Hare speech is more difficult than I expected it to be, lol. I am sure it will get better over time. Please let me know what you think and what I can improve on. Enjoy!
The sturdy ash doors stood bravely for seasons, valiantly surviving as generation after generation of beasts had come and gone. Its weathered finish told stories of those long since forgotten, but as important to the threads of the abbey's history as its greatest heroes. A deep bass thudding resonated from the wood and echoed down long stone halls.
"Who is it?" A strained voice shot from behind the door.
"Pardon the interruption, wot. It's me, Abbot."
"Ahh Captain Santain, yes please do come inside."
Captain Tommok Santain boldly strode into the room at the order. He wore a tan overcoat with green trim streaking down the side and gold epaulets ordained upon his shoulders. A light blue head-to-toe nightgown poked from underneath his coat and his light rapier stuck out behind him like a lethal steel tail. Large dark brown boots caked in snow-covered his footpaws. One of the laces appeared to have come undone. In one of his paws, he carried his tall halberd, which he deftly lowered to fit through the doorframe.
Once in the room Captain Santain saluted Abbot Micah and took a moment to note his surroundings. The abbot's bed chambers were as simple as he expected them to be. There was a small mouse-sized bed in one corner with a bedside table next to it and a sturdy chest at its foot. On the wall opposite the bed was a dresser that held a small wash pan, an assortment of books, and a mirror. Nestled in the corner immediately to Captain Santain's left was a low fire crackling in a stone hearth which warmed the room. There was a plain dark red rug on the stone floor and a small chair seated in front of the fire. Captain Santain could smell mint tea bubbling in a spotless iron kettle. Abbot Micah stood next to a table to Santain's right with a large book that was promptly shut upon the hare's arrival. The rectangular window above the table rattled with the wind.
"Pardon the interruption sah! I thought ye were awoken by those bells and might want an explanation, wot." Captain Santain said after dropping his salute.
"It would be nice to know what all the commotion was about." Abbot Micah said with a tired smile.
"But wouldn't you like a seat, Captain? You don't need to keep your formalities around me." He asked the hare who stood silently at attention.
"No sah," Captain Santain said without moving. "The storm's bloody brutal, and I don't want tah get your nice chair ruined from the snow, wot."
"Understood, but please, we're friends here. No need for such formalities." The old mouse pleaded.
Captain Santain didn't want to argue with Abbot Micah and nodded his understanding as he sleepily dropped his shoulders. Perhaps he was a bit on edge. He had been jolted awake from what had been quite a pleasant sleep. The hare cleared his throat before addressing the abbot.
"I hope that noise didn't give you as much of a scare as it did to the rest of the Abbey. But I think you will be pleased to know that it was only some troublesome dibbons who were causing all that raucous. We apprehended them as they were making their daring escape."
At the news, Abbot Micah broke into a relieved smile.
"Ahh good to know. Who were the dibbons in question?" He asked as he palmed at his brow with the back of his long sleeve.
"The usual troublemakers, Beskit, Karic, and Twiggy. Sergeant Dannbur and I took 'em back to the main hall. We interrogated them on what in blazes they were doing at this hour and why they felt the need to wake the whole Abbey. Stubborn beasts wouldn't budge. However, their resolve broke when Sister Beryl came to see what caused the commotion. They thought it would be quite funny to wake everybeast up, saying something about the dibbuns against bedtime brigade. I left before I witnessed anything too graphic from Sister Beryl." Captain Santain and Abbot Micah shared some much-needed laughter.
Abbot Micah took his spectacles off his nose and began to rub the lenses thoughtfully.
"Of course, it's those three. Always up to some sort of trouble. I suppose I can't be too hard on them. They're already getting an earful from Sister Beryl and will be on kitchen duty for the rest of the season."
"I remember when I was their age, this would've been a small note in a long chapter of trouble, wot!" Captain Santain added with a nostalgic smile.
"But I reminded them that the bell was only to be rung for festivals and to notify every beast of suppah. Anytime it's rung aside from then is considered a warning, especially in the middle of the night."
Captain Santain watched the Abbot get to his toes and wearily stare out into the storm which battered the Abbey's stone walls.
