Redwall: War of the Four Banners

by PepperDeadSworn

"Young as autumn, old as summer, from sea to forest the cries of war shall come Four armies, one outcome, in ruin you shall find the truth Look to the place of my rest, for friend shall be foe, and foe shall be friend." A epic tale of Redwall in which four great factions battle for the fate of Mossflower itself.

53. To Never Prosper

Chapter 52: To Never Prosper

It was morning over Gholand, with the song of birds distantly awakening into the distance. 'Mud' slowly began to awake, his eyes slowly opening as he looked around tired at the walls of his room. He felt a bit too warm, which was why at times he would uncover his blankets from his bunk so he could enjoy the fine coolness of Mossflower's wonderful wind which blew lightly through a small opening in a nearby window. Although Gholand's keep was high above the rest of the vermin settlement, he could still see the tops of the wooden walls which circled the fort. 'Mud' slowly got up, looking up to see the hanging tail of Yala slowly swaying as she slept.

'Mud' smiled and crept past her tail as he silently began to put on his servant's vestments, a dark green tunic which he slipped on easily as he looped the well worn collar of his shirt to allow the rope collar he wore to flop out of it. 'Mud' took out a big piece of dark green cloth which he tied about his neck, partly hiding the rope tied to it as he took out a brush to groom himself. 'Mud's' brushing was loud enough as Yala swiftly awoke and proceeded to bang her head on the top bunk and into the ceiling.

'Mud' arose shocked and whispered "Yala! You alright?"

Yala grunted and touched the ceiling and looked down, shaking her head "I think so. Owe."

'Mud' smiled and came close, helping the otteress descend onto the floor as she looked around for her tunic and dress. It was clear to 'Dirt' how little experience Yala had being a servant like himself, as she struggled to put on her wears when trying to bring out the rope collar on her neck to the front of the shirt. Markem had made it known that he didn't want them hiding their ropes beneath their shirts, something which depressed the otteress. 'Mud' helped her, warmly rubbing her head and partly joking "Maybe I should produce a little more light. If you want Yala, you can take the bottom bunk, or even my brother's bed while he is away."

Yala looked to 'Dirt's' bed and blinked, it was well done and was also a bunk bed much like 'Mud's' and Yala's own. Although on top of the bed laid a bunch of 'Dirt's' things which he casually liked to toss up there. Yala waved her paw "Nay, that's fine."

'Mud' and Yala exited the room once finished looking spiffy as they journeyed across the castle. The local guards, a mixture of former Black Clads and older vermin left behind to guard the keep and Gholand bid their 'good mornings' to 'Mud' in particular which he would of course say back, even adding a name to a few of them. 'Mud' and Yala began to light up the rooms and hallways, putting flames to candles and even a few hanging lanterns which had burned out the night before.

Yala journeyed close with 'Mud', often calling him by his real name, which few beasts knew of. "You think we could convince Adoln to make us some fish this evening?"

'Mud' lightly chuckled at this "You'd be better to ask Rigpaw. Besides, they'll only cook what Sheera wants, so I suspect either bird, cheese, or both."

Yala huffed at the name "You think she is going to act like yesterday?"

"If she does, we just keep our heads down." 'Mud' sighed "Besides, once you get past her constant berating, she isn't all that bad."

"Berating and yelling aren't the same thing, ya know." Yala partly nudged her peer, which 'Mud' made a dramatic show of. "Oh, don't injure me, Yala. Otherwise, i'll be bed ridden for years, an' you'd have to wash those two little demons all by yourself! Oh woe is you!"

"Oh don't you do that now!" Yala said in partial fear, not wanting Sheera to overhear. 'Mud' smiled as Yala gave a playful push to him. 'Mud' had been coming to know the fellow otter more, since his brother was now farther off and away from talking about things related to the horde. It was almost a relief to 'Mud' to be talking about things not so related to the vermin, warming his heart as he listened to her stories about the otters of her holt as she relayed her younger experiences as they worked about the manor.

"My uncle and pa used to fight over such small things like this, talking about lighting up the holt. Uncle hated warmth, hated it so much he'd lay out near the sea just to cool down. Pa once came home and kept bumping into all manner of things, unable to find anything cause uncle Yurm would snuff out all the torches and light so that the holt wasn't so warm at night. Never seen kin scuffle, kinda almost reminds me of how vermin fight over every petty little thing? Well, in a less murderous sense I suppose."

'Mud' nodded, relaying a story of his own "Ma used to talk a lot about otters fighting. Grandpa was a skipper we were told, fought in all manner of battles an' all that. Some are quite embellished."

"Embellished?"

"Have you ever seen an otter fire lighting from his eyes and look at a beast so spitefully that they fell over dead?"

Yala widened her eyes and gave a low chuckle "I suppose not. You'd believe such things?"

"When I was much, much younger." Yala's grin slowly began to become a frown as she had a realization thrusted into her once again. It was easy to forget for her just how long 'Mud' and his brother were slaves to now her master, even a bit incomprehensible to think they both had survived in such conditions as slaves to a vermin. Then again, she supposed Markem was different from other vermin in some way, being kind in words to her even if authoritative. He had never struck her personally, but 'Mud' and 'Dirt' joked and implied he had a cruel paw when it came down to a lot of things.

The two continued, separating at a hallway as they went their usual and separate paths. It was a normal ritual for both, as 'Mud' would go to the front door to see the night shift of guards out and bring the new ones in along with the ever bickering Adoln and Rigpaw which had been herded to the kitchens. Yala could hear Rigpaw's mad ramblings and yelling from down one of the halls, which gave her a cringe feeling. The rat was literally insane, now 'ands' or 'ifs' about it, but he was also one of the best vermin cooks in Mossflower bar none. Adoln was also very skilled, having claimed to be the personal chef of a noble in Noonvale, although which noble was changed with every story, as Yala always suspected him to be lying in order to be Markem's favorite chef. Adoln had also been in Markem's service for an absurd amount of time as well, so Yala thought that even if anyone knew the truth, Markem wouldn't care much.

Yala stood at the foot of the door leading into the personal abode of the Brownnoses, awaiting as she held her paws behind her back. The door suddenly opened with Sheera stepping through, yawning and looking Yala up and down as she held a fake smile to greet her. Sheera scolded her quickly "No need for dat, water dog. I wanna get me pups clean an' ready fer der day, otherwise dey'll stink up der room an' de's halls again."

"Of course, mam." Yala partly frowned and followed the Sheera about, her steps were full of anxious quickness that it was hard for her to keep up.

They went into Mard and Maiz's rooms, as they both spied on the little ratlings, sleeping soundly in their bed next to each other. Sheera looked down and smiled at them, kissing them dainty on the heads. Yala looked on with a softness, and was even a little confused. Vermin were creatures she did not know even knew affection, even for family, so it was a surprise for her to see Sheera and her husband to be so careful with their little ones.

"Maybe a few more moments." Sheera whispered to herself and then quickly left. She stopped once she closed the door, looking coldly at her slave "Grab 'Mud', and get to work cleaning the main court and tables. I want it spotless, slavebeast."

"Yes, mam." Yala was about to go off, but was grabbed by Sheera and forced back to face her. Sheera pointed one of her claws at her "Once you start hearing them get up, those two go straight to the baths. Check on them often, ya hear? Tell the bigger one of ya to keep that runt away fer now till me young'uns are clean. Make sure dat runt be clean too while ya at it."

Yala knew that she meant Kelp and his mother Olda, who would be appearing soonish no doubt. The Rivercrosses were a fairly private bunch as she would come to learn, who were far more recently captured than she was. Yala came out as Sheera went to pester Karlgo who had appeared in her presence only to be shoved into an office, followed closely by Vake.

Yala came up to 'Mud', already getting down on his knees and wringing out piece of cloth to begin the long task of once again cleaning the floors of the Brownnose manor.

"I swear." Yala whispered "That ratess gets more grumpy by the day."

"She is anxious for her husband." 'Mud' nodded, handing off a cloth to Yala as the two began their long work. "Good thing you aren't grumpy then, Dakab. Your brother and all that."

"I try not to think about it."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Oh no, sorry myself." 'Mud' fumbled his words as he moved his paw in a circular motion. 'Mud' paused and retracted his paw when his accidentally rubbed up again Yala's. Both blinked as 'Mud' blushed and again apologized. "Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe we should-"

"I think we're doing fine, right?" Yala smiled, her face turning a bit red. 'Mud' gave a stupid looking smile in turn, scratching the back of his head and unsure what to say. Yala had been with them for half a season thus far, but he was beginning to feel something for her. He returned to his tasks as the two cleaned the court's floor together.
_

Vake shouldered his orange cloak and marched with his halberd in paw to the side of Markem's throne. Raised up higher then others on a small platform which looked down at the court, Vake was joined by others who slowly crowded into the room. Most were the higher beasts of Gholand, the non-advisors and courtiers of Markem's realm who had come to make partisans or to be a supporting presence. Normally, Markem's captains would take on such roles, but the army was far off, conquering Mossflower and Vake awaited for Sheera to come to fulfill her duties.

Karlgo meekly followed Sheera Brownnose to the throne as she took her place upon it, and sat comfortably upon it. She looked about the room as she scolded the creatures within, a mix of vermin and woodlanders. Most who had come were elderly chiefs, the leaders of Markem's various tributaries who had been summoned by Sheera to appear today as she leaned forward.

"Come forth, the lot of ya. No need to squander any more of my time as ya already do."

The chiefs, who had been off to one side came forward, all five of them. There were more, but these chiefs had been summoned personally by Sheera. 'Mud' and Yala came into the room, carrying some drinks for the vermin who had been waiting. 'Mud' watched, somewhat concerned as Sheera looked down with a dark eye upon the group of gathered chiefs.

"You five. You are late in giving up food for Gholand and sending supplies south to support my husband."

Vake more formally reiterated Sheera's complaints to them "You promised much, but gave little. That is what the vermin captains are saying. You had been put under the service of the Great Vermin Band and the realm. We demand to know why you delay." 'Mud' felt a shiver when Vake spoke, his deep and cold voice always frightened him. The chief looked amongst themselves, almost baffled and whispered. One of the chiefs, an elderly sea otter came forward, taking off a peasant's cap which held firmly in his paws, frightfully speaking to Sheera and Vake, although he looked to Karlgo and appealed more to him.

"My lords, we-"

"Masters." Sheera angrily corrected. The elder frowned and gulped, correcting himself "My, erm, masters. Please, there were a few incidents. We intended to send what was promised, truly, but the vermin garrisons sent to us have been cruel to us. We'd have tended to our fields, but they conscripted us to build them big houses and tend them. My friend tells me they built one such home over his own garden! Another had their cart stolen, and-"

"Excuses." Sheera sat back in the throne, looking down at the elder. 'Mud' continued to pass out drinks, listening in as Karlgo came forward and flipped through one of his tomes.

"Y-yes, captain Breadlaw I believe. One of the newer captains, out of the eastern plateau. A bit of a shame, but nothing that Markem isn't willing to forgive. The captains claim your villagers have been lazy, which of course means we will need to send investigators and-"

"Too much time." Sheera snapped at Karlgo, which made him silence himself "Me husband is fighting a bleeding war, and I won't have layabouts making bold claims about our own, or going back on our pacts. Ya will provide what you promised, or consider your worm laden village liquidated." Sheera warned. The elder gulped and tried to speak up. "Mam, please, we don't even know where to start. We need time and-"

"Vake, if this beast speaks again, take a leg." Sheera boringly said. The elder quickly silenced himself and backed away as Vake grunted with satisfaction. The elders began to leave, speaking ill in whispers as 'Mud' sighed as he continued to go about the room. He met with Yala half way, listening to a complex order of a fat vermin elder who was lounging in the open court, asking for delicate meals which both otters knew would not be coming out. Yet, their attention was drawn to a couple of soldiers, who were escorting an angry looking squirrel to the center of the room. The guards angrily kicked the squirrel down as 'Mud' recognized him almost immediately as one of Lefen's former rebels who was brought to Gholand only recently.

Sheera and Vake were informed by one of the captains of Markem's special request of the treatment of such prisoners, ones which Sheera was very quick to ignore. The squirrel was older, looking up at Vake with special anger as the fox grunted in his direction "You are one of Markem's former slaves, re-enslaved and brought here to work. You spit in the face of Markem's mercy by insulting your betters."

The squirrel looked Vake up and down, before angrily spitting in his direction. For his act, he was quickly beaten over the head by one of his captors. The elder otter chief turned to the tormented beast, and returned to the court, his face wide eyed with fear and surprise.

Sheera arose from the throne and moved close to the would-be rebel and looked down at him "It's a wonder me husband would spare ya at all." She held her paws to the side and turned her nose up at him "Insulting is grave crime for a slavebeast."

"It bein well deserved." The squirrel grunted "That wretch sent me to yer husband's pit to languish cause he didn't like the way I looked at him. Tried to do so again, even."

"Then that beast may be getting his wish." Sheera looked to Vake more than Karlgo for advice. Vake was a great intimidator in many ways, but 'Mud' could tell that Sheera was a bit too reliant on his advice. Vake however surprised the rat mother, speaking in a lawful way "Markem's laws are paramount. Three lashes for the effort is sufficient."

Karlgo spoke up "And naturally, Vake, a look into that overseer. Can't be having half our slaves in the pit because of bad looks, can we?"

"Gutan's problem." Vake yawned. Karlgo frowned, but Vake rolled his eyes and spoke again "I will take care of it, but this is Gutan's problem still."

Sheera looked back at the slave, and spat "Make it six lashes, and if it complains, sent them to The Pit."

"M-my lady." The elderly otter came forward, bowing his head again and speaking with a deepness "Please, this beast. I know him, he is from my village."

Sheera listened as the otter tried to beg for a mercy from her "Your husband, he is no bully to us, and we have willingly joined him when he came to our village. If you'd please, let him come to our village to work, and-"

Sheera held up her paw, and then changed her mood, chiding him "You are late on yer tribute to me husband, and now ask me to just hand over some bleeding rebel to you. I won't take such insults in me home, water dog."

"I-I, I didn't mean-"

"You want one of our slaves, you need to give two in turn." Sheera grunted. The elderly chief looked shocked, stumbling his words, in which Sheera up the stakes of her game "You got sons an' daughters, right? They got families of their own? Provide one of those families for Gholand to take up rope collars, an ya can have this beast. Ya don't, I'm sending it straight to The Pit to perish."

The elder otter regretted his attempts at mercy, but Sheera was more interested in the squirrel's shocked reaction. Sheera expected cowardice from woodlanders to take such deals, but there was always that hint at bravery and resistance. After a short pause, and an exchange between the two older beasts, the otter sniffed and meekishly relented. Sheera snapped at Vake to oversee such an exchange, but her attention turned to one beast in particular who was watching, one which concerned her. 'Mud' looked at Sheera with anger, a face which squinted at her which had never seen the otter give before. Sheera grunted and excused the court, beckoning 'Mud' to her side as she made her way towards her children's playroom, where they and Kelp were having a session of pretend war amongst their figurines.

