his son's ears Bulfie smiled. "That's me boy. Y'gotta go now. When ye get back Nan an' Granddad will be here with yer sister. " As he explained this Rinn's stretcher was rolled towards the operating room.
Watching the florescent lights go by, Rinn thought about what his father said. "Can you come in too Papa?"
Bulfie shook his head. "Naw, I gotta wait out here. But don't worry, I hear the doctors and nurses are real nice."
The little creature's lower lip quivered and he threatened to cry again. Unable the bare his son's distress Bulfie turned to bribery. "I 'ear if little ferrets are good, they might get a sweet afterwards."
It worked like a charm. The almond eyes lit up at the prospect of goodies that may lie in store. It was just enough of a distraction that Rinn didn't even notice as he was taken into the operating theatre, and his father was left behind to wait. As his father had promised, everybeast he saw was very kind. The room its self was a little frightening, what with the bright lights and machines that made strange noises. There were five beasts in the room with him. As they all worked with children, they took the time to be cheerful. From where he lay Rinn had a hard time making out what manner of creature they each were. Each wore masks about their faces and funny looking hats, not to mention their shapeless scrubs. The anesthesiologist was a plump fieldmouse. He lowered his bask so that he could speak to the child.
"Hello Rinn." He spoke as if he had known the little ferret his whole life.
Amazed that this creature knew his name, Rinn turned his head towards the mouse.
Having the ferret's attention the fieldmouse brought forwards a mask. "This is what's going to help you go to sleep. I'm just going to fit this about your head." He spoke slowly as he moved the mask into position, ensuring that it was properly fitted.
Rinn couldn't figure out how a mask could help him go to sleep. "Smells funny." he announced, laughing at the way his voice was muffled by the mask.
"Yes, it does. Doesn't it." The mouse nodded in agreement. "Rinn, I hear your about to start school. Do you know your numbers?"
"I do sir, well some of 'em."
"Splendid. Can you count all the way to ten for me?"
Feeling light headed Rinn began counting out loud for the fieldmouse. "One… Two… Three… Four…Five…" he didn't get any further as the anesthetic had taken effect.
8888888
The garden party was unlike anything Beth could possibly have imagined. The event spanned far beyond the cliff face. Indeed the entirety of Salamandastron was involved in some manner or other. Ornate flower arrangements appeared around every corner, banners and flags were raised honouring every division of the fabled regiment. It couldn't be a Long Patrol event, without large quantities of food. A light buffet had been laid out in the gardens. All manner of: cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads, pasties, and light sandwiches made up the fare. Of course, this was only the start. In addition for the light buffet a formal meal was planned followed by another spread of after dinner drinks and desserts.
Jennifer whispered a hushed conference with Dan. Beth was left to mill about on her own. After much nodding and hushed words her father approached her. He appeared to be in quite a hurry.
"My meeting has been moved up. I'll leave you to mingle for a little while. "
The teenage squirrel looked most nervous, what was she to do with so many unknown beasts about?
"It is only for a little while Beth, this is important." Dan had no further time to offer up words of encouragement. Weaving though the sea of hares, he and Jennifer vanished into the hallways of the fortress.
One of the smaller conference rooms had been prepared for the quick meeting. Even though most of the catering focused on the garden party, a picture of spring water and freshly washed glasses had been found. Lord Urthbriar sat at one end of the table, a file of documents before him. The badger had opted for a kilt dress rather than full military uniform. While he was not a creature of the northern highlands, he still donned the official Salamandastron tartan. This particular pattern of deep red, forest green and sandy brown had been instated as the official tartan for Long Patrol Highland regiment, back in the pre-Napoleon era. A time when Salamandastron still had to protect Mossflower from vermin attacks.
Urthbriar had ruled the Mountain for forty-five seasons, a relatively short time when considering the long lives of badgers. He had brought about many changes to the stronghold, the word was changing and Salamandastron could not afford to be left behind. To his side Colonel Swiftback sat in his full dress uniform. Rows of medals and ribbons crossed his chest. While Swiftback was among the younger high ranking officials he had gained the respect of his elders and was known for his wisdom and devout pride in his home.
