I haven't updated in forever. I am so sorry. Here's chapters 8 and 9 to make up for it a bit, even though they are really short. I have most of chapter 10 written so I may update again soon, but no promises.

Theo awoke shortly after dawn. He found Pippin already up. Aside from the three otters on watch, they were the only ones. The five sat together for a while, before Draye woke up and joined them.
"What do ye think about a short foraging expedition?" he asked.
"It's a good idea. I'll come with you. Anybody else?" Theo asked, standing up.
"Aye, I'll go," Flint, one of the otters on watch, volunteered.
"Three is big enough. We'll stay here and keep an eye on things," Pippin said.

Most of the others were awake when Theo, Draye, and Flint returned with fruit, berries and other edible plants. They ate quietly; well aware of the danger they could still be in.
"Your prisoner woke up a while ago. I almost didn't notice. He never made a sound, or tried to escape." Pippin informed Theo.

Theo walked over and crouched in front of the fox.
'I'm not going to starve you, but you don't get to eat yet. At midday, if my father hasn't sent for us, you are going to answer some questions. If you co-operate, you can eat. Understood?"
The fox nodded.
"Good," Theo said, and walked away.

.::.

Midday came and went. Theo, Draye, Flint, and Pippin went to question their fox prisoner. Theo removed the belt acting as a gag.
"Well, fox, I didn't kill you because I thought you were telling the truth when you said you hadn't killed anyone. Keep it up, and you'll get to live. Also, as I promised earlier, you can eat. Got it?" Theo asked.
"Yes, sir. I'll tell you whatever you want to know," the fox replied calmly.

Theo was surprised at the polite manner that the fox spoke.
"We'll start with something simple. What's yer name?"
"I'm Kiiryan, sir."
Pippin joined the questioning. "I don't recognize your accent. Where are you from?"
"Well, miss, the country is called Dornesse. It is far north of here, across the sea. My personal home is in a town called Northbarrow, though I currently reside in the city of Arencel. I am in training in the king's army." Kiiryan mentally slapped himself. 'They weren't asking where you specifically live, idiot'

"Your king? Who is he? And don't call me sir," Theo said.
"Then, before I answer, might I ask what your name is?" Kiiryan asked politely.
"Theo Stormriver," he replied. Kiiryan nodded his thanks.
"My king is a wolf by the name of Faernor. He rules over all of Dornesse, vermin species and woodlanders alike. He is an honourable king, and fair to all those who serve him. I am going to predict some of your future questions, and tell you that we are sailing under the command of a fox named Rikar Crevan. He is one of the most prestigious commanders in the Northern Army. Commander Rikar's assignment from the king is to take over rule of Mossflower country and an abbey called Redwall."

The young otters looked at each other in concern. Any attack on Redwall was serious business.
"Why does he want to take over our country, if he already rules his own?" Draye asked.
"I don't know," Kiiryan replied, "but there were rumours. There was talk of a possible rebellion, led by Rikar. Some think that this mission was just to get Rikar out of the way. The stories we've heard say that Redwall has never been conquered. Perhaps it will cause Rikar's end as well."
"No it won't. He will fall by the blades of otters," Theo said coldly. By the look in his eyes, Kiiryan did not doubt Theo's words.

Theo walked around the tree and undid the belt that held Kiiryan's paws. The fox rubbed life back into his numbed limbs, and accepted the two apples and pawful of berries that Pippin offered him.
"Just because I'm curious, why are you so willing to sell out your entire army?" Theo asked.
"I don't like what we're doing any more than you do, Theo. We were trained to fight battles as an army, but we were also taught honour and respect. We had no right or reason to attack your camp. We would all be punished in Dornesse, if the king found out. Rikar's ways are destructive and wrong. If you mean to stop him, I will do all I can to help you."
Theo nodded thoughtfully. "Finish eating. We need to get moving."