Sheera turned to 'Mud' whose face was now much colder and sadder, the ratess stopping once the two were alone as 'Mud' came to attention. The grayish rat mother squinted at him. "Ya look like your in some manner of poor mood, slavebeast."

"I'm sorry you think so, mam." 'Mud' said, with a hint of seriousness.

"Is it cause of me decisions, ya think me cruel for doing that?"

'Mud' looked at her, his lip quivered a bit, wanting to say something but Sheera knew he would never do so. It was odd to know 'Mud' or his brother had opinions, she expected it from Yala or some newer slave. "If I allow ya to speak yer mind, I won't punish you like I did them."

"Truly, mam?" 'Mud' asked. Sheera raised an eyebrow and slowly nodded "It is noticeable when one of me husband's slaves gives me a look like that. If ya were any other beast, I'd have ya lashed for it."

"Markem doesn't need the lash to get others into line, Sheera." 'Mud' spoke honestly, his voice being serious "I can't speak much on it, but if your asking if I disapprove of such things, then yes. I do."

"Of course ya would say that." Sheera said with mock understanding "It's cause ya woodlanders are bunch of soft hearted fools, with not an inch of verminous blood in yer bodies. Ya aren't intimidating, slave, and ya ain't ever going to be."

"Perhaps, bu-" 'Mud' was grabbed by his rope collar and pulled straight into a wall with a harsh slam. His eyes widened with fear as Sheera took her claw and pointed at the otter's nose, her eyes full of anger as she spitefully spoke to him.

"Ya stupid creatures are amazing in your naivity as much as yer softness towards basic facts of life, 'Mud'. Lest you ever forget, yet a slave of me husband an' a slave to me. I don't want ya to have an opinion or make yer dumb faces in me direction or anything else fer dat matter. Ya exist to serve yer betters, an' dat is it. Only reason I tolerate ya at all cause me husband thinks highly of ya an' yer brother, but that can change real quick if I know ya don't respect me. Yer a tame beast, and dat be der only reason I allow ya around me kids."

Sheera launched 'Mud' forward, as he fell to the ground. He was about to get up but Sheera growled "Stay der." 'Mud' didn't move, laid out on the ground as she walked around him and faced him.

"Stay like dat till yer out of me sights and rejoin me in cleanen up dem youngsters, you stupid and meekish creature. Ya look at me like dat ever again, 'Mud', an ya will be rolling in it till yer days grow dark. Now say 'Thank ya, Sheera.' "

'Mud' didn't mumble, only slowly blurting out from the ground of the floor "Thank you, Sheera."

Sheera grunted and went off as 'Mud' laid there. Once gone and disappearing down a corridor of the manor, the otter slowly arose and dusted himself off. He fixed up his shirt and the rope collar around his neck, and gave a deep sigh. In a way, he felt ashamed for not being bothered by such things, slowly working himself up to being normal as he went down the corridor toward where Sheera had gone. He tugged at the rope around his neck awkwardly, saddened as he went about his duties.
_

Mard and Maiz burst onto the scene of the emptied court by the later afternoon, followed closely by Kelp. The younger otter fell on his face trying to keep up, Mard looking back with dramatic concern to make sure his playmate was alright as he was joined by him as they chased each other about the room. Sheera was smiling as she entered, her eyes kept onto her children like a hawk as she was shouldered by a depressed 'Mud' and Karlgo who was discussing some of his concerns, as well as handing out his advice.

"Sheera, I would never a billion seasons ever question your authority, but are we perhaps being too harsh? If word spreads that we are stealing away beasts and families to be slaves here in Gholand, maybe-"

Sheera gave him a harsh look and he backed away "Maybe then they shouldn't be trying to speak up in the defense of a beast who nearly killed yer boss, an' me husband. All of those laborers who came here are a result of me husband having a soft heart towards woodlanders, but dat don't mean I will show em' softness. We can't show it, especially now."

'Mud' resisted an attempt to sigh, looking out over at Mard, Maiz, and Kelp playing as they ducked beneath tables and reappeared farther off. Sheera made her way towards the throne, scoffing at the idea of Markem's mercy "I swear, me husband, I love him but he troubles me with such things! If he ends up senden Lefen here in ropes, sayen to keep him locked up till he be done in Mossflower, I'll skin both of der hides."

Sheera only meant it as a joke, but the wide eyes from Karlgo got her more upset "Oh, don't give me dat look, fox."

"Sorry your most gracious highness."

Sheera rolled her eyes as she sat down, looking towards the door where she heard commotion outside. Her eyes squinted as the room became more silent, her youngsters looking at the door, hearing a soft sound on the otherside.

"Away away, come and see, for a coming king.

Light the candles, bake the cakes, for all the earth will quake

A great beast commeth from yonder north, with sword of fine silver thrill

With breasts of power and showered in a golden suit an' still

All hail the beast from Gholand, and all who follow him

For soon his might will turn the Long Patrol to flight

And charge forth, never to be still"

The song grabbed everyone's attention, the soft and high pitched voice as the door suddenly swung open with a sudden motion and a mouse with a feathered cap was there. The mouse was in a fine set of clothes, a flute in his paw which he played quite fervently as he marched in. Sheera's eyes went wide with fear, not at the mouse entering singing his songs, but his companions. A grim looking hare stood to the mouse's right, and a fully grown and armed badger to his left. Well armed, they were not alone, closely marching next to them and having a hard time keeping up were members of Hazul's tribe, the black water rats tried to keep pace with them.

Mard and Maiz looked mystified as the group walked in, and Kelp just looked confused. The mouse came up to one, which got Sheera to immediately rise and try to yell at them, but the mouse smiled and produced a flower from his camp to give to Maiz through a sly of his paw, as if making it appear like magic "Oh aren't you the most adorable little one these old and tired eyes have ever seen, hmm?"

Sheera was beside herself as the two companions of the mouse stopped and approached, giving a dramatic bow "My dear lady, Sheera Brownnose! I am Hesan Whiteflower, the Good Song of Mossflower, the Bard of Many Adventures and so forth! I am Lord of dance and of the fine leaves of summer's end, and the bringer of joys which shall be without end!" Sheera looked baffled, but she could hear her children laughing. In a soft voice, Hesam approached and motioned one of the unamused rats of Lefer's tribe to approach who spoke to her in shamed whispers

"Me lady, yer husband bids these envoys to ya. Dey come from a different horde-"

"Horde!?" Sheera said in anger, turning her fury on the three "Hesam is it? Der hell ya dink ya are to come into me court like dis!? I-"

"My lady, we are The Companions!" Hesam yelled with pride. He swaggered closer and gave a firm smile "We are friends to your husband, and as I hope my friend is saying, envoys of the Greeneyed Horde. Your husband, oh great warlord of the Great Vermin Band! When he returns from yonder victory at Redwall, he shall be coming with a thousand glories, and a tapestry to match your fineness."

'Mud' stood by Sheera, giving a strange look to them. Malgor was staring back, folding his paws. Vogar took his place more silently to the side, looking around rather impressed at the structure around him. Sheera approached Hesam, unsure what to make of them. Lefer's rats were not known for being dishonest, but there were hairs raising on the back of her neck. Karlgo looked shocked, but smiled "Oh? Markem sends you as envoys of another horde? I am surprised your masters have not decided to ally with us while Markem was on the march."

"Your husband is cautious, perhaps unreasonably so." Malgor coldly spoke. Sheera raised an eyebrow to this statement as Hesam played along. "We represent no normal horde, but the Greeneyes themselves, tell me youngsters, do you know whom'st the greeneyes are?"

Hesam came over, bending down to Mard, Maiz, and Kelp. While the rats shook their heads, Kelp smiled and spoke up "Aye, they'd be dem cats whom Martin the Warrior chased out of Mossflower!"

"Aye! Good lad, and a smart one too! You know your history well." Kelp smiled widely, as Maiz giggled "You're a funny speaking mouse. Can ya play us some songs?"

"Oh I can, with your dear mother's permission."

Sheera sighed, but spoke up again "Ya be woodlanders, yet ya don't like or act like slaves. Dis horde ya serve. Why send ya to me?"

"Complications, wot." Vogar corrected, and then warmly smiled "Twas not an easy thing considering how bad the council was, and our lord is very picky and unaware of your existence as you know of them."

"Scarl ain't know fer bad council, just bein too nosey." Sheera admitted. Malgor smirked and quickly spoke, his eyes still set on 'Mud' who had not moved an inch. "The ferret was more agreeable then your husband's slavebeast, the one with the sword."

'Mud' frowned and a couple thoughts came into his head as Hesam snapped at Malgor "Oh, shush you, such a beast had good reason to be distrustful of beasts such as us, eh? Not everyday a beast like ourselves reveal our true colors to every creature we meet! There is so much to tell, and so much to discuss!"

Sheera turned to 'Mud' her eyes at first showed some manner of paranoia towards him. 'Dirt' given council, now dat be der real joke. Yet, dat beast is as silent as a grave at times, towards me even. What gets a beast like dat to speak up? 'Mud' looked back at her, showing confusion and trouble. The two exchanged glances before returning her attention to the Companions. "We got much to discuss den, Hesam Whiteflower, but yer weapons. Especially yers, badger. Leave em' at der door in me presence. We will discuss de's matters more formally an-"

"Can we get a song now, ma?" Mard asked. Sheera slowly nodded "Fine, Hesam Whiteflower, ya were singing a song of me husband it sounded like. Perhaps ya can compose one of me husband's victory against der Long Patrol, eh?"

"Oh, I shall! Yet first, all I but ask if that we have proper and better rooms, hmm?"

Sheera looked to 'Mud', his eyes more cold as he nodded "I shall find you rooms, sirs."

"Good, slavebeast." Malgor huffed, sitting down and smiling. 'Mud' went off as Sheera listened as her youngsters and her friend came to the front, listening in as Hesam charmed them with a bright and beautiful song.

"Proud and noble the rat did come, his name was Kasg the Black Cladded Rat

His cold legions poured forth into Mossflower proper, his armies endless and black

They say he stood at the back! A craven, a baggard, a fool who ruled the high north

A builder of roads and provider of cheese

A creature who owned many slavebeasts!

Yet where is he now? Dead and forgotten, buried deep underground.

Slain by a hare whose strike was true! Fought to a bitter end by Jue!

The hares of the Long Patrol were brave and strong, as is the years go on

Until a rat came back from the north, much braver and strong!

A rat named Cluny was powerful and brave, came to Redwall with a mighty host

Yet where is the rat who slew and butchered his way from coast to coast?

Dead and buried, deep underground, long and forgotten as well

He came from the north as well, slain by a small, pathetic mouse

Many have tried, many have proclaimed, they would put Mossflower to the sword

But only one beast who dared to try, was a beast with a hare's sword!

Markem, the brownnose rat, won battle after battle and so!

For soon he shall win once again, his banner over Redwall's tall walls!

Every beast will bend knee, to the Lord of all Vermin and more.

The master of all slavebeasts will come once again

And sorely make them take flight!

For where will the badger lord of Salamandastron be, if not deep in fright!"
_

At the foot of Gholand, Luzgot and his retinue approached. At his coming, the gates began to open, as the warlord of Luzland marched through with a confident grin on his face, his spymaster and captain Garzlo kept his head down and close to his lord's side and Snackfur looked on as a stoic soldier, his vermin guard marching behind them. Luzgot couldn't have been happier today than he had ever been, as he had little to tell Sheera and a lot of news to receive.

Luzgot gave a pained smile, whispering to Garzlo as they made their way into Gholand, passing by vermin families, running children, and slaves doing their menial work. "Be sure ya get dem spies to tell us what we need to know. Markem no doubt is haven a less den fun time fighten those two idiots down der."

Garzlo frowned, but he nodded regardless "As ya say chief. Though, hopefully they hate Markem more den dey hate each other."

"Of course they bleeding hate Markem more." Luzgot scoffed "Markem is a soft fool, more concerned wit der comfort of his slaves den with dealing with real issues, like Lefen and Zangan. Besides, once Parb is done killing dat wretch, an' Goba's little gift of her demise to her causes dat army to rout, we'll make our real move. Dem armies will start coming north in retreat, an' all we'd have to do den is worry about dat fool zealot Hazul."

The Luzland vermin ascended the stairs leading up to Markem's manor, with Garzlo still trying to argue with his chief, trying in desperation without getting on his paws and knees to make his warlord see some manner of reason "Chief, yer a smart one, yet we can't just assume der best! Markem is a softie, yes, but when he is killed we'd still have to deal wit der consquences an' fallout. If one beasts breaths a bad word our way, we're dead fer sure."

Luzgot rolled his eyes "Yer der real idiotic type, ya know dat Garzlo? I secured Markem's victory. Even if Lefen told him, or any of his beasts, not even dat ferret pet of his is goin to believe dat I sent dem to harass dem. Dey dink me tame cause dey think me horde is in Markem's pockets, but once dey see a real warlord work, like all der rest dey come crawling back to der betters, singen me praises. Not even Cluny the Scourge could do what I had did at Moss Field, eh. Even if one part of our plan fails, we did more den enough damage to cause dat horde to fall apart."

Snackfur grumbled, supportive of his chief "Yer too paranoid, Garzlo. Besides, even Scarl's spy be in our employ, dats gotta count fer something."

"It, erm, does hopefully. Though, yer bodyguard is also-"

"At Luzland, dinkn he is holding down der fort once I offered him a captainship." Luzgot smirked.

The group walked into the manor, as Luzgot growled at the brightness of Markem's court, keeping his paws within his cloak. The rat waltzed in, although he stopped in surprise to see a bunch of woodlanders sitting and heartily eating. Hesam and Vogar looked up at Luzgot who was staring back confused, noticing their fine clothes and weapons, without a rope collar around their necks. Sheera sat on the throne, looking down with disgust, Karlgo and Vake to her side with only the otter slaves mostly missing. 'Mud' made an appearance rather suddenly, coming out with a pitcher of wine for Sheera to drink. 'Mud' looked at Luzgot who got closer, and then to Sheera as if awaiting her command.

"Go grab dem drinks, 'Mud'. An tell Yala to bring us some meats."

"Of course, mam."

Luzgot nudged his head at Hesam who greeted him with a fine voice "Ah, and who might this be, lady Brownnose?"

"Luzgot, mouse. Warlord Luzgot." Snackfur growled at him, but the mouse didn't seem all that intimidated. Vake growled back at the rat captain "Speak ill of Markem's envoys again, rat, and see what happens."

Snackfur shut himself up once Vake spoke, knowing full well the violence that could be swiftly inflicted upon him by the fox. Luzgot stood at attention, and spoke up "Me journey to Tussock wasn't harsh, but not without incident. Erm-" Luzgot felt distracted by Hesam, whose presence was confusing him "Dem hares are senden weapons der way to the garrisons, as requested. Scouts of course report nutten, as always. So ya can rest easy fer der next month knowen Long Patrol scum ain't seek our demise just yet."

"That is good to hear, cause I still need ya to raise an army in Luzland." Sheera coldly replied.

"Raise an army?"

"Yes, because you are marching on Great Marsh." Sheera gritted her teeth and spoke with a harsh manner, gripping her forehead.