"I assume they're getting more than an earful now." Abbot Micah murmured thoughtfully. His worn eyes focused on some point in the darkened distance.
Captain Santain noticed the dark and baggy fur under the Abbot's weary eyes. He knew that the past fortnight had been stressful for the old mouse. With the end of the harvest and the rapid changing of the seasons and now the false alarm in this terrible storm. Abbot Micah was being spread too thin.
"My hares will be patrolling the walls for the remainder of the night." When the Abbot didn't respond the Captain continued.
"If anything, it'll make those woken by the bell feel a bit more comfortable, wot."
Abbot Micah released a deep sigh and turned away from the window.
"I don't feel like I have the energy to fall asleep after this. Thank you for your report and your unmatched response to these troublemakers. I assume you are tired and have your hares to worry about, so you are free to go." Abbot Micah added with as much courtesy as he could muster.
Captain Santain paused as he watched the snow slowly dripping off of his boots.
"Is there anything that I can help you with Abbot? There appears to be something on your mind, wot." Abbot Micah looked down at the book on his desk and then at the Long Patrol captain.
"Well, I could use somebeast to talk with. Please, if you're wet, you'll catch a cold. Take off your coat and sit down. I'll pour you some tea and grab you a blanket to wrap yourself in."
"Yes, sah!"
With his duties completed, he could allow himself to accept his host's hospitality. The hare leaned his halberd against the wall by the window, and removed his soaked coat, laying it near the warm embers in the hearth.
"So, chap you had trouble sleeping, wot?" Captain Santain asked as he added more wood to the fire.
"I tried falling asleep but couldn't, I was awake when Mattias and Methuselah were rung." The abbot struggled to pull a thick red blanket from the chest at the foot of his bed. Captain Santain glided over to the old mouse and plucked the blanket from his paws.
"Thank you," Abbot Micah said before throwing some mint leaves into the kettle.
"It's not my place to make such assumptions, but it looks as if you haven't caught a wink of sleep in a blinkin' season!" Captain Santain wrapped himself in the blanket and fell into the small chair next to the fire.
"You aren't wrong." Abbot Micah said as he pulled up a seat next to the hare.
"But I would rather know how you have been fairing without Eli. I'm a bit worried that he and the others are caught in this nasty storm."
Captain Santain rubbed at his curly mustache; it was sopped like a sponge and drooped over his upper lip on account of the snow.
"I've been managing without me ol' shadow." Captain Santain chuckled. "The Long Patrol has had no issues in his absence. It keeps Eli from whacking a few of them bloody senseless and the gatekeepers seem to be plumb bored without his constant harping."
"He deserves a break and so do we." Abbot Micah added.
"Aye! Righty o' you are ol' chap! Always a dark cloud following that one about, you'd think he was stalked by a den o' adders, wot!"
"Is there anything in particular that sets him off?"
"Eh, a few things. Namely the condition of the belltower, along with questions about our victuals." Captain Santain vividly remembered Eli would always seem to turn to a more formal tone when answering those kinds of questions from the worried abbeybeasts. After answering several unaffiliated follow-up questions, a few oaths of jest, and the abbeybeast's worries assuaged, Eli would silently morph into a troubled shell of himself.
"When the lad's not braving the storms of mousemaid gossip. He's busy training new guards or sparring with my hares." Captain Santain continued. "He hardly has any time for himself, wot."
Abbot Micah mindlessly stared into the fire. The old mouse eyes, usually attentive and quick betraying his old age, had grown somber, veiled by a shroud of uncertainty.
"What seems to be the issue, Abbot?" Captain Santain asked without moving his eyes from the old mouse.
Abbot Micah remained silent. A gust of wind rattled the windowpane behind them.
Captain Santain knew Abbot Micah had been born in Redwall and had scarcely left the protection of its walls. He was the second oldest beast within the abbey, and it could be argued that he knew more than even Samuel Greyfur about its history. Although the mouse moved with a noticeable slouch and a beleaguered slowness due to his age, his mind remained as sharp as a blade. He tended to be more ironclad and hot-headed than former abbots, sometimes lacking their renowned patience. But that's what made Captain Santain admire him. He ran a tight ship and was attentive to every little minute detail. Abbot Micah could tell you exactly how many barrels of October Ale were consumed during last season's midwinter feast and the needs and wants of even the most rambunctious dibbon. Abbot Micah also was smart enough to delegate most of the day-to-day responsibilities to beasts who were just as competent as he. Beasts like Sister Beryl, Eli Greyfur, and Sister Lilac. Most importantly, Lord Bromwell held Abbot Micah in great esteem, so the captain was duty-bound to respect and aid him. Which was why the abbot's concerned demeanor was of such importance.
