Chapter 2: Another main character introduced. Those who like it so far, thanks for reading!

On the rolling waves of the Western Sea, a ship was making its way to land. It was a corsair ship, but the members of the vermin crew weren't really corsairs. They did not mean to just sail the seas and attack ships or coastal villages for loot. Those things were just bonuses for them. These vermin were on a mission.

They came from a country far to the North, where they lived under the rule of the wolf king Faernor. Woodlanders lived there too, also under the wolf's rule. Woodlanders and vermin lived in an agreement. The woodlanders were farmers, peasants. They paid taxes to the vermin that owned the sector of land. These vermin lords were high in status. Most of them were currently, or had previously been a member of the king's army. There were also vermin peasants, who also had to pay taxes, but they were still at a higher status than the woodlanders. The vermin peasants were more likely to own shops or businesses in the villages.

Word came to this Northern land of a fortress in the country Mossflower. It was said that the fortress was invincible, and that it couldn't be taken over by any vermin horde. There were stories about those who had tried and failed. Cluny the Scourge, Damug Warfang, Swartt Sixclaw, and many others. Faernor thought that his army could be the one to finally take over Redwall. For a while, anyway. Doubt began to take over his mind and thoughts of the great red fortress eventually slipped away.

Thoughts of Redwall returned, however, when a problem arose. Rikar Crevan, a commander in the king's army, had recently been causing some trouble. He started questioning the rule of the king. Why did they stay in one place? There was an infinite amount of land surrounding the kingdom. Why not take it over, expand the kingdom?

Faernor knew that the land surrounding his kingdom was mostly inhabited by rebel woodlanders. They could get help from just about anywhere, and overtake the king's forces. This didn't stop Rikar from pushing a mutiny within the army. Aside from being handsome and smart, the fox was the youngest commander the army had ever had. Rikar was liked by all, and easily gained followers. He soon had a good portion of the army sharing his thirst for power.

The king could see that letting Rikar continue his protest would eventually test his ruling. He had to stop Rikar, but how? Jail or a public punishment would only spark rebellion in the fox's followers. Faernor suddenly thought of the red fortress in the country in the South. He could send Rikar on a mission to take it over. If he succeeded, everyone would be happy. If he failed, he would be out of the king's fur forever.

It had been a stormy winter day when the king summoned Rikar to the palace for a meeting. They met in one of the king's private chambers. A small polished oak table was set up in the middle, with two ornate chairs. The king sat in one and gestured for Rikar to take the other. Some mouse servants came in with trays of roasted woodpigeon, various fruits and cheeses, and fine wine. Rikar eyed it suspiciously. When one of the mice poured wine into their goblets, he reached over and took the one that had been placed in front of Faernor, replacing it with his own.

"Come now, it's not poisoned. Why would I do that to my best commander?" Faernor asked, filling his plate. Rikar followed his example.
"You c'n never be too careful, yer Majesty, especially when there's rumours goin' around."
"Rumours? What kind of rumours?" the king asked.
"Nothin' you need to concern yourself with, Sire. Wot's the occasion fer this here feast?" Rikar replied casually.
"Well, Rikar, I've been thinking about your ideas of expanding the reach of the kingdom."
"Really?" Rikar asked, surprised.
"Aye, but not here," Faernor said.
"I don't understand yer Majesty."
"What do you know about Redwall Abbey?" Faernor asked. The fox's eyes brightened at the mention of Redwall.
"I've heard that the creatures there are rich. There's tons of loot there. Just having the building would be a prize!" he said.
"Exactly," The king said, "I want that abbey, Rikar."

The fox commander was slightly taken back by his king's request.
"What does it have to do with me?" he asked.
"I want you to lead a force across the sea. Go to the country Mossflower and take the fortress. You will be the ruler of Redwall and Mossflower. You can even change the name if you like."
"Really, yer Majesty? The red abbey'll be mine?" Rikar asked in disbelief.
"The abbey and all of Mossflower country," Faernor replied, "I take it you accept my offer?"
"Yes, of course I'll do it!"
"Make sure you don't go rushing into this, Rikar. I suggest you plan carefully."

Rikar spent the rest of the winter planning and preparing. Food and water supplies were reserved for the journey. He had picked out a ship, and it was being reinforced. Rikar personally picked the hundred and fifty soldiers that were accompanying him. As soon as spring came, and most of the ice had broken up, they set sail to Mossflower.

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