"Me husband sent word, Lefen an' dat fox Zangan had attacked der supply caravans on der road, causen trouble. Even dem shrews and otters apparently showed der ugly faces to try to break up der ferry. Me husband won a great victory Luzgot, beat both Zangan an' Lefen in battle, crushed both raiders wit ease."

The jovial face of Luzgot began to soften and mold into horror as he continued to listen, with Garzlo only frowning in suspected disappointment. None noticed, all except Hesam who was keeping an eye on the rat warlord.

"Crushed?" Luzgot tried to keep back his surprise, he had many expectations, but for Markem to destroy both sounded impossible. Lefen and Zangan both were terrors which should have taken seasons for Markem to root out even one, as Sheera continued.

"Aye, crushed. Don't sound so disappointed, Luzgot. Markem sent back a number of prisoners to us, especially from Lefen's little groupings. Crushed dem at a village, ambushed both forces as they were tearing into each other, but dat is no longer der main concern. Parb tried to poison me husband and fled back to her hold in der north. Parb an her brother likely is gonna try to raid us, an' me husband wants der heads. Ya are to lead a force to Great Marsh an' lay siege to it. Starve em' out, an' let em rot der. It'll give ya somethen to do at least." Sheera scolded Luzgot as much as commanded him, but was squinting her eyes when she could see how shocked the rat looked.

And how couldn't he be?

Garzlo had been trying to be optimistic, but now the absolute worst scenario had just happened in a single sitting. Zangan and Lefen were effectively dead in more way than one, their forces basically scattered back north and no doubt they would come looking for them next. Parb had not only failed, but now it is believed she is returning to Great Marsh, and when she does, Garzlo could only hope Goba had taken control. Luzgot half expected Vake to come down from his perch to put his halberd into his stomach, but the group was only party relieved to find that their involvement wasn't found out, yet.

"Somethen der matter, Luzgot?"

"N-nothing." Luzgot gave a pained laugh, chuckling "Just funny ya know, thinken dat Parb would try to poisen yer husband is all. Cause, hehe, ya know, I-"

"Finish that sentence Luzgot and you'll be limping your way home." Sheera scoffed. Luzgot frowned and turned and was heading out "R-right, Greatmarsh. It'll be back in der horde's grasp soon enough, eh?"

Luzgot was truthfully wanting to seethe, his anger boiling. Garzlo and Snackfur kept a small distance from him as he began to walk out. There were a lot of wonders and horrors going through the rat's head which made him look haunted. It would not take very long for Markem to realize his plans if Lefen or Zangan had been captured, but it also wouldn't take Parb long to get her revenge on him. Parb was smarter than any beast here, and he knew he had to be extra cautious with what he drank.

"My lord, Luzgot!" Hesam yelled out. The rat stopped and turned, seeing the mouse smiling "Perhaps stay a bit longer, enjoy a drink and rest. No doubt such a beast like this Parb is going anywhere." Hesam arose from his table, snapping at 'Mud' to grab him a drink which he did. Pushed away from the mouse, Hesam brought a drink to Luzgot who took it and looked down with a depression on it. Hesam spoke more softly, his eyes peering between two guards who stood at the doors.

"I wish you well good rat, for Markem's sake, to be rid of such creatures. You have more friends than you think." Hesam winked, taking a swig. Luzgot raised an eyebrow and took a good look at his drink. He slowly drank as he had a sudden realization. He called up at Sheera "Me beasts need rest, Sheera. May I stay for but a day?"

Karlgo nodded to Sheera and she nodded back at Luzgot. The rat and mouse spoke softly to each other, exchanging information common to them, all the while 'Mud's' eyes squinted in their direction, unsure of what to make of it. However, his wondering was quickly put on hold, as he was swiftly nudged by Karlgo to grab more drink and food for the vermin court.
_

Garzlo looked around the storeroom in the late evening of Gholand's keep, looking for slaves who may have wandered in, or any manner of hiding hole which could creep in some beast. Snackfur was acting as a distraction for Sheera and her household for now, arguing over supplies and mundane tactics in Markem's office. Officially, Luzgot was touring the keep with Hesam's friends under guard, but Garzlo had a plan for that too. Vogar would act drunk, causing another distraction to allow Hesam, Malgor, and Luzgot to speak their minds under Sheera's nose. Luzgot and Hesam slowly entered the room, although as Garzlo came to meet them, he frowned seeing Vogar and Malgor as well. Garzlo came up to them and angrily whispered.

"The guards, hare. Ya know were trying to be subtle, right?"

Vogar coldly shot back "Paid off and turned around, wot. They won't bother us."

Garzlo slapped his face with frustration "You bleeding fool, they are black clads! They won't take a bribe the-"

"They took the bribe, ya idiot." Garzlo felt a claw at the back of his neck and was pushed aside. Garzlo silenced himself as he stood by his warlord, as Vogar continued "Told them we wanted to try the finery of Markem's storage, and of course our dear rat here also wants some fine cheeses and ales. Besides, they won't tell anyone."

"How'd ya know." Garzlo asked skeptically. Vogar smirked "Because, vermin, they won't be around for much longer. We got enough money as it is to keep them satisfied till we are done." Garzlo could only think of one word as he listened. Reckless. He kept still as Luzgot looked them up and down, still unsure of them.

"Who are ye?"

"Envoys, my good rat, from the realm of Mossflower but with masters in Sandbeach. We are the Companions, great heroes and followers of Jue the Warrior if you so heard of him, and near conquerors of his home. If you so wish, my lord, perhaps you have heard of my tales of-"

"Who are you." Luzgot spoke more harshly. Malgor scoffed "We are here to put Markem Brownnose and his ambitions into an early grave, rat. Satisfied?"

"No. Not really." Luzgot growled, but once Malgor began to growl back the rat began to back away. Hesam chuckled a bit "Does the former prince of Salamandastron scare you, rat?"

Garzlo asked meekishly "P-prince?"

"Aye, soon to be lord." Malgor grunted "Once the Greeneyes are done with that mountain anyway."

Hesam was nudged by Vogar to continue, and he huffed "Yes, yes. We are in the employ of Milo Greeneyes, the rightful lord of Mossflower who sent his vast horde to bring this land back under vermin rule. He has paid us handsomely in various ways for such services, even though of course we are rich ourselves. I of course desire nothing more than to help any ally of my lord, and I have come to bring a message to you on his behalf."

"For me?" Luzgot sounded intrigued, but Garzlo squinted his eyes in suspicion.

"Yes, for you alone to hear. Markem did send us here thinking we are ambassadors to a potential ally, but what he doesn't know is perhaps for the best. My lord will have no other king before him, for he truly is the lord of all vermin, and master of all slaves. Milo has heard of your tales, and he desires a more powerful, stronger, less soft beast to rule his realm here in the northeast. If you but swear yourself to his cause, he will make you lord here, of Markem's own realm, and all his vermin and slaves will be yours, given to you by a cat's paw and allies from all across the western world."

"You would give dis so freely?" Garzlo asked. Luzgot looked almost embarrassed for his spymaster to challenge such a thing, but Hesam wasn't going to take the chance to allow the rat a free thought "Why yes, why wouldn't he? Milo desires a powerful ally, and here he is! If your horde can take Gholand, my lord will arrive with thousands of vermin at his back, practically stomping on his tail! He'll remove your enemies and protect you from Markem's horde, who will scatter when that beast tries to retake his lands from you."

"Sieges are long an' deadly, chief." Garzlo spoke up, a bit more bravely. Luzgot growled "Oh be silent Garzlo."

"Yes, be silent ver-" Malgor folded his paws and was about to verbally smack down the ferret, but Garzlo growled "If you are lord of Salamandastron, why are you here then, hmm? Chief, if der is an army on der coast readying invasion, it is clearly been halted at dat mountain fortress. Its been der dis whole time, no doubt der reason why we didn't see a badger lord at Moss Field! Boss, taking Gholand will be just as hard, an dis deal requires us to take der fort, and ya know how accursed vermin pacts can be."

Luzgot shut his mouth, and thought it over. It did make sense, as Hesam quickly changed tune "Well, still. Perhaps my lord can be a bit dramatic, but having claimed Markem's land is good enough, and-"

"See, boss." Garzlo angrily raised his paw at Hesam, who looked angrily upon the ferret. "He be changing his story already! De's workbeasts are tryen to scam ya, no doubt like how dey claim to be der Warrior of Redwall's companions! Sieges could very well take seasons, an' Sheera has a large enough garrison to keep us here till Markem comes back wit der horde!"

"Funny for you to assume she will be around to see it." Vogar smirked. Garzlo silenced himself as Vogar came forward and grimly chastised the ferret. "We may not have weapons, but we do have Malgor. We'll get our things and remove the pests from the keep. By the time you arrive with your horde, there will not be a single beast of authority here to greet you. Give us enough time, and we can put the blame on those slavebeasts wandering about the keep."

Garzlo sighed but nodded "If ya can do that, truly, den we may have some chance, but der reinforcements ya promise. Dey-"

"They will arrive on time once we return." Hesam added. Luzgot smiled, showing his fangs as he excitedly rubbed his paws together at the prospect. He took his paw and extended it "Den yer lord has me, round ears. Tell em dat Gholand, Luzland, Jusbrag, an Great Marsh are mine, but dey will be his as well, eh!"

Hesam extended his paws and shook as the group exited the storeroom. Hesam and his Companions exchanged looks with their corrupt guards who took them on a shortened tour around, as Luzgot and Garzlo lagged behind. Garzlo tried to argue with Luzgot, unsure of Hesam's actions and plans.

"Boss, we don't even know if dey be tellen der truth! Ya really wanna put all of our eggs into one basket!? If dey do got reinforcements, we don't know how far away dey are, an-"

"An what? Dem folk seem real enough to me. Look, we don't got much choice, lest ya forget. Markem will find out eventually, an' even if dey are late, we can hold out in forts till reinforcements arrive!" Luzgot whispered as they bounded the keep's corners and arrived back in the throne room "An besides, if dey got an army at Salamandastron, dey'll have an army up here before long as well. When Sheera be dead an' buried, we can just march on in an' make ourselves truly at home."

"Chief, I-"

"Discuss it further, Garzlo, an' you'll be picking teeth off der ground." Luzgot angrily smiled and harshly nudged his captain. Once sitting at the tables again, Sheera and Snackfur came out. The two had been discussing tactics for what felt like hours, with Sheera scoffing at many of Snackfur's concerns "You have armies in Luzland, don't ya? Can't ya just surround them then?"

"Like I said, we'll need boats an' marines. Lusket might have some in his camp, Sheera."

"Den bleeding take it den." She grunted. Snackfur nodded, and quickly returned to Luzgot. Sheera felt tired as she sat down on the throne once again. As she sat down and looked onward at the door, she really didn't want more news today. She felt bad enough hosting Hesam and his friends, who were making their impression on her children once again. Mard and Maiz came into the room, where they asked Hesam for another song, which he quickly provided.

The doors swung suddenly open, with Vake and some of his thugs dragging in some silver cloaked vermin. Although a weasel of bright orange fur, he was older and horrified as the gruff of his neck was forced into the room and dropped to the ground. Vake held his halberd in paw, and looked at Mard and Maiz and then to Sheera. He knew better not be violent around her pups as Sheera snapped at Yala who quickly came to scoop them up, with Hesam following to calm them. The silver cloaked vermin didn't give up, yelling and weeping "Oh seasons! Oh seasons!"

Luzgot and his retinue looked onward at the creature with the rat warlord rising. Sheera gave a confused look to the horde's sheriff who grunted "We found this beast wandering near us, we thought him a scout."

"Cause he likely is." Snackfur scoffed. However, a quick and angry glance from Vake towards the rat captain got him to be silent. Vake nudged the frightened Great Marsh vermin who whimpered before them. He slowly arose and begged Sheera "I-I didn't know! We truly didn't me lady! Markem been good to us, and-"

"I don't want yer excuses. Ya an envoy?"

"I-I came here to seek help." The vermin answered back. Vake grunted as Sheera looked amused "Help? Yer mistress wants help after she tried to kill me husband, hmm? Is dis some kinda joke or trick?"

"N-no." The vermin said frightened, but Vake growled at him as he came forward again "Me-me lady, der was a mutiny. In Great Marsh."

"Mutiny?" Luzgot raised his voice. The silver clad vermin shook his head "Y-yes. Goba, me lady. He-he murdered so many. Great Marsh was taken, I barely got out wit me life! I-"

Vake grunted and ended this conversation as he yelled up "Parb isn't at Great Marsh, Sheera. If she is, we'd know. Goba has also murdered Markem's investigators, my own, sent to reign them in. He is a rogue."

"Luzgot." Sheera turned in his direction "I would like you to go now, and grab yer stinken horde an put an end to this. Go quickly, an' if ya find Parb, I want dat Mink's head on a pike! Go! Now!" Luzgot arose and nodded and quickly began to march out the door. Garzlo looked to his chief, a dark grin coming across his face with his back to Sheera.

---

It was earlier in the morning as Goba sat in Great Marsh's feasting hall, admiring the grim and damp ruin around him. He sat on a stone throne, partly cracked with a table close to him, with two of his favored friends by his side who looked around. The hall was teeming with vermin from the entire horde, with some of their families in tow, as Goba took the responsibilities as Great Marshe's regent very seriously. The Minks of his family have been kind to the few vermin they allowed into their presence, with water dividing them and potential threats. Goba sipped from a fine goblet, pouring his sister's wine into it and admiring the taste. One of his sister's slaves poured another glass for him, not even regarding his presence as he looked around. Danza was not far from his side, the hunched over Mink was practically under the table as she patted her paws together in anxious waiting.

His two friends next to him nodded to two captains who brought in a special cask of fruity wine from the far east and began to fill silver cups with. The vermin began to pass out cups, instructing the vermin to not drink of it yet as the captains of Great Marsh feasted on the finest breads, greens, and meats their silver could buy. The slave of course could be heard weeping and crying not far from the hall, but were drowned out by the jokes and laughter of the vermin soldiers who made all manner of mocking jokes.

Two vermin of Gholand were pushed into the room, bound in heavy chains, forced to their knees in front of the warlord regent who smirked in their direction. They had been sent to Great Marsh on behalf of Gutan to bring Markem's new rules and order to the mine, but now had spent the last two days mining themselves. The vermin in their silver clothes jeered in their direction.

"Oh would ya look at de's soft crumblings, eh? Yer boss gonna try to come to Great Marsh, tellen Parb an' us what we can an' can't do?"

"Ha! I say de's two need a good lashing to remind dem, chief!"

The two vermin stared up at Goba, one who looked frightened and desperate, the other with a fiery anger. Goba knew the frightened one was from Mossflower, but his bigger companion was a newer member of Hazul's tribe, an older black fox with painted white sigils upon his fur to show his fealty. Goba scoffed quite openly as he mocked the fox "I know Hazul far more well than you, that leashed rat would have killed you if not for Markem's insistence. Why join such a tribe?"

The fox remained silent, disturbingly so, his eyes actually peering at something beside him which made his eyes almost open with a secret fright, but kept his attention on Goba. Goba looked around as one of the vermin smacked the prisoner "Der chief asken ya a question, softie. Answer em."