"Abbot." Captain Santain started. "It is getting terribly late, and you're tired. If you don't want to share what troubles you, then I won't hold you any longer. But try and get some sleep. It'll cure your ills and clear away the fog, wot."
The kettle began to whistle and Captain Santain reached for it before Abbot Micah could. The hare captain poured the mouse a cup of the hot brew as the room took on a sweet earthy scent.
Abbot Micah took a drawn-out sip before speaking.
"Captain, what do you think of being here in Redwall?"
Captain Santain sipped at his tea to buy time to think. It scalded his tongue.
"Well, Sah, I for one think it's a good thing we're here. Lord Bromwell and the hares of Salamandastron, want to make sure that you and our other good friends in Redwall are as safe as a hawk in her nest!"
Captain Santain carefully blew on his cup before taking another hesitant, larger sip. He felt the heat from his stomach warm his damp appendages as he continued.
"An I would also say that ye have been incredibly generous in your accommodations. I know some of us hares can be a bit caddish at times. But tis all in jest, wot. If anything is needed of us please don't hesitate to ask! I promise you that the hares of the Long Patrol will charge the gates of the Dark Forest if it means keeping the good beasts of Redwall safe from harm!" Captain Santain's chest swelled in pride with every intention to keep his promise.
Abbot Micah wearily smiled at the hare Captian.
"I don't doubt that you or the rest of the Long Patrol would merrily do so. But what do you think? Surely you miss your friends and family in Salamandastron?"
Captain Santain frowned.
"Abbot I can't say I think it's necessarily bad to be here. I would consider it worthwhile if our presence makes just a single dibbun sleep bettah knowing that no foe will get past us."
"But what of your family?"
"The Long Patrol is my family." Captain Santain chuckled unconvincingly. "And you and Eli and those three troublemaking dibbins and the rest of the abbey are now my families."
"But your mate?"
"Of course I miss Camella, but she understands what comes with this position. Lass would've loved to tag along, but her mother has been ill for quite some time. Sadly, lassie expects to be heading in this direction after the winter. Either way, we're both in agreement with Lord Bromwell's decision and are thankful for your abbey's continued kindness."
"But as far as vermin."
"What of them!" Captain Santain interjected. "They're vermin, heartless devils always looking for a crack in yer armor or an opportunity to stab you in the back! They'd sell their own mother for a sliver o' gold if they could."
"I'm well aware Captain." Abbot Micah cast an annoyed look at the hare. "But is it worthwhile to keep you away from Salamandastron? Redwall hasn't seen a vermin horde in seasons."
Captain Santain swallowed the remainder of his tea before placing the cup next to the hearth.
"Yes, it is. Most vermin look the part of threatening and malicious beasts, and they get their reputations for good reason. But they're not dangerous to the abbey unless they're in a horde. You'll see a few vermin scattered throughout Mossflower, either alone or in a group of less than a score. But they're simple creatures and always cave to a bit of muscle. We aren't heartless scum like them so usually a little beating is the most it takes to scare them away. But look at the warlords who threatened Redwall in the past. Cluny the Scourge, Vilaya the Sable Quean, what do they have in common? They're strong and threatening to other vermin. Enough so to raise an army of blighted savages beneath them. But their hordes are always defeated by competent warriors. Warriors like Eli Greyfur, Lord Bromwell, and the hares of the Long Patrol, wot!"
Captain Santain poured himself another cup of piping hot tea.
"The Long Patrol is scattered throughout Mossflower to ensure these small vermin bands don't unite under a real threat. Lord Bromwell decided it was the best course of action considering we can't rid Mossflower completely of these devils. Both Eli and I agree with him, wot."
With that Captain Santain tilted his head back and finished his still hot drink.