The Colonel instantly rose from his seat the moment Jennifer and Dan entered the room. Waiting for the female weasel to sit first, he settled back into his place. Urthbriar closed the folder before him. "Ah, Ms Balid, pleasure as always to see you here."
The weasel smiled dipping her head in a respectful manner. "May I present Dr. Dan Firdance, he is one of the researchers currently working on the ridge site."
Colonel Swiftback looked disappointed. "I was under the impression Lockben would be making the trek."
Dan felt a little nervous, pouring up a glass of ice water, he took a sip to calm his nerves. "Dr. Lockben was unable to attend. Today is his wedding anniversary, I believe he and Mrs. Lockben are spending a few days in the country." Sipping more water the squirrel continued, gradually gaining more confidence. "I do hope I will be able to resolve any concerns Salamandastron may have about our work. It is quite a privilege to be here, and I'm sure we can work together to ensure this site provides us with valuable information in the most respectful way possible."
The badger seemed pleased by Dan's statement. "Well said my friend. I sincerely do hope that we can both benefit from this exciting find. As Ms Balid perhaps has already informed you, this ridge site, it provides us at Salamandastron with quite the moral dilemma."
"Yes, I have been briefly informed. But by all means, I am interested to hear what your concerns are." Dan opened up his folder taking out a pen preparing to write any notes he may need for later.
"As you are no doubt aware, the Long Patrol has had a century's old tradition of burying soldiers on or near the site of the battle. The chief concern among my hares, is that they do not wish for the remains of their ancestors to be put on display. There has also been worry that, the site isn't being treated as what it is, a burial ground. Lastly, I myself have worries about the safety and security of the site. I was made aware that some items may have been stolen. Do you have any further word on this?"
Dan was worried the issue of the grave robbing would come up. "Well," he began trying to formulate a clear response. " The authorities were immediately notified, they continue to investigate. We're not sure if any artifacts or remains were removed at all. St. Ninian's university is doing everything to ensure the site is protected."
The answer didn't appear to please the Colonel, however Urthbriar seemed to accept it.
"I appreciate that the hares of Salamandastron have worries about the dig. I want to assure you that the team is the finest Mossflower has to offer. We have no intention of moving any bodies to a museum or university setting. While some have been removed from the ground, the intention is to rebury if possible. The issue, your Lordship, doesn't only lie with us. The land has been purchased for building of Olympic centers. To date the contractors haven't been in touch with the university, beyond trying to find out when their work can continue. I understand Dr. Lockben has been petitioning the government to declare the land a historic site."
"Has there been any luck with this application?" Urthbriar asked.
Dan shook his head. "Sadly there has been little progress. There have been difficulties, what with the Olympics coming to Mossflower. The primary concern seems to be preparing for those events, rather than preserving historic spaces. Perhaps if your Lordship would make the case. I know the university would stand behind you. We are interested in the information this burial ground can provide us, but ultimately these creatures deserve to be returned to their resting place. "
Urthbriar nodded to Swiftback. "See to it that the Mossflower government is made aware of our stance." He instructed. "Dr. Firdance, it has come to our attention that the Abbot of Redwall will be making an appearance at the site. I would very much like to pay respects myself."
"But of course Lord Urthbriar." Dan spoke confidently, but he wasn't sure how Bulfie would take this news.
"I will have my hares provide you with all the details before you depart here. But for now, we have a garden party to see to." Smiling he stood and warmly enveloped Dan's paw in a warm paw-shake. "I hope you will enjoy the hospitality Salamandastron has to offer." With the Colonel at his side, the badger made his leave.
"Well that went well." Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief.
"You think?"
"Oh yes, when I last spoke to him he was absolutely furious. I think he likes you." She winked then they made their way to rejoin the festivities.