"I'll answer, if ya spare me!" The companion spoke "Oh good sir, please, we only meant to do Markem's will, well be silent we sw-"

"I don't like that one's ears. Uron. Chop one of them off." The beast's eyes widened as his screams were heard in the hall, the laughing and merriment of the horde jeered and cheered as the crying beast rolled over in pain. Goba informed the two of their fates "My sister went south, you see. She plans to returns once a fouled deed is done to your soft master. You two come into my court, making demands, and all of a sudden you creatures are causing me trouble with nothing to back it up. Let Markem come if he is alive, I would love to see him try to assault these walls. However, your heads will be there to greet them."

"P-please!" The chained companion yelled, gripping his missing ear. Goba looked to the fox of Hazul's tribe, still looking slightly to his left.

"Tell me fox, what is it you see?" Goba asked "Before my captains remove your head of course?"

"You will perish here, in dis place." The black fox looked back towards Goba "I was no believer before, prisoner to the Leffers when I wandered into der lands. Markem had dem take me into der tribe, an' seasons preserve me to know I will perish as one. Yet I see yer death, mink. I see it as clear as day, der an older sullen faced creature behind you, kin of yours i believe yer sister drowned in poison. You will die in de's walls." The curse was mocked by Goba who stood and snapped at his captains who drew their swords "Your little history lesson doesn't frighten me fox."

"It will, before der end." The fox gave his last reply before his head, and the head of his companion, was brutally claimed. Their bodies were taken outside, by friends of Goba who rushed past him and exchanged looks to their captains. Goba eagerly mocked and laughed the dead Gholand vermin "Zealots and idiots all! That is what Markem an' his bleeding horde will turn us into, lads!" Goba looked as some of the soldiers came into the room as the drunker vermin looked on at the regent.

"I propose a toast." He proclaimed "To my sister, and to her health." Goba raised his silver cup, but had no intention of drinking it. As was common in vermin games of loyalty, some of the vermin refused to even pick up their cups, but those loyal to Parb did to show support. Yet, nearly half the room if not more didn't, which concerned them a bit. Goba cheered "To Great Marsh's future."

Goba then drank down the fruity swill, wiping his lips quickly which made his paw blueish. He gulped down the drink, and the suspicious vermin soon did the same. Poison was their mistress's weapon, and many expected Goba to make a move, but poison wasn't his strongest suit. Yet, the lips of the vermin who drank were stained blue. Goba went back towards the throne and sat, nodding to one of the captains.

Rather suddenly, and without warning, the guards of the room put spears into the backs of vermin as screams were heard in the room. The loyal members of Parb's horde were having their throats slit or were speared to death by soldiers, with some drawing weapons in time only to be quickly overrun by the others. Some vermin began to rush out of the room, calling for alarm and mutiny, only to find their families being quickly arrested or worse, killed. "Quickly! To der pit! We can hold dem out der!"

One of Parb's captains raced a mace, an older fellow and long time follower of Parb's inner circle, having just survived an attempt on his life. The captain led the group into the inner caves at first, thinking they could barricade themselves in and plan out an attack, only to stop when a monsterous evil's huge paw gripped the side of the door, arising from the depths as if a demon from hell had unleashed it.

Zark was no mere Wearat, some say he was of the same species from the destroyed cultish city of Malkariss, some say he was the same beast from the stories. He was a massive, black haired monster with a warped face and garbed in the mockery of armor. A huge and thick silver collar adorned in spikes and dangling a padlock bearing his name adorned his neck. His belt held a whip and a net, with pairs of keys, shackles, and collars to his other side. The beast was a prisoner as much as he was the overseer of the fearful slaves of the silver mine, born in captivity and raised in cruelty by Parb and her father. The creature stood as tall as a wolverine, looking down, but the captain still had some manner of bravery due to the slavish nature of Zark who obeyed any of his orders, and Parb's especially, without question.

"Z-zark! Yer mistress's home is bein' murdered, I order ya to-"

Zark took the captain's head and snapped it around, his frightened look at his following soldier was the last thing they saw of him as Zark lumbered forward at them. The soldiers were soon trying to flee, but the beast took out his whip and began to crack them angrily the fleeing vermin, and soon was throwing his net on others which he dragged to their doom below the mine. The luckier beasts were killed by Zark, as some of the vermin dove into the waters, drowning with only a younger soldier and weasel abandoning his armor and making it to shore. Others were put out of their misery by archers who picked off the rest.

Goba came out and approached Zark, a ward of his he had been grooming since Parb had left. He granted Zark, who was speechless but yet held some manner of dark intelligence, a leg of bird which he ate happily of.

"Captain, get Zark here a nice gray cloak for him to wear, have the slaves muster a craftsman to make my fine new captain a true member of Great Marsh's horde. As promised." The traitor captain who had just tried to approach Goba nodded and went off as Zark looked over at the marsh, speaking with a garbled and corrupt voice.

"Mistress return?"

"Hopefully no, and unlikely." Goba smiled with grim satisfaction. Zark chuckled and put his whip away. "Luzgot will keep his part of the deal, and we will rule Great Marsh. Fool even thinks we will be loyal to him. I would like to see him try, once we outbid his own mercenaries and have them drop him off to me in chains."

"Add rat to mine." Zark joked. Goba nodded "You will have plenty of play things soon enough Zark. Sister is dead and gone, and now I alone rule! Now, let us clean up and get those slaves back to mining, I have some more vermin to add to the chain line. Parb's loyalists did have some families after all, not many, but enough to keep us without struggle for the next few months." Zark smiled evily and returned to his dark business, leaving Goba to look over the marshes. He thought about the fox's words briefly, but scoffed. If father could see me now, he'd be proud. I hope sister can see me, I would have given anything to see that smug grin of hers turn to horror to see how I outdid her!

Danza appeared by Goba's side again, bowing to him "Lord of Great Marsh now, my liege. Perhaps then we should be preparing for Luzgot's rebellion."

"Perhaps, but let's make sure we are safe here first."
_

Parb and Nurka trudged through the shallows farther up the River Moss, with Nurka getting driftwood to get over a large gap as the otteress slave helped her mistress cross. She had never seen her mistress so lively before, as she stood on the driftwood, looking out at the lakes and trees, untouched by civilization, woodlander or vermin. Once reaching the other side, Parb growled at her slave "I'd prefer you were faster. Every moment we delay, is another moment Luzgot has to corrupt my brother into some manner of stupid foolery."

Nurka wanted to roll her eyes, but she knew better as she pulled to the other side. Parb looked around, smiling and enjoying the fresh air and experiences as she pointed "I believe that way leads back towards the marshes, and we can follow the river up from there. Come, and don't lag behind!"

Nurka struggled to grab their things and was by her mistress's side who was marching with greater confidence and with a speed she didn't even know she had, but she realized, looking behind her grunting "Kick your feet up, and be sure to stand behind me. I don't want some wandering eye to look at our tracks." Nurka looked down and tried to do as commanded, but by the time she looked up, the Mink was already farther off. Nurka tried to keep up, hearing all manner of orders "I want you to take note of something, slavebeast. Remind me when we get back to Great Marsh that we will need to get word out to Markem and put the blame of Luzgot, and grab some of his vermin and pass them off as kidnappers. If any of Luzgot's vermin he gave me for the mine are still alive, they'll make do."

"Yes, mistress."

The two continued on until they reached the far end of the River Moss, which began to separate out towards the sea. This was a good sign, as Great Marsh sat on a large shore which separated the lower half of the Great Plateau and its wilderness to the rest of Mossflower. Nurka had wondered why they had crossed the river on the northern end of the River Moss, up until Parb chimed "If any of Markem's rats and foxes decide to hunt us, they'll be searching for hours. Luzland is on this side of the river, not far even. Now, where is it." Parb looked around near the shore as Nurka stood still, unsure of what to do.

Parb yelled "Aha! Slavebeast, come over here! Pull this out will you."

Nurka came over, seeing an old rowboat. Putting their supplies in, Parb growled and smacked her over the head "No, put the rowboat in the water, then the supplies. I don't know if it will fit both of us."

"I can swim mistress."

"I know, but your clothes are a lot more expensive than you, and they are already starting to tear."

Nurka grumbled as she took up the supplies and brought the rowboat near the water. Parb wondered why her slave wasn't being more resistant, but she was carrying all of their supplies and rations. Yet, the paranoia was gone as Nurka awaited her mistress to get in, before being ordered again. "Get out, you still need to cover the sand tracks, then we can leave. You do pay attention, don't you."

Nurka frowned, but wordlessly got out and did as bidded. Parb awaited in the boat before once again they were crossing the waters as Nurka rowed. Parb was impatient as Nurka could see her mistress was having trouble processing their situation. It almost amused the otter, had she not feared her. Parb looked over the waters, as if looking upon the sea for the first time, seeing its waves and far off distances with a longing as Nurka rowed her ashore. Once getting out, Parb grunted "It will be a long few miles to Great Marsh. If we keep to the shore, we'll remain on the good path."

Nurka frowned "Mistress, what about pirates?"

"Oh." Parb nearly forgot, pirates and other sea scum no doubt would pick the two off if they spotted them alone. Parb looked to the forest and sighed "We'll keep to the trees and reach Great Marsh's lands sooner than later. Hide that rowboat elsewhere, near those rocks preferably, and be quick about it." Nurka grunted and again did as bidded. Parb looked around at the trees, listening to birds and began to speak once Nurka was done and got closer.

"Reminds me of my time poisoning father and my siblings. Haven't had such excitement in a lifetime, it feels like. I feel almost light headed." Parb was smiling, as she journeyed to new places she had not been. They continued through the forests till coming across a clearing, holding up her paw. "We'll rest here. Goba isn't going anywhere. Make me a fire and fetch some wine. I am parched."

Parb sat on a rock, watching as Nurka did all these things for her, making sure she didn't get too far. Setting up a camp with what they had was hard, but producing rations from their pack and giving some to her mistress, the Mink grunted "Give it to me properly, water dog." Nurka grew annoyed and broke up the rations into something more edible, putting them on some bark for which she graciously gave to her. Parb breathed in the fresh air, keeping an eye on Nurka who started a small campfire and ate her rations more meekly.

Parb squinted at her slave, noticing the rope collar still clinging to Nurka's neck. "Curious, I thought you would have taken that off."

"You wish me to mistress?"

"Unless you want an iron one like Zark has, you'd best."

Nurka undid the rope collar, but kept it close by. Nurka looked to her mistress, who breathed in "I must thank you, truly Nurka. You saved my life."

"Thank you mis-"

"You will be rewarded when we return to Great Marsh. Once I dealt with my idiot brother." Nurka silenced herself as Parb's happier mood slowly began to turn into a frown. "Fool boy, I raised him, and this is how he decided to thank me. I'm half tempted to leave him to that misery, and to rebuild elsewhere."

Nurka raised an eyebrow to Parb who took a swig of wine from a cantine. Feeling the dizziness, she noticed her slave giving her an odd look. "What?"

"I am sorry, mistress. Leave him to misery?"

Parb huffed and took another swig "Yes." Her paws trembled as she held the fine wine in her paws, shaking her head "Father never told me what leading a horde is like, slavebeast. If he did, I'd have allowed him to live. Its a game, one of constant moving pieces, managing a horde, its slaves, and its rivals." Parb admitted. The Mink took another drink, slowly building up a rant which Nurka listened to.

"Out here, slavebeast. I don't have such responsibilities, or fear even. Out here, I am at least not having to worry that every beast playing these games for power is trying to have me killed, trying to take what I built, not that it is much. I live in a ruin, we all do, not a castle with lands and riches, I live in a bleeding mine pretending I am a queen of some great land. Maybe I'll raid the right village, pull in enough slaves to build me lair, but then I weaken my position. I allow a captain enough power, suddenly there is a knife sticking out of some beast's back. It's just so-"

Nurka tried to speak in confidence, finishing her sentence "Stressful?"

Parb gave her a dark look and growled "Boring, you stupid creature. It is boring! You ever have to wonder about the life and story of some bleeding bandit who can barely carry their own spear, incompetently wondering when or if they are going to stab you in the back or get someone else to do it? I've seen it play out too many times, and I once felt a tinge of joy seeing my enemies suffer, but it gets so degrading after a while. I can drown them, bury them alive, put their heads on spikes but it doesn't do much. One problem is solved and three more crop up. It feels like I have been fighting the same monster since I was little, trying so hard to fight a revenant who just won't die. Books at least have mythical tales and adventure, and what do I have? A bunch of backstabbers I will have to dole out punishments for."

Parb took another drink of her wine, realizing a bit late how much she drank. She grumbled at her slave.

"You've followed me thus far, water dog. What do ya want when we return?"

Nurka blinked and thought, speaking in a slow way "Freedom, mistress."

"Freedom? Freedom from what?" Parb grunted. Nurka hoped Parb would already know that question, but the Mink continued "I give you and your little friends a better life then living in some hole in the ground already, you woodlanders and your bleeding freedom. Whats it gotten you? Some rat drags you from a hole and you already are meekly begging for mercy. No, freedom isn't a gift, Nurka. It is a curse. Where the hell would you even go? Luzland? Maybe Gholand?"

"Home." Nurka answered. Again Parb scoffed and motioned her "Grab me more wine, I am feeling in the mood for drink."

Nurka did so but once she handed Parb her wine, the Mink drew her close "I found you chained in my mines, groveling and begging. You have served me well, and i will grant you many things, but home? Great Marsh is your home now. As it is mine. Unfortunately. If I have suffer there, you have to as well."

Nurka frowned, asking her mistress "If you are so miserable there, mistress, why do you stay?"

Parb was about to answer, opening her mouth. She wanted to say it was for its richness and protection, but this really wasn't true. Parb thought herself as smart, answering after a long pause "Because it's my responsibility. My brother, the idiot he is, is all I have left and that mine is all that I am. When I am gone from this world, only my brother and the horde will remain, and like the cats who used to live there, we won't be remembered. It's a comfortable place, a secure one." Parb let go as Nurka moved away and gripped her arm. The white robed otter sat opposite of Parb as the Mink drank more of her wine.
_

Parb kept up in front, looking behind her to make sure her slave was still following her as they trudged through the forests. A couple owl screeches were heard farther off, but the large predators were seen flying towards the north. Parb slowed down to catch up with Nurka, now less drunk she wanted to apologize to the slave, something she thought was silly in itself. Yet, she realized of her entire horde, only Nurka seemingly remained. Yet, once she drew close, Parb felt more of the urge to command her. "I know you dislike me, water dog, but do know that I am still your mistress. I am also true to my word. Excluding freedom, you'll be granted anything you ask. Within reason, and-"

Nurka suddenly rushed forward, her paws closing suddenly around Parb's mouth as she was shoved alongside Nurka towards a tree branch. Parb was surprised, resisting fiercely as the otter held her down as she struggled for a knife. She turned to her supposed newest assassin, wondering what she said wrong to have the otter strike at her. Nurka however wasn't looking at her, her eyes wide with fear as she pulled Parb beneath one of the roots of a tree.