"Was that concerning you, wot?" Captain Santain asked after another moment of silence.
"Yes… it was. Thank you for your honesty, Captain." Abbot Micah scratched at a spot behind his ears.
"I mean no offense, but I must admit I am getting older, and I sometimes forget things, such as why you are here. I think tonight was a good reminder of that for all of us. Even if it was a false alarm."
Captain Santain sent a radiant smile toward the old mouse.
"No offense taken Abbot; it took me off guard as well! I hate to admit but I was in such a rush I placed my boots on the wrong paws and forgot my gloves!"
Captain Santain laughed heartily at his blunder while Abbot Micah gave a tight smile. The hare filled his cup once more.
"Unless there is anything else that you would like to talk about Abbot, I think it's best that you get some res-"
A sudden banging on the door interrupted the hare. A breathless voice called from the other side.
"Captain! Abbot! There's a horde of vermin at the gate!"
In a flash, Captain Santain jumped from his chair knocking it to the ground. He whipped open the door to see Corporal Bushby who after a moment snapped smartly to attention and began to babble incoherently.
"Sah me and some of the others were patrolling the abbey's walls like ye told us to. When Cedric could've sworn he heard some beast hollering' for help. We called back to the voice, and it asked us to open the gates. Well, I thought that it sounded bloody suspicious like that fox we saw a few fortnights ago. When we called it again it said that he was with others who were injured. Well Sergeant said that he'd-"
"Spit it out, corporal!" Captain Santain snapped cuffing the young hare behind the ears. Abbot Micah crept up beside him.
"Yes, sah! There's a score of vermin at the main gates. Sergeant Dannbur is dealing with them now, but he asked for both of ye, wot."
Captain Santain flew into action, he raced around the room throwing on his damp coat and grabbing his halberd. Abbot Micah frantically snatched his heavy winter cloak from a hanger and searched his dresser for a pair of gloves.
Captain Santain rushed out of the room without waiting for Abbot Micah or Corporal Bushby. He could barely hear the pitter-patter of paw steps echoing behind him and the calls for the captain to slow down. The wind roared and rattled the glass planes flanking him. A few beasts milled throughout the halls discussing their rude midnight awakening behind hushed voices. Captain Santain's fierce glare warranted concerned expressions and exclamations from them. He realized somebeast needed to take control and barked orders to beasts as he ran into them.
"Grab torches and get out to the wall and gardens! Keep your eyes peeled and sound the alarm if ye see anything suspicious!" Captain Santain shouted at a group of otters that milled near the abbey's renowned tapestries. They looked at the hare in bewilderment.
"Ring the bells and get every living creature out of their beds!" He called to a mole who blindly ran into him as he turned around a corner.
"Sister! Organize groups to search the courtyard!" Captain Santain yelled at Sister Beryl who stood amongst a cloud of confused beasts wondering why their precious sleep had been interrupted. Before being asked what in blazes he meant the hare darted out into the storm. Captain Santain could hear Abbot Micah repeating the hare's commands to the bewildered Redwallers before following the hare outside.
Captain Santain plowed through the falling snow and billowing wind. He used the butt of his halberd to hurdle himself forward. The wall above the abbey's main entrance was a bustle of light and movement. Several torches hovered on the wall and attempted to illuminate the ground below through the swirling storm. Outlines of beasts with bows, slings, staffs, spears, stones, and anything else that could be used to throw down upon the invaders were held at the ready. Sergeant Dannbur rushed from the gate to Captain Santain. His face was etched in frost, and he held a paw firmly over the hilt of his sword.
"How many are there Sergeant?" Captain Santain breezed past the hare as he snapped to attention. Sergeant Dannbur turned on his heel and followed.
"We reckon there's less than half a score of vermin huddled against the gate. They made a racket wanting us to let 'em in. I demanded they leave, and when they didn't, I sent Bushby to retrieve you."
"We need beasts on the other walls, this could be a diversion!" Captain Santain ordered the Sergeant.
"A few groups of Redwallers are already on their way. I had a feeling this is a trap. I don't expect them to fight fair in this weather, wot."
"Good. I've gotten some otters to scour the gardens. Have they done anything since you sent Bushby?"