Coming down to their side was the orange color of a marching fox of Zangan's trike, looking around almost confused and silent. His sword was out, its curved steel swaying as the fox looked around with suspicion and bent down to look upon some tracks. Parb realized what Nurka was doing, silencing herself and nudging her. Parb and Nurka slowly (and quickly) backed up towards the far end of the tree. The two stopped when they saw another fox, a womanly fox with a bow stomp out of the brush, unaware of the two.

Nurka looked down at her white dress and quickly began to take it off, reduced down to her undergarments which were worn. Parb carefully began to back away as Nurka led her behind the tree, listening as the womanly fox looked around "Ya'z zee anyding?"

"Thoughz I did." The scout looked about nervously.

Parb and Nurka quickly backed away, but Parb's finery she wore was not ill suited for sneaking. Taking off necklaces and bracelets slowly, Parb pushed them into a mound of dirt and backed away to another tree stump not far off. It didn't take long for the scout to stumble across Nurka's white clothes abandoned beneath the tree. The scout showed it to the womanly fox who sniffed it "Warm'z."

The fox slowly drew an arrow and held it, looking around as they noticed the pile of dirt, leaves, and broken sticks shoved aside which became tracks for them ot notice. Parb and Nurka quickly retreated again as their pursuers slowly looked for them. The foxes debated if they were looking for a beast had recently retreat, perhaps one which was bathing near the sea or river, but regardless it didn't seem interesting to them as they continued to half heartingly search.

Parb and Nurka slowly made their way miserably through the underbrush, as they heard the foxess call out "Me'z love, der'z may be beast'z in der area."

Parb turned much to her horror to find from out of the bushes, as if hidden like some manner of undead being, was an angry looking Zangan with his sword drawn. He came over, dramatically looking around depressed and nearly despondent as he growled out. "I fear'z no beazt! Nut even'z badger'z and wolverine'z! Curse him'z, I-" Zangan held back tears as he gripped his face and his beloved covered him. The two nuzzled their noses as she warmed the warlord's dark heart "You'z had done well'z, you had'z to do it."

"I will'z have to do it again'z my love. He live'z." Zangan's scout kept farther off, knowing how upset and violent his leader could be, as Parb and Nurka stood still. Yet, more and more foxes were appearing, as Zangan's whole tribe silently began moving north. Zagala held her husband closely "Stukan'z may live, but he'z a strong beast'z. You'z will see."

"Comfort'z, Zagala make'z zer heart crumble. Barlov iz dead, hiz beazts not az competent'z az ze need to be. I feel'z lozt without him'z, an' so many'z others. Zat foul rat will'z have his fur decorating'z my bed by the end'z of this season!" Zangan was furious, growling and pouting. Parb at first thought she could align with him, but knew better. Zangan was unpredictable, and trying to fool him into thinking she was valuable enough to live was foolhardy.

Parb and Nurka knew they couldn't stay in the same position for long, not as the caravan of fox tribals began to head north. Parb and Nurka were nearly down a hill, before Parb stopped when an arrow was heard being strung and fired at them, hitting the ground in front of them. Parb and Nurka's eyes lit up as they looked to see Zagala looking down at them, not recognizing them but grinning from the coming thrill of a hunt. Parb and Nurka quickly retreat, seeing beasts coming up behind them.

The ground began to become wet, trying to avoid arrows from Zagala who gave chase with three others behind them. Parb was rushing through the mud, getting her finery wet until Nurka pulled her towards swamp water which began to appear beneath them. Cutting through reeds, the two soon found themselves going into deeper, knee high waters. Nurka kept her eyes forward, practically having to pull the dismaying mink with her until finding a large, but familiar, open swamp without much foliage to hide in.

Zagala and her cronies rushed with weapons drawn into the same place, but found nothing. The foxess was at first confused, slowly stepping out with her scouts into the marshy waters and looked around. She growled at her subordinates "Spread'z out." The foxess leaped into different plains of marsh reeds as Zagala stepped on something soft, looking down. All she saw was murky waters, and looked back up to scoff. She marched off, looking for any sign she could follow the strangers spying upon her tribe. Yet, once she was far gone, the waters where she was arose, with Nurka nursing her tail and the Mink coughing up water.

Nurka and Parb looked miserable as they dragged themselves out of the water and muck, dragging themselves back as they gave an exhausted and relieved sigh only to see Zangan approaching with another group coming down from a hill. Parb thought she wouldn't be able to pull any more tricks, but Nurka certainly had some idea. The otteress quickly began to take up mud and cake herself with it, pulling herself towards the edge of the marsh to hide as Zangan's scouts approached. Unaware of their presence, and covered in mud, the brown spots melded into the background of the murky land as Zangan stopped near them. He looked around, stoic and his sword out, and awaited for Zagala to appear.

"My love'z. Spies'z from Great Marzh no doubt."

"We'll made'z mince meat out'z of Parb and her lackie'z, Zagala, but not before'z throwing Luzgot's head at them." The two foxes nuzzled their noses close to one another as Zagala wrapped her paw around his shoulder and went off. Parb and Nurka remained deathly silent, covered in mud, not far off as they awaited for what felt like an eternity, paranoid that some member of Zangan's tribe was awaiting them in the waters or reeds.

Nurka was the first to stand up, slaking mud off herself as Parb stood up next, shaking at first. Parb felt almost excited by all this, all the running, hiding, and terror. She had come close to death, and somehow came out alive, but her attention was taken towards the river, looking south.

"Home is nearby." Parb said in a slow and weak voice. "Home. That way." She pointed down the river as both went off, shaking off mud as they went.
_

Parb was almost dreading to see her ruined home again as they came closer to the shores, the murky and deep waters of Great Marsh and its ruinous walls were looking more intimidating as they got closer. Parb was still slacking off mud, with Nurka barely able to keep up as she pull mud from the fur of her mistress with her paws. Parb grumbled, moving towards a tree line to hide themselves from the sight of archers and scouts, knowing full well they were covering the higher towers and hidden in small rooms which had long fallen into disrepair. "Owe!"

Parb felt a sting in her back, in which Nurka brought her paws away from her. Parb turned and growled "I do not know you to be reckless in my grooming, Nurka. Has something changed?"

"I don't have your brush." Nurka said, although she looked and sounded annoyed as much as upset. Down to little more than undergarments and caked in mud, dirt, and the kelp sticking to her hair. Parb felt insulted, growling again and giving an accusing poke at her "Clean yourself up then, we have a lot of business to do, and you looking like you crawled out of the bleeding earth won't do much for me."

Parb turned and marched towards the main gates, as Nurka did as bidded and cleaned herself a bit more efficiently. The two log bridges which ran into the main keep were already cut, and she imagined the otherside was no different. She could spot vermin on the other side, erecting barricades and patrolling. She peered however to the one place they wouldn't be looking, the deep and murky north side of the river.

The northern side of Great Marsh was a blasted heath, it would be like climbing a mountain for even a skilled otter or any other swimmer. The side of the castle over the years had slumped into the waters and fell over in the marsh, creating jagged and dangerous ruins in a natural moat of supremely abyssal waters which flowed towards the ocean. Parb knew a way into the keep from there, and only she knew of it, which only confused her otter companion. However, as they got closer to the waters, Parb slowly came to the stop, seeing something which gave her a mortified pause.

Like leaves clogging a river in fall, so too did bodies floated at the top of the river, and even a little bit below them for heavier cadavars which slowly made their way to their true graves out to sea. Parb felt a twist in her stomach looking at them, afraid as she looked at their sullen faces. She crept a bit closer to look at one curiosity, blue stained lips upon one of the dead silver cloaks. The silver cloaks were speared or strangled, as Nurka drew closer and looked away in horror and anguish. Such death was not seen by Parb in a long time, she had seen battles and murder, but this was something she had not thought her brother capable of. She cringed a bit, surprising her otteress servant.

"Blue lips, clever. Though, wasteful."

Nurka blinked at her lady, and Parb took notice. She sighed, talking down to her servant as if she were a respective and foolish student "My brother must have forced my loyalists to drink an inked wine, staining their lips. Once the vermin were in place, and dulled up, his traitors could strike without killing their own. My dear brother got that from one of my books. I believe the Black Pigeon Chronicles, a very boring history book. Poor writing, interesting stories."

Nurka frowned as Parb began to think already of all the ways she would reclaim her castle, as if it were some manner of easy game. "Loyalists are dead, that is Captain Pepen and Crug. Not the smartest beasts, but were dumbly loyal at least. That would leave Ulon, Cyast, and Reeg. Reeg is easily duped by money, and Ulon is an ambitious idiot. If I can get them here, I can poison Cyast and get those two at each other's throats. Zark no doubt is dead, or worse. Can't rely on that oaf. No doubt a lot of my loyalists are prisoner, so freeing them is top priority." Parb felt a tinge of excitement, but then a profound and sudden sadness. She shook herself, focusing on the task at hand, turning to Nurka.

"I am going to need you to do a few things, there are mercenaries we will need to get. Luzland is not far, but that coast is teeming with beasts willing to do much for coin."

"Mist-" Nurka began, but Parb continued and paced.

"Then of course we will have to give that group of traitors something to draw them out, so I'll need you to get a message out, we'll have to back track and see if our supplies are still there, and your robe. Seasons, your robe."

"Mistress." Nurka spoke up again, although Parb wasn't really listening. "I'll need you to be clean, so a march to the ocean to get us both out of this filth is important. Need to steal from Markem's tributaries, and-"

Nurka stomped her foot suddenly, getting Parb's annoyed attention. However, Nurka marched up to the Mink, cursing her suddenly and with fury in her eyes "Damn you, and to hell with you plans!"

Parb's eyes lit up, speechless and tried to raise her paw to speak but Nurka wouldn't have it. The otteress paced, grabbing her fur and pulling at it "Seasons, you insufferable, moronic, ill bred creature! Why must I be damned to serve a creature who is as miserable and as fool hearted as you! It's bad enough you drag me along like this, and now you want to assault the bleeding castle with a bunch of bleeding vermin!? To hell with you, I am going in there myself if I have to."

Parb came forward, trying to intimidate her slave back into submission "I will pretend not to hear that if-"

"If what!" Nurka suddenly grabbed Parb and shook her, pushing her away. Parb was shocked as Nurka looked up with longing at their tower, her face red with anger.

"You served me, saved me, just to abandon me now?" Parb asked, recovering.

Nurka turned her anger towards the Mink, poking at her chest which nearly pushed her back "Like I ever had a choice you rot brained wretch. You think I like serving you, saving you simply because I like you!? Are you so stupid and blind to not know you even have other slaves who tend your every bleeding whim. If I didn't have friends up there, in danger, right now then I would have let Markem take you! You and your wretched family brought me here, and for what!? So you can play petty intrigue with your own bleeding brother because you infernal demons with fur can't get along for two bleeding seconds!? I have served you long enough, and I had hoped you had something other than playing some long winded game because you are bored! Bored."

Nurka looked disgusted, a tear running down her face as she remembered all the terrible cruelties she faced, her paw crumbling into a fist.

"Bored, all because you are bleeding bored, Parb. I have lash marks on me back because you're bored, and alone, and it's all your damned doing. We suffer, and I see beasts suffer, because you vermin can't decide if you want to rule us, or-damn you. Just damn you. You don't even want to rule us, you just want to loop around this sick game of conquering us, as if we are forever your damned enemies."

Parb was silent, shocked at how aggressive her slave was, and terrified she had no means of punishing her. She had no guards, and Nurka clearly was stronger than her. The otteress began to march off again as Parb tried to speak up to her one and only ally "W-wait. What do you plan to do then, hmmm? You criticize me for my games, but are you going to swim up and batter down the door?"

"Of course bleeding not, I am just going to try something else." Nurka looked for stones, looking up at the window and pointed to it. "There are beasts inside who can help us, hopefully they'll sneak me in and I can rally the others to help us escape into the wilderness."

"And my horde, my home?"

"Is there a reason I should care?" Nurka scoffed. Parb thought as Nurka continued to grab stones, as Parb soon found herself following the otteress "As your mistress, at least listen to me! You slavebeasts won't sneak out, not over walls or past the moat. Not every beast like yourself is an otter."

Nurka wasn't paying attention, continuing to gather stones, as Parb continued behind her, arguing. "Wait! At least listen to wha-" Parb stopped, seeing Nurka was dead set on her own plan, as Parb waited for her to calm down and sat by the shallows. She had much to think on, Nurka's words echoed in her mind.

Am I really going to assault my own brother over something which hasn't brought me joy? Take something I don't want? She awaited for Nurka to at least speak to her, knowing she was telling a harsh truth, that freeing the slaves was a far riskier business with just to the two of them. After a short time with Nurka picking up her stones and coming back over, Parb looked at her and stopped her.

"Fine. You win." Parb admitted. Nurka looked surprised herself as Parb tried to be calm as she spoke "We won't get anything what we want by being reckless, river dog. Come. I need to show you something." She said as she pointed to the marsh water's dark edge.

---

Kudgel was walking down the steps to the main center of Luzland's fort, the meager horde was doing its daily chores. Younger vermin were lined up by one of the captains and drilled to march around the walls of the fort, while some of the slaves did meager work under the careful look over their overseer. Kudgel however was grinning, for with all his gear and weapons to his side and back, the would be bodyguard to a coastal warlord like Luzgot was now holding a special scroll in his paw. He looked towards the keep of the vermin settlement, seeing Dannek looking out nervously from a window at him. Dannek had told him the moment he arrived back in Luzland, doing a special task for the warlord. He was surprised to learn about Skabit especially, and he was thankful he never shared with that rat that Dannek was now one of Scarl's agents. The mole was starting to warm on his black heart.

Kudgel got close to the gates, but he suddenly heard from one of the vermin above him looking out over the plains and forests of the northeast coast. "Open der gates, der chief is returning!" Kudgel paused and wondered why Luzgot had returned so suddenly. Gazla rushed past him and onto the walls, yelling at her vermin to open the gates faster, as Kudgel was shocked to see the terrible speed Luzgot had come to his home, practicality putting his paws on the gates and opening them himself.

"Finally, back where we belong boys!" Luzgot said with a grinning smile, adorned in his full regalia. Kudgel was about to move to the side to not be seen, and appear more naturally to Luzgot. He wondered how long Skabit would take to tell Luzgot of his involvement, and even wondered if Luzgot knew already.

Yet he paused, shocked into paralysis as he saw a huge lizard by Luzgot's side, a trident in his paw, marching with other lizards into the horde.

"Ah, me loyal bodyguard, I'd been searching fer ya!" Luzgot smiled widely as he came over, wrapping his paws on Kudgel's shoulders. Kudgel held the paper from Dannek behind his back, as Kudgel looked at the huge lizard.

"I'd like ya to meet me newest captain Zokal. Zokal, make sure me horde is loyal, why don't ya?" Zokal gave a grim smile, motioning to his lizards who began to go about the camp, dragging out Markem's captains who had meant to keep Luzland under control. Zokal slammed his trident down on one captured beast, as he began purge of Luzland's ranks. Kudgel felt a tinge of fear as Luzgot grabbed him and forced him to walk with him.

"Ya know, matey. When we be marching on Gholand, I was debaten wit me mates on whether or not to take ya." Kudgel was distracted by the screams as Zokal's lizards killed loyalists who tried to fight back, joined by Luzgot's horde who quickly turned Gholand vermin to others to be captured or killed, including Luzland's overseer. The Overseer got a grim fate, as one of the Luzland captains struggled with him, slicing off a paw, before slicing into a vital area which killed him.

"C-chief." Kudgel gulped "A-are we goin against der Great Vermin Band I takes it?"

"Oh don't play dumb, course we are!"

"Den yer taken me with ya?"

Luzgot laughed hard, from a joke he thought of. He shook his head "No, me good an' loyal bodyguard. Why der hells would I ever want ya to do dat? So ya can deliver whatever ya got in yer paws to Scarl?" Luzgot gave a dark smirk to his bodyguard whose eyes widened with fear upon being found out. Kudgel pushed the laughing warlord away as he took the scroll he was carrying and began to shred it. He shocked to see that Luzgot ordered no beast to touch him, nor resisted. Kudgel stood still, peering all around at the group of armed vermin.

"Ya quite done? I must admit, ya had me fooled." Skabit came out of the shadow of Kudgel's eye and bowed his head to the warlord. He smiled as Kudgel spoke "If ya know I be a spy, den ya should know he is too." Kudgel warned the warlord. Luzgot smiled and looked to Skabit who motioned some of the vermin to grab him. Kudgel didn't resist much, but got punched for his efforts regardless.

"He's been in me pocket fer some time, ya stupid, soft, creature." Luzgot chuckled "Yer boss, fer all of his faults, cheapness was not one I'd expect of him. Garzlo! See to it dat this traitor is locked into me dungeon, chains an' all. Maybe ya can still serve me, weasel. Perhaps as me fool, juggling der heads of yer chief, boss, an his missus fer me."

"I name ya degenerate!" Kudgel yelled out, punched again for good effort as he was dragged into the keep. Dannek was still watching, holding his mouth shut in horror as he saw the massacre unfold. Luzgot's army was butchering any Gholand vermin they could get their paws on, with two other smaller armies converging on Luzland. These were mostly coastal warlords aligned with their boss. Yet the arrival of the lizards terrified him the most. Without mercy, the massacre would continue throughout the day, as Kudgel was dragged into the keep.

"Make yerself at home, lads!" Luzgot yelled at Zokal as Dannek watched his fellow spy be dragged into Luzland's dungeon. Luzgot sat comfortably on his throne, with Snackfur and Garzlo coming up to him and spoke in whispered tones. Luzgot wasn't really listening, waiting for Zokal's lizards to clean up the mess.
_

Luzgot spent his night cheerfully drinking to his own health as Dannek depressingly served his master, without question and keeping his head down. In truth, he had never seen Luzgot so happy, and wondered if his master had truly won at long last. He wondered if Markem was dead, and all of his dreams and efforts were for naught. Yet, a conversation between Luzgot and Garzlo gave him all the information he needed to know, listening in as Garzlo continued to debate his chief.

"B-boss, ya know I give advice on dings an' been maken yer plans-"

"I make the plans, ya do em." Luzgot corrected, even though Garzlo knew better.

"Markem will know, dat is known sir. He'll march up here as soon as he hears we rebelled, an' we do literally gotta win dis time. Markem won't take der damaging of his family well. Sir, I'm still not sure about all dis. Der promises of dem Companions. Tis, ehhh, risky? Dubious?"

"Do you trust yer chief?"

"I do, bu-"

"If ya say 'but' or 'no', I will throw ya from the highest tower we got Garzlo. Markem can have Redwall, cause we just served ourselves up his entire realm. What does he even got left, some blasted heathe like Veekun's Burrow? Dat graveyard is nutten but a blight now, cause Hazul is either cursed or bad at gardening. Markem will be dead, and I will be lord over his bleeding lands. Yer gonna tell der other captains der order of what is to happen tomorrow, an' I want der bodies of me enemies cut up an' used. Were gonna scare what is left of dat garrison in Gholand into submission. Dey won't be in der fighting mood wit heads of der comrades lookin back at dem stuck on pikes."

The grim reminder of Luzgot's cruelty had Dannek wishing he was more competent. He felt he should have known better, and by tomorrow he would see the true cost of that failure to bear.

Early the next morning, the horde had awoken as they filed out of their barracks and began to pick up their weapons and armor. In the room of the officers, Zokal and his lizards were staying, feasting on some of the dead vermin and making ready for war. The confident captains of Luzland and the Coastal Warlords climbed up the stairs to the court of Luzgot who greeted them on his throne in his spiked armor, staring down at them. Gazla was the first to arrive and yet also the last, having to relieve herself suddenly and excusing herself to do so, only to return in time for Luzgot to begin his dark ceremony.

He arose, drawing his sword and leaning upon it as he looked down at his current cadre of allies. To him, he felt like he had just replaced Markem as he yelled out.

"Luzland was built long ago, me father wasn't its builder, some say it twas built by a pine marten an' der slaves, some say a wolverine an' der horde made it. Yet it matters not, dey are dead an' long forgotten, an' now I, Luzgot, sit here on dat throne, ruling a horde which has stood against der machinations of the Long Patrol, resisted hordes from east, west, north, an south. It was by trickery dat der soft creature Markem forced me to bend knee, foolish he is to spare me! Now, I tell ya, we got a new lord an' master to follow. One who will free us from der shackles of softness that is Markem's horde! Der Great Vermin Band wasn't built by der work of Markem, it was held together by der coast of Luzland! We are the real masters of dis horde, an' its vassals! We are der real masters of its slaves!" There was a small cheer from the crowd as Gazla looked down shamefully, and only Zokal remained silent.

"For too long has Markem an' his cronies looked down on us fer being der stronger vermin. It wasn't Markem who won at Moss Field, twas I and I alone! Markem wouldn't be where he is without der likes of me! Now look what we got lads, we got his precious Jusbrag, Great Marsh swears to me cause, and now we will claim the rest of his fool realm. We will burn, pillage, an' murder ever last one of his precious 'tributaries', return der woodlanders to chains where dey bleeding belong! Wit Zokal, me truest an' most powerful captain by me side, and der Greeneyes at our back, we are without want!" There was a larger cheer amongst the Luzland vermin. Luzgot growled at Dannek who came forward with his drink, as he angrily drunk his fine ale and threw it haphazardly away.

"Pelp, you an' yer slavers will gather up slaves fer our hordes, raid Markem's villages an' put does who resist to der sword. Jabbik and Taznick will join der forces with our Luzland boys, an' we'll conscript on our way to Gholand to refill our numbers. We'll leave a garrison here in Luzland an' meet up wit allies at Gholand. Markem once gathered a great host at Gholand to his beck an' call, we shall do the same, but to put his home to the sword!"

Gazla, looked up and came close to Snackfur as Luzgot continued to rant loudly and his vermin cheered him on with pride. Snackfur looked stoic as Gazla continued to frown. Snackfur looked down at her, nudging her.

"At least do one cheer fer yer chief, Captain Gazla." Snackfur whispered. Gazla looked to her peer captain and was unsure what to say. She whispered back to him "Snackfur, we sure dis is a good idea?"

"Course it is, chief said it is a good idea. When has der chief ever did us wrong, hmm?"

"Markem's vermin outnumber us. Ya seen der lads we used to have down der? I mean, der all dead or captured now, but our army is drilled by em'. I mean Markem still got dem black water rats. Dey say Hazul Leffer got der magic touch, an' I don't know what kinda touch he has to be considered magic. He be a cursed beast, an one I hear all manner of stories about."

"Yer jumping at shadows." Snackfur reminded her. Snackfur stood proudly and approached his chief, showing his respect to him by hitting his own chest and raising a sword to him. Luzgot smiled evily, raising his sword as well as the vermin began to draw their swords in unison.

"Three cheers fer der chief ya lot! Dis is der real lord of Luzland, der real warlord of dis Great Vermin Band!" The vermin chanted Luzgot's name who proudly swaggered about as Snackfur looked on proudly at his chief. Soon they would all be off to war soon, fighting a real war, a verminous war with blood and salt in their veins. He came back to Gazla, helping her cheer on as well, although he noticed two others not cheering. Garzlo and Skabit were deadly silent, with Garzlo looking nervous.

"Garzlo! Ya stupid oaf, come forward!" Luzgot called to him, and Garzlo did with Skabit by his side. Skabit folded his paws as Luzgot proudly displayed his efforts of making friends and allies.

"Jusbrag is aligned wit us now, its vermin an' income are now our own to have! Dat vermin fort will give us twice der vermin Markem has, an' skilled warrior too! Great Marsh an' der allies will provide us silver to buy pirates, mercenaries, an bribe der loyalty of Markem's own vermin out of his paws an into our own! Garzlo, Skabit. Ya are to travel to Great Marsh immediately, an gadder Goba an' his fool horde an' bring em' here, add der forces wit our own. Wit dis mighty host, not even Cluny der Scourge could take us on!"

Garzlo frowned, raising up a paw to speak and breaking the mood "Chief, erm, a word. Der is-"

"I ordered ya to do something Garzlo, do it now an' do it quickly. We got no time fer dilly dally!" Skabit tried to speak up next, coming more forward "Chief, der is a few problems we gotta discuss here an' now. Der is-"

Skabit found a sword hovering near his throat as Luzgot came forward, a happy grin on his face. He wanted to put Skabit in the ground, but what spared the rat's life was Luzgot's respect for the flooring of his keep. "When I give ya an order, ya do it. I am not Markem." Luzgot lowered his sword, spitting on the ground "Curse his name. I am a true warlord, der only sane one in Mossflower! Dem fools, Lusket and Resker follow dat wretch to an early grave! Hazul an' his tribals earn me respect more den Markem! Wit our allies, we shall greet der Greeneyes wit der heads of Sheera an' her captains, an' maybe Markem's as well. Ha!"

Snackfur looked to Garzlo and Skabit, both sighing and leaving. The warlord, drunk on his power began to dream of the world he would build to his vermin.

"I wil ltake Gholand, an' call it Victorland, after me coming victory! Our horde will swarm across Mossflower, make mince meat of dat badger lord an his weakened Long Patrol an' put a loyal vermin in every corner! Every woodlander will be in chains, worken day an night on me new kingdom! Otters will fish for our meat, squirrels will collect the finest branches from trees, an' mice will plow our fields forever more! I will have a realm so great, we'll march on lands such as Noonvale, an' make dem slaves as well! Der greeneyes will be beggen me to be der overlord when I am done! For Luzland! For Der True Horde!"

"Luzgot! Luzgot! Luzgot!" The vermin captains banged shields and stomped floors with weapons. With a rebel's call, Luzgot felt like a king of the entire world, but a call from outside snapped him back to reality. "Luzgot! Garzlo an' Skabit! Dey return!"

"Dey just left." Luzgot growled in annoyance, but once he looked outside, he could see a large group of beasts approaching and surrounding Luzland, and Garzlo and Skabit slowly approaching the middle of the settlement. Luzgot's intrigue got the better of him, and went down to greet his captain and his spy.
_

Garzlo looked almost despondent, and Skabit was literally licking his wounds from scratch marks and arrows narrowly missing them. Garzlo was no warrior, and has a nasty scar across his face which went down to his neck. Both were badly bleeding, but yet still found the strength to stand as Luzgot angrily approached. The vermin around him were quickly manning the walls, preparing for a siege as Garzlo gave a distant look to his chief, frowning with depression.

"Ya best got a good reason fer still being here."

"We didn't get far till we found Zangan. As ya can see, boss, dey aren't happy." Skabit sarcastically motioned all around him. Snackfur and Gazla came down to greet them as Gazla came forward and snapped at some of the vermin "Grab some linens! An' herbs! An' a healer!" Gazla looked over the two and frowned as well "Seasons, I thought we'd be sieging Gholand."

"We will Gazla." Snackfur grumbled, turning to Luzgot who began to climb his walls to look out over the incoming horde. The foxes were not numerous, but their slaves were already whipped into digging ditches around the fort, as they ran off some of the vermin trying to encamp nearby. Already, the Luzland horde was routed, and Zangan was standing outside leaning on his sword, angrily looking up at Luzgot. Luzgot quickly got down from the walls, growling "Oh blasted hells!"

"Chief, now may we have a word?" Garzlo asked suddenly. Luzgot growled at him "It better be quick, cause we don't got time. Snackfur, I want ya to gather me best, were going to go out wit shields and kill dat fox."

"Sir. I'd advise against it." Garzlo sighed.

"What? Why."

Garzlo fiddled with his thumbs as Gazla's vermin came over to help dress Garzlo's wounds, resisting them partly so he could talk with his chief. "Cause we need dem alive, sir. We need as many vermin as we can get. We won't have der numbers, chief."

"Whatcha mean, half if not more of Markem's realm is ours already!" Snackfur protested, but Skabit growled back loudly at him "Listen ya oafs, I didn't join ya so ya can commit suicide on Gholand's walls. Gholand is still a fort, wit walls an' a grainery which can last dem a few seasons. We will need to assault Gholand, wit a full force, to take it before Markem arrives."

"If he arrives." Luzgot scoffed. Garzlo spoke up, at first to the concern of numbers. "Snackfur, we don't even have half of the vermin we should, the other half is with Markem, the ones loyal to him. We have the other coastal warlords, but their numbers is in the hundreds, Markem's is in the thousands."

"We got Jusbrag an' Great Marsh." Snackfur grunted, but Garzlo shook his head.

"Yes, that is true. There is Great Marsh's garrison, under Goba, who likely killed or imprisoned half. That's less than a hundred vermin, not including the vermin that will need to stay behind to garrison Great Marsh. Goba is at least an experienced warrior and commander, he fought most of Parb's raids and defenses, but with barely beyond a quarter of vermin. If not less."

"Jubrag has plenty of vermin." Luzgot reminded him, but Skabit spoke up in turn "Yes, lets talk about Jusbrag. We have received no word from dat city, an' likely it is in der midst of civil strife or some manner of intrigue of its own. Our goal was to knock it out reinforcing Kylan's army, but if ya suspect dem to send a relief force to us, dink again. Yer more likely to see Jusbrag vermin betraying us, even if dey do arrive."

"Yer saying we got no allies?" Snackfur said in sudden realization. Luzgot growled at him, smacking the rat captain over his head "Of course we do! We got der Greeneyes!"

"Whom we don't know when or if dey will arrive chief, which is why I am skeptical of dat lot. How der hell we know dey ain't Long Patrol agents? Or are just tricking us into causing Markem trouble an' sacrifice us?"

"Cause ya fool, we still outnumber an' outskill dem. We ain't marching on Veekun's Burrow, Gholand is occupied by frightened babes, der mothers, and der slaves. Even what ya say is true, we still got plenty of beasts."

"Sir." Snackfur sighed "Garzlo is right. We'll still need dat lot healthy. We can't march on Gholand bein Zangan's enemy, or wit half our horde dead an' der rest injured."