"They've tried hiding under the rampart. But they haven't gone anywhere yet."
Captain Santain reached the steps leading up to the ramparts. The snow was trampled down on the steps leaving a slick layer of ice. The hare climbed the stairs with reckless abandonment. Sergeant Dannbur and Abbot Micah hurried after him while Corporal Bushby stood guard at the gate.
Captain Santain reached the top of the wall and leaned over the ramparts trying to get a good look at the vermin. Wind and snow blasted him, forcing the hare to step back.
"Bring me a torch!"
A torch was passed along a line of woodlanders before being handed to him. Again, he leaned over the wall, with Abbot Micah joining him. The light reflected off the snowdrifts and the rose-hued stone. Outlines of several beasts huddled against the Abbey's heavy gates came into view. Each one vermin.
Captain Santain cursed horribly under his breath.
"I hoped that your Corporal was only jumping at shadows." Abbot Micah said with a fearful tug at his cloak.
"Me too Abbot."
Captain Santain looked around at the other beasts on the wall. Much like him, they were awoken from their peaceful slumber by the bells. Their dishevelment looked the part.
"Let me deal with this quickly. I don't want any of ye tah catch a cold, wot?" Captain Santain said as he straightened his tan coat.
They nodded in agreement and Captain Santain poked his head over the wall and bellowed at the top of his lungs to be heard through the storm.
"I am Captain Tommok Santain of the Long Patrol under the banner of Lord Bromwell the Fierce of the great mountain Salamandastron! You threaten the peaceful Redwall Abbey which my hares and I are sworn to protect to our dying breath! However, we have no intention of dying but are more than willing to escort you to the gates of the Dark Forest if you insist on staying here any longer!"
At that, a great shout went out from the beasts on the wall. Captain Santain looked back to see lights being slowly lit throughout the abbey. Like bees pouring from a hive, beasts scurried into the snowy courtyard.
"Please we don't mean tah harm ye! We're injured and sick, an we'll be kil't in this storm if ye don't let us in!" A terrified voice called from below.
Captain Santain softly laughed as he turned back to the rampart. He glowered over the vermin that huddled tightly together below. Abbot Micah leaned over the edge, carefully holding on to the rampart with his paws.
"Be careful Abbot it's slick, and we don't know if any vermin archers are training their eyes on us, wot."
"Ask them how many there are." Abbot Micah responded rather quickly, not moving from his position.
Captain Santain leaned over and cupped his paw around his mouth.
"That's what ye all say, chap. Now tell me. Why are ye and yer gang of thieves wandering about in this storm? How many of ye are there, wot?"
"We were attacked! Taken by surprise. We've run as far as-"
"Attacked by who!" Captain Santain boomed down at the vermin.
"An tell me how many of ye there are, or snow won't be the only thing rainin' down on ya ears!"
There was a pause. Captain Santain saw the vermin group crowd closer to the gate.
"We don't know who attacked us. It was dark and happened too fast! An der's eleven of us. Four kits and all the rest injured. Please let us in we don't hav' much time!" The vermin pleaded.
Captain Santain guessed this wasn't the vermin's first time trying this trick.
The veteran hare rolled the information through his head. He spoke before any beast could stop him.
"I don't believe you! Not one bit mate!" He responded with every ounce of spite he could muster at that hour.
"Aye swear on me mother's grave!"
"Your mother means less to me than ye do mate!"
There were snickers of agreement from some of the beasts on the wall. Emboldened Captain Santain meant to hurl down more insults when he felt a paw pull on his coat. It was Abbot Micah. He stepped away from the rampart as the other beasts began to mock the vermin.
"I don't think that they're lying, do you?" The Abbot's once tired eyes were sharp again.
"I don't bloody well know if they are. But I frankly don't want to find out!"
"I doubt there's a horde waiting for us to open our gates. Not in this storm. They would freeze to death before we'd take the time even to consider it."
"Unfortunately, I can't tell what else is out in this blasted weather! If there's a horde, they want us to open our doors and fall into their trap, wot."
"If they were there, I'd think some beast would spot them by now." Abbot Micah motioned to the hall behind him. Lights peppered about the abbey and on the walls. Word spread like fire, and no stone would go unturned.