"Luzgot!" Zangan's voice was heard on the other side of the wall. Luzgot cringed, grumbling to himself. He went back up the walls, with a carefulness to his steps as he approached the walls and looked down, seeing the fox roaring angrily from below. "Come'z down from der, ya'z cursed beazt! So I can lob'z off yer'z head!"

Garzlo came up top, looking down as well at Zangan and was trying to not be seen by getting closer to the ground. Luzgot seethed under his armor, as he wanted to argue and demean his captain for his defeatism. Yet, he knew he was right in a lot of ways. He knew Goba would no doubt delay, and Jusbrag was dubious in its loyalties. He could lead armies into battle, but couldn't do much on the diplomatic side. That is what he had Garzlo for, despite his weakness, and he was starting to depise it. He growled "Fix it den, ya dolt. Dis is yer specialty, an ya be failing me Garzlo!"

Snackfur gave his chief a brief and angry look, knowing full well that despite being proud of his chief's strength and boldness, his arrogance grated on him. Yet, Garzlo pulled through, speaking in a meekish voice "Yes, of course chief. Simple really, all ya gotta do is convince Zangan again dat we work better together den apart."

"Luzgot! Come down'z here coward!" Zangan continued to yell. Luzgot gulped as Luzgot eventually called down at him. "Whacha want, fox?"

"Yer head'z!"

Luzgot gave an unsure look to Garzlo who was still getting his wounds bandaged by Gazla. Garzlo was having a dark moment, unsure now what to do. His plans had unraveled, but he still was in some manner of a good place, but they would have been in a better place had his chief listened to him. To that effect, Garzlo turned to his chief and whispered "Chief, Zangan is a degenerate an' a bandit. He failed to kill Markem, but we could use his horde to bolster our numbers. He is skilled, but we gotta offer him something good. Very good."

"In what way ya say 'good'"

"Tell em' you'll give em Luzland, or Gholand, or anyding he wants. We just need his vermin, not him."

"Are ya insane, Garzlo!?" Snackfur asked, but Luzgot got to thinking. The fox was angry about something as he listened closely to what the fox was ranting about. "Ya set loose dat squirrel'z on me, ya coward'z! You'z knew, I know you'z knew! Dey took'z me brother, so now'z I have come for your'z skin, rat!" Luzgot lifted an eyebrow and nodded. He turned to Gazla "Gazla, stop tending to dis idiot. Gather a few beasts an' march out wit me wit me banner. Snackfur, if I get killed talken to dat degenerate, do me der honor fer yer chief an' kill him."

"Zangan, sir?"

Luzgot only looked at a despondent Garzlo, still looking out over Luzland, before going down to meet his worried vermin. Snackfur turned to Garzlo, nudging him a bit as Skabit rolled his eyes and took his place sitting on the walls and tending to his own wounds.

"Were still in a good position ya fool beast, stop being so mopey an' a defeatist about dis."

"We'd be in a better position had any of ya listened to me, Snackfur." Garzlo rarely said anything in anger, much to Snackfur's surprise as the ferret calmed himself. "Parb wasn't trustworthy, but she is an excellent poisoner an' if she makes it to Great Marsh, she will take it back from Goba one way or der other. Cause us no end of problem den. Zangan an' Lefen are diminished, an we are absurdly lucky dat dem shrews an' otters are bothering Markem. We could have had Markem bein in a hell chasen down two rebels experienced in fighting em, an now Markem is just inches away from der River Moss to cross it wit his army an' kill us if he ever finds out. Me plans are runnen dry here, Snackfur. I am running out of ideas to save our skins."

"I feel ya, but der chief isn't without his cleverness."

"I suppose, but if we are to survive dis, we need to be ready fer it. Snackfur, if we don't take Gholand, were done for. Luzland an' everything we built is done for."

"We won't fail, Luzgot be to stubborn for it. Besides, Markem is likely to just pardon him again after all this."

"Will he?" Garzlo said with a haunted tone "Will ya forgive a beast who killed or harmed yer kin?" Snackfur blinked and nodded, realizing what his fellow captain was trying to say. Both looked out, hopeful their chief could pull some manner of miracle, and if he did, there would at least be some relief.
_

Luzland's gates opened as Zangan was surrounded by his elite warriors, and his wives with their bows. He growled, red faced and nearly red eyed as Luzgot came out in his fancy spiked armor, a sword to his side, and his shielded vermin close to him. Luzland's gates remained open just in case the warlord needed to retreat inside quickly, tempting Zangan to madly dash inside. Gazla Cheesethief stood next to her chief, waving the red and black banner of Luzland, depicting a rat warrior, coming out of the waters. Luzgot stopped far from Zangan, breathing heavily and pretending he wasn't afraid, but in truth he and all those next to him feared what the fox could or would do.

Luzgot came forward and yelled out at Zangan "I'm here Zangan, ya call me coward, come forward an' talk to me den!" Gazla looked horrified at her chief. Zangan came forward, with sword in paw, stopping not far from Luzgot as he looked down in rage at him. Zangan had several new battle scars, as Luzgot frowned.

"Any'z last word'z Luzgot before I'z put your'z head on me belt'z?"

"Aye, why ya betraying me?" Luzgot said, although not very confidently. He wondered how much Zangan knew, as the fox chuckled grimly.

"Dat'z squirrel was well armed'z, wit weapon'z from noonvale'z and you'z. He came'z after me while I raided'z Markem's camp, appeared'z too suddenly for even yer'z little spymaster up'z der to not notice. Was'z anyding ya'z say not a lie den? Ya tricked'z me, Luzgot. Ya'z led me people to slaughter'z and humiliation'z. I lost me'z favorite captain cause'z of ya, an' nearly lost me'z missus. Yet'z me brother, me poor brother'z, who I tried to slay before that wretch'z could capture him."

Luzgot squinted, becoming more stoic "Ya must be stupid or foolish to dink I'd ally wit some squirrel, especially an escaped slave like Lefen."

"Dont'z play dumb wit me."

"I ain't playing."

Zangan growled at the insult and snapped at him "Draw'z yer sword, rat. So'z I can end your pathetic existence'z quickly."

"How about ya listen to me instead, Zangan." Luzgot coughed and took a more softer stance, much to Gazla's surprise. She wondered why her chief was being so diplomatic with the fox, as he spoke to him as if he were a troublesome brother.

"Zangan, if ya dink for a single moment outside your petty, and stupid ideal of me, den ya would know dat yer in danger of letting dat softie Markem win. Markem wants to make us vermin, beasts like ya an' me into soft beasts like der woodlanders, willing to allow any true vermin to walk all over dem. Dat is what he wants fer ya an' yer kids, an' more me to perish in his new world. Ya really dink I would sabotage me own efforts for dat?"

Zagala scolded Luzgot "Yez, ya would'z. Were not'z fools, ya stupid'z beast. We know'z what we saw'z an' fought'z. We know'z it was ya, doesn't take'z a genius to figure'z it out. Ya talk'z about true'z vermin, but we'z are truer to zat den any'z other beast. We know'z der cost of trust, especially wit'z der likes of ya."

"I should have just killed ya'z dat day." Zangan said spitefully. Luzgot came forward, causing the foxes to go back a little as he pointed at them, and then towards the ground "An what der hell did ya accomplish without me, hmm? Raiding woodlanders an' liven in der woods? Markem beat ya as well as beat me! Ya call yerself strong, but ya jump at der first sign of real trouble. I can still beat Markem, I hold half of his territory, ready to rise up against him! Ya can either fall back in line, Zangan, or ya can sit here an' try to burn me out of me keep. I got new allies fox, ones who can easily replace ya."

"Oh'z? Who are dey, der rest of dat squirrel's damaged retinue? Noonvale perhaps?" Zagala mocked.

"Cats. Greeneyed Cats." Luzgot warned "Dey got an army, a huge one, marching dis way to reinforce us. When dey arrive, ya dink they gonna appreciate it that I've been stuck in me own keep, while ya boringly and fruitlessly attack me keep? Ya can't siege down walls even if ya tried, an' I got me Zokal to beat ya back. Ya ever seen a lizard der size of a small badger before?"

"Desperate'z wordz from'z a desperate rat'z" Zangan scoffed

"Yes, yes perhaps, but ya goin to really kill me while Markem wanders about? I was keeping me end of the bargain, I gathered an army here to march on Gholand, wit hordes from all around coming to help. Yer gonna stop me from wiping out Markem's legacy from der map?"

Zangan paused, and tapped his foot. He folded his paws and thought. Luzgot came forward again, closer than before but with his paw on the hilt of his sword. "I ain't der one who caught yer brother, Zangan. Markem is soft, he'll spare yer brother like he spares all of his slavebeasts an' prisoners. Ya wanna know what be inside Gholand?"

"What'z."

"Slaves, elders, an' pups. Markem's pups to be more specific." Luzgot began to smile with dark satisfaction, as Zangan squinted his eyes.

"Dink about it Zangan, I know yer a clever an' creative beast. What would ya do with Markem's missus an' pups in yer camp, hmm? Use em' as practice fer yer warbeasts? Make dem into fine fur rugs fer yer wives an' kids to sleep on? Maybe even add em to yet slaves, bait Markem into a bad place, an' kill him in front of his screaming kin. I may not have had such a glory at his little feast where he announced our submission to him, an' dem willing fools joined in mass. Yet, I could give dat to ya, Zangan."

Zangan thought it over, looking to his missus who gave a similar dark look. Zangan thought it over, it made a bit more sense. He could trade the life of his brother for Markem's family.

Yet then, his degenerate side made him speak up, encouraged on by the whispers of his wife and Luzgot's insistence. "Yez. I can see'z it, all der'z dings I'd do to dat missus'z of his. Fer'z me brother'z sake. I dink'z I will send dat wretch der heads, stuffed wit his proud'z banner in der mouth'z."

"Or maybe'z, me love'z. Take'z dem a slavebeast'z, sell'z dem across'z der sea, to dem'z pine marten'z. You'z know der one'z. Let'z dat rat'z know his family'z will suffer'z far from him'z."

"Or'z keep'z dem. Keep'z dem me prisoner'z, as I raid'z his precious tributaries'z. If'z dey attack'z, we kill'z dem. Or chop'z off pieces to warn'z dat soft'z corruptor to stay'z back! Yes'z. We'll kill'z keep dem, make'z dem know what real'z vermin are like! Show'z dem what it mean'z to defy Zangan! To take Stukan from us!"

"So is it a deal." Luzgot smiled, as Zangan returned his anger to him. "I haven't forgotten'z you rat. The wretch'z you are, Markem'z kin alone is not my aim'z."

"I will give you Gholand, Zangan. You can have it, burn it down, do whatever you want to it and it's people. You'll have more den just Markem's family, you'll have his entire horde's family to play with. An his slaves. His precious, beloved slaves he treats better den he treated me, a true warlord! Zangan, if ya join me, ya can have all dis, an' far more, as I promised before. All I ask is dat ya join me."

Zangan cringed, unsure of the rat, looking to his captain. Gazla looked frightened, but not of him as much as her own boss, frowning at what she heard. It was degenerate, evil, and all manner of others things. Yet, she stood with Luzgot's banner, held high over his head. Zangan rubbed his chin, wondering what could possibly go wrong. He nodded and spoke up.

"Markem's kin, his castle, an' I want'z all of Parb's silver. I want'z it all, rat."

"Half."

"Half'z?"

Gazla wondered if this was it, the deal breaker that would cause the two to fight, but her chief surprised her. He came forward with a slyness to his voice, speaking harshly "Ya dink I am just going to give ya everything Zangan? Ya dink I don't know dis is some test? Yer not der first beast to make bold offers, I give ya what ya deserve, not what ya want to hear! Goba is weak, but I still need'em. An his castle. Ya leave em' alone till de's Greeneyes show up, den we'll take care of him an' raze Great Marsh to der ground, get all of it's silver. Markem comes first, not last."

Zangan slowly smiled and nodded "Yer'z smarter den'z ya look, Luzgot."

Luzgot frowned, feeling insulted as Zangan looked to his wife for support. She nodded and spoke up to the foxes behind him "We came'z here as enemies of Luzland! We'z leave as allie'z an' friend'z! Tomorrow'z, we will all'z be rich! Wit loot! An' captives!" The foxes gave mixed cheers and exchanged confused looks. Luzgot still wasn't sure if he could trust the fox, but Zangan swaggered towards his gates "Now'z, get me a drink, Luzgot. Tell'z your vermin we march immediately, not soon'z."

Luzgot smiled and returned inside. Garzlo and Snackfur looked down with pride and amazement as Zangan comfortably came through the gates, vermin making way for him. The thoughts he was thinking would frighten both men and children alike, experienced and naive. It frightened Gazla too, who would remain deathly silent of what she heard for the remainder of her days, and she mumbled a prayer for Markem's family.

For they would certainly need it.

---

Two older guards patrolled the halls of Gholand's keep, passing by other guards. The two were weasels, one with grayer fur, and the other with blue and black tattoos. Both wore black armbands in the honor of their former loyalties, and out of a shame for their desertion to their former lord's cause. They walked into Markem's throne room, and looked around as they spotted 'Mud' and Yala escorting Olda and Kelp to the door. The tattooed weasel came over quickly to open the door for them, although he looked coldly at a frightened Olda who held her tired pup close to her. The guard closed the door, as 'Mud' exchanged a nod to him in thanks. The guard spoke "Ya two best be getten to bed, Sheera says she wants ya two up extra early. Dem mothers goin to cacklen like angry hens in here, maties."

"Oh? I thought she wanted to cancel that." 'Mud' was aware Sheera wanted to drink and calm the nerves of the families of Gholand, but she was hesitant. The other guard growled at them "Just be off to bed ya two."

"Just remember to get the lights in the back, sir." 'Mud' smiled and yawned. He and Yala went off to their rooms as the two guards converged and were snuffing out candles and lamps in the main hall. One of the guards took a large pull, snuffing out the lights on a huge wooden chandelier above them, while another lazily sat down and watched the other one work.

"Yer a lazy cretan, ya know that?" The older black clad said.

"An yer a fool. Let der other vermin do it." He chuckled.

The other one stopped and huffed, agreeing as he accomplished little and sat down next to his friend. "Ya dink Markem is gonna win?"

"He got farder den Kasg, lot farder den Cluny."

The two continued to reminisce on the old times, but they stopped once they began to hear a humming sound behind them. It was an old song, one many bards in the north knew, and one which frightened them. It was almost thematic as Hesam got out of his bed and walked down the halls, brightly singing the dark song of Kasg the Craven.

In the mist of northern coasts and rocky shores

A boat carries a rat from western shores

A single beast they dropped off by the sea

Colder was the wind as he stood and looked out to sea

The mockers spoke ill of his reign

The rabbits and otters chided his name

A warlord and his kin sought his demise

And he had not horde in his sight

Yet where are the mockers now?

Deep and buried in the ground.