"Aye. But I don't want to take any risks. Perhaps the dibbuns did see something suspicious. With all the excitement we've had tonight, I wouldn't be surprised."
"No. You said they admitted to playing a bad joke on us. They would've said something if they spotted vermin. And if they lied, then Sister Beryl would've gotten to the bottom of it."
Captain Santain grimaced and stroked his mustache.
"So, what do you want to do Abbot? I have a feeling I know."
Abbot Micah turned and walked back to the rampart. Redwallers on the wall shouted down at the vermin who remained surprisingly silent amidst the onslaught.
"This is Abbot Micah, what purpose do you have for coming to our peaceful home?"
Captain Santain just about jumped hearing the mouse raise his voice. For a small creature, he could certainly make a lot of noise when he wanted to. He guessed it was an acquired skill.
"Use yer ears fool! We're sick and hurt! We don't wanna be here as much as ye want us too, but we don't have annuver choice."
"Watch your tongue vermin!" An otter barked down at them, before hurling a stone. The stone just missed its mark.
Abbot Micah spoke before anything else could be thrown.
"And why should we help you? I assume you have weapons, and on any other night you'd be searching for a way to sneak into the Abbey."
"Because me kits are freezing tah death ye heartless cur!" Another impatient vermin voice shouted up at them.
"An me mate froze solid while ya sit up there and caw at us like a fat crow!"
A roar of anger arose from the present Redwallers, more objects were thrown. A yelp of pain could be heard.
"Enough!" Abbot Micah boomed and the Redwallers grew quiet once more.
Before Captain Santain could react Abbot Micah turned and took the torch from his paw. With a deft motion, he threw it from the wall. Its flame arched and spiraled through the air before landing, still alight, in a snow drift several paces from the vermin bunch.
"To show ye mean us no harm throw your weapons to the torch. Ye have until the torch dies out. If you do so I'll consider letting you in." Abbot Micah commanded.
There was an audible murmur of disagreement from the Redwallers. They were shocked that the Abbot would even consider letting vermin into the abbey on such an eventful night as this. The vermin swayed in place, but no weapons were tossed aside.
"That flames burning quite low, wot!" Captain Santain shouted.
There was a pause before a great hammer was thrown landing with a thud a short distance beyond the torch. Shortly followed was a cutlass, a double-headed battle axe, a small knife, and a dirk.
"Is that all?"
"Yes! Yes, it is! Please let us in!" The voice was defeated and frantic.
Captain Santain still didn't approve. He turned to Abbot Micah.
"Are ye done with yer little show, wot? It's too cold to be toying with these blighted beasts." He didn't try to hide his annoyance.
"Yes. Captain, I need your hares to escort our new guests inside." Abbot Micah said plainly.
Captian Santain could barely contain himself.
"Are ye bloody dashed lad! We're not escorting these beasts anywhere but their graves!"
"I can't allow helpless beasts to freeze at our gates, even if they are vermin. We're not monsters like them, and as Abbot, I am obliged to help them."
Captain Santain bit his tongue, pausing as he constructed his response. Thankfully Sergeant Dannbur spoke before he could.
"Abbot, as the head of Redwall we are duty-bound to follow your leadership, but this seems a bit… suspicious at best. With all, that's happened tonight and without Eli, we're more vulnerable than you'd think. It would be…unfortunate yet understandable if they remained outside the walls, wot."
Abbot Micah shook his head in disappointment. "Absolutely not. I couldn't call myself Abbot if we left these miserable beasts to freeze. Once the storm passes, they will leave."
A sharp gust of wind blew through Captain Santain's damp coat. For a moment all he could think about was his warm, soft, dry bed. With that in mind and knowing that he couldn't convince him otherwise Captain Santain let out a defeated sigh.
"My stomach's telling me that this is a bad idea, Abbot. You know a hare's most important skill is thinking with his gut, wot."
"My head is telling me the same thing. But my stomach wouldn't be able to live with my head if we didn't let them in." Abbot Micah said with the conviction of Martin the Warrior.
Captain Santain strode over to look at the huddled vermin. He spat over the edge of the wall.
"Fine but we're doing this my way! If any of them make one wrong move, I'll throw them out of the Abbey myself!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Captain."