Brought to the shores, crying and weeping

Turned into fish bait screaming

The rabbits resisted, the otters did too

They brought their banners against his black hugh

The otters had their tails cropped, put into chains

And the rabbits were brought to a fiery end

A horde of a mighty host sought his end

A warlord he said was a friend

Far from the field, he awaited for days

For the heads of a family doomed to the grave

Beware oh northern beast who treads the dark roads

Of a rat who will not boast

His cold eyes look upon flames

Of his enemies now rotting in his name.

The song was once heard across the north, impressing the two older black clads as they saw Hesam appeared. They arose as Hesam looked at them and smiled. The tattooed vermin spoke to him "Aye, ya know dat ol Black Clad song?"

"I do, good vermin." Hesam smiled and was heading towards the door. The older of the two gripped his weapon, looking suspiously at the mouse bard. "Yer suppose to be in yer bed, mistress says ya got a curfew. You an' yer friends both."

"I'm not tired, good sir. I am in fact quite famished." Hesam ignored them, heading towards the door without stopping. He was looking for something. The older vermin yelled at him "Whacha dink ya doin, yer a guest of Markem, no-"

"Yell again, vermin, and you can explain to your mistress why you took Luzgot's bribe." Hesam warned. The vermin shamefully silenced himself as he got a dark look from his companion. Hesam looked on happily as he spotted what he was looking for, for snuck away in a small cubby behind the door was a large door blocker meant to hold the door shut "Ah, perfect! Needed this." Hesam looked over at them, the two guards confused. They were distracted when they heard down the hall a sudden sound of scraping metal, huffed and horrid gasps, and a lumbering coming towards them. Malgor appeared quickly and stared down at them, his stomach covered in blood.

One of the black clads had his eyes opened and looked on horrified and reached for a horn at his side. Malgor came over and grabbed the two vermin, swiftly bashing their heads together. The first time he did so was enough for them to drop their weapons, the second to knock them out, and the third to kill them. He dropped them to the floor and growled at Hesam "Our weapons, Hesam. We need them."

"They are in the bleeding armory, just grab their weapons you idiot, and help me with this." Hesam was casual as he continued to hum the song, in a mocking tone to the black clads who had heard it. It had a dark history, for it was said around the campfires of one of Kasg's allies, the song was used a signal for the murder of one of his traitorous allies. Hesam thought it quite appropriate for the occasion, something he'd write down once this was all done and over.

Once the door was properly locked, Vogar came into the hall, waving a bloodied sword "Twelve more guards, Hesam. Two in the kitchen I believe are arguing, and a bunch patrolling still. Put most of the bodies in our room, but they'll find the mess. Malgor, be a friend an' ambush them, wot."

Malgor grunted "You two better not keep us all waiting. Let us be rid of the guards, kill the Brownnoses, and be away from this mess."

"Why be quick? They don't suspect us all that much, maybe that otter." Hesam scoffed, but Vogar gave a grim warning "Yes, but you can fun with that one later. Lets be off before one of them blows a bleeding horn, hmm? These are black clads, we need to kill them quick and easy like. Or they will cause us trouble.

"Fine, fine."

Hesam and Vogar went one direction, and their badger friend went another. The assassination of the guards was brutal and efficient, as the Companion murdered the evil vermin, awaiting their turn to deal a cruel hand to the fates of their next victims who soundly slept through it.
_

'Mud' heard a sudden thump and a groan as he awoke suddenly. He looked towards the door, peering in the moonlight darkness. He rubbed his eyes and prepared to go back to sleep till he noticed something strange. Beneath the door a very dim yellow light was creeping through a very vicious darkness. He got up to take a close look, stepping in something wet. He bent down, smelling it and his eyes widened. He dipped his paw into the wet substance and brought it to the window and examined it.

It was red.

'Mud' whispered at Yala "Yala. Wake up, quickly." He said with urgency, but she didn't stir. He shook her on the top bunk and she came up, looking down tired. 'Mud' was putting on his clothes and Yala was confused. She slowly got down, and began to do the same. 'Mud' went to open the door, but it was budging on something. "Dakab. Whats the matter?" Yala sounded worried, as 'Mud' looked anxious even in the darkness. With almost desperation, he pushed on the door of his room, opening it and looking into a dimly lit hallway. He looked down in horror, seeing the twisted and terrified face of a soldier staring back at him. He heard the clanging of steel down the hall, distant as it was. Yala came close, and nearly screamed as 'Mud' held her mouth shut.

'Mud' was terrified as well as Yala looked just as terrified. Once calm down, she thought quickly "We-we can barricade the doors, we ca-"

"Mard and Maiz. We need to get to them." 'Mud' said. Yala hadn't even thought of young mouse babes as she helped 'Mud' push the door much wider opened the door being blocked by the heavy cadaver and rolled it to the side. The fighting was heard even louder as 'Mud' looked down at the corpse. Yala was confused "A-are we under attack?"

"Yes, I just don't know by whom."

"Lefen maybe?" Yala asked, not very hopeful. 'Mud' shook his head "Lefen isn't this foolish, nor is Luzgot. Come, we gotta be quiet. I think I have a clue who it is."

"It can't be those Companions can it?"

"They have a badger. A big, dangerous badger." 'Mud' grunted. He peered around corners, looking at bodies, seeing some having missing weapons which were scattered. Some were dragged partially into the store room, but it was clear a patrol crossed paths with them, and now the assassins were desperately trying to keep those guards from warning their mistress. There was fighting down the hall, in the main court, with a yelp from a larger beast "Oh no you bleeding don't!" There was a huge pounding on the door, as if something was flung into it.

"Yala, I need you to get Sheera and her children." 'Mud' said. Yala gave him a strange look, but the otter smiled anxiously "I'll lead them away. Now go!" Yala ran in one direction and 'Mud' went towards the court, hiding as he saw a small battle unfold.

The last three black clads were fighting for control of the gate and fallen horn, the halberd wielders fought to corner Malgor who smacked them away with his sword, which was like a dagger to him. Vogar and Hesam quickly joined, covered in bruises and a small scar across Vogar's cheek. The guards matched them in combat now that they were better prepared, the older and veteran warriors kept up their attack on the woodlanders who equalled them back. Yet, Malgor was the deciding factor, taking one soldier's weapon from him and impaling him with it. Hesam and Vogar slashed at another, and the last soldier fought all three off to the best of his ability, but was ultimately killed trying to bang upon the gates fruitlessly.

'Mud' hid beneath the tables as Malgor looked over his kills. 'Mud' breathed heavily and arose, with the Companions distracted and discussing their future victims "So, I say we kill the mother first, then the two pups, hmmm?"

"No no no, pups first, wot. Mother can watch."

"Servants, Pups, then Mother."

"Oh, can't forget about that wretched river dog, hmm?"

"That wretched river dog is right here." 'Mud' shouted out. The Companions slowly turned with 'Mud' taking up one of the black clad's falchions and waving it at them. Hesam looked amused as Vogar quickly began to circle him. Malgor kept a distance, ready to charge into him. Hesam mocked the otter "Brave, but not brave enough to kill your master's children? I am starting to think you and your brother enjoy your servitude."

'Mud' backed away, unsure what to even do with his weapon, he was no warrior like his brother, but he kept his eyes on Vogar the most. He dropped his blade and run, hearing the companions coming up behind him. On his way through the halls, he slammed the door of his room and quickly dove into another open door. The companions stopped at his room, Malgor swiftly opening the door, nearly sending the corpse door stop flying as Hesam and Vogar entered.

'Mud' began to run again, gaining distance as Malgor noticed him and charged at him. 'Mud' had no clue how fast badgers were, diving across another hall in time for the badger to slam his head into a wall as 'Mud' continued to run. He circled the main halls, but felt aware that the Companions likely would try to cut him off. He quickly entered the court to find it empty, save for the corpses, and quickly made his way to one of the corpses, covering himself in blood and hiding beneath it to blend in. His eyes were kept wide as he saw Hesam and Malgor enter from one side, and Vogar was heard coming from another. They looked around as 'Mud' kept perfectly still as the frustrated companions began to blame each other.

"He must have run outside, or went into the bleeding store room. Check the windows!"

"We should be focusing on the bleeding rats." Malgor complained, but Hesam snapped at them "The store room. He must have escaped there, we need to catch him or he'll tell the entire bleeding vermin fort! Go! Now!"

The group quickly ran in that direction, as 'Mud' peered off and had a brilliant idea. He waited for the group to go inside, before closing the door behind them, but having no means to barricade it. 'Mud' then ran to the opposite side, opening the door to Markem's office but then hiding in the room where the Companions had been sleeping in. Predictably, the angered beasts hurried out and rushed into the office, making sure to look around. 'Mud' snuck back toward the court, grabbed a chair and began to barricade the office. By the time the companions realized they were duped, 'Mud' had a large enough pile of wood keeping the door shut.

"Mud?" 'Mud' turned around, seeing a frightened Sheera holding her two pups, looking mortified at the death in their halls. 'Mud' quickly went to rejoin them as Malgor very quickly began to break down the barricade.
_

Sheera was having a terrible dream, a nightmare for which she was walking through a gray bog. She came across many strange sights which made her stir in heated anguish, sights which made even her hardened self queasy. She was being chased by two otters, one headless and one with a wound across his stomach who hunted her in the bog. She fell into the mud, where the beast caught up to her but did not harm her, looking down to her and frightening her. She got up, horrified as she continued, haunted by the two. She stumbled upon another otter, one made of wood whose strings went far up into the sky and made a bow to her in humble servitude. Sheera felt almost relieved to see a rope around the puppet's throat, for it stopped the haunting revenants from chasing her further. She backed away from the group, the revenant with a head coming up to the puppet and caressing its cheek, and gave a dark and furious look to a frightened Sheera. She did not understand and went on into the marsh, lost and alone. She was stopped when she came across the puppet again, its strings and form disturbed her, it again bowing like a servant. It escorted her, leading her along. They crossed a strange cairne in the marsh, one for which a trident was stuck above the ground, with words which read 'Kinslayer' upon it. The two entered into a hill for which sat upon its base a wooden throne. Sheera was afraid to approach, but her puppet servant encouraged her to come. As they approached, all manner of beasts surrounded her, some were vermin of Jusbrag in some manner of royal garb, some were slaves in fine clothes who smiled at her. Sheera felt a profound sadness all of a sudden, sitting upon the throne even with all authority given to her. A figured approach, one which she was familiar with. The black and hunched water rat Hazul Leffer came, he came over, confused to see that Sheera was there. She wondered if he was in her dream with her, but he did not bring comfort.

"Friend shall become foe, and foe shall become friend." Hazul said slowly, before drawing his blade, coming forward. Before the slice was cut, Sheera yelled out "No!"

She awoke, sweating and shaking her head. Yet, she heard her door open and swiftly close, and got up swiftly. She reached for a sword next to her bed, but heard Yala's voice "Mistress, are you up!?"

Sheera growled, lowering her paw "Der hells ya want, Yala. Ya better got new from me husband or me kids are having nightmares." Sheera slowly got up, just expecting her kids to have such nightmares as she had. Yet, there was horror in Yala's voice, coming close "Mam, we need to get out, we need to get out quickly. 'Mud' sent me to collect you and the little ones."

Sheera squinted, finding all this a bit too serious "Der hell ya talking about, is something happening?"

"Its those envoys, miss. They are killing the guards!"

Sheera huffed in disbelief "Me guards are armed, dey don't got swords. Even a badger can't take dem all on, dey-"

Yala slowly shook her "Mam! They are murdering them!" Sheera expected some manner of foul form from these woodlanders, but competent warriors was not something she had expected. She went to grab her sword and quickly went towards the door, opening it to see the well lit hallways with a couple strangled and murdered guards. She heard fighting down the hall, tempted at first to go reinforce her guards until they fell silent. She turned to Yala and motioned her to come.

Unsheathing her sword, the two slowly and cautiously walked down the hall, hearing thumping and yells.

"Mud is leading them in a chase, so we can get Mard an' Maiz, mam."

Sheera blinked, impressed by 'Mud's' bravery. She quickly ran to the door where her kids slept, and entered with Yala. Mard and Maiz were very much awake, silent as the grave and looking at their door, going under their sheets temporarily when they heard it open. They were the only ones to hear the guards yell and try to chase the Companions down, only to hear them thud on the floor. Sheera grabbed Mard and Maiz, looking to Yala to guide them. She was about to open the door when they heard thumping and running. A loud crash was heard as they stood still.

Yala looked towards the window, wondering if they could make it out into the courtyard. Sheera whispered however. "If they got the door open an' all me guards are dead, they'll grab us in the courtyard. It'll be too loud."

"You got an idea where to hide?"

"If we can make it to the store room, we can hide der an' sneak out to find Vake. We gotta hurry." The two listened closely, as the yells and noise was farther off. Mard and Maiz whimpered and held their mother close as Yala scouted out, seeing nothing alive in the halls. They exited and began heading towards the store room, but quickly stop and dove back into Sheera and Markem's room when they saw a big badger angrily make his way into Markem's office. The two hid again, both deeply frightened as they hid.

They exited once again, finding 'Mud' looking at his work of a barricade of chairs, a lampstand, and a body propping up the door to Markem's office. 'Mud' looked towards them and ran to them. Sheera didn't resist as he hurried them along and stopped as they heard a loud crashing sound. He whispered to them "Yala, take Sheera to the broom closet, they won't look for them there."

"'Mud', whatcha m-" Sheera was about to ask, but he quickly shooed them along, hearing cracks in the doors "I'll come look for you when I am done. I promise, I'll distract them. Go! Hide!" 'Mud' ordered. Sheera gave a terrified and respectful look to the slave who quickly went to Mard and Maiz's unlit room, slamming the door shut and locking it. It was starting to rain outside, a storm was coming in, as 'Mud' looked around for anything he could use to break some window glass. He heard a harsh thud on the door as 'Mud' broke the glass and called out into the night "Go! Get to Vake! Hurry!" One last thud on the door and Malgor bursted in, furious and approaching the otter menacingly as he was about to climb out the broken window. He knew through the storm and being high above no one could really hear him.

Hesam and Vogar entered as 'Mud' stood still, the otter giving them the look his brother had to them.

"It's over. They'll be safe down in Gholand." 'Mud' cursed them. Hesam grunted "Maybe, but I doubt you will be very happy about this little brave decision of yours, slavebeast."

Malgor coldly looked at 'Mud' as the otter stood defiantly to them. He knew what was coming, but knowing Mard and Maiz was safe brought him some comfort. Hesam shook his head, distracted by his fury and need for reckless cruelty "It's too bad, otter. I would have wanted your brother to see this."

Vogar grabbed mud and dragged him to the ground, the Companions surrounded him and began to kick and punch him. The pain began to dull for 'Mud' as his world was starting to turn very black, feeling the warping of his body by the cruel and hurtful throttling the Companions were giving him. He wondered if this was what his brother felt when Markem beat him, and finally with one final crack on his leg and a kick to his chin by the badger, 'Mud's' world became dark.
_

Malgor unlocked the main gate, throwing the large wooden log holding the door shut harshly to the ground and slowly opening it to a drenching rain which poured down. The group looked out into the wet darkness as Vogar passed out cloaks from Markem's storeroom to wear, although the one Malgor hard didn't fit, so he used Sheer'a blanket as one. Hesam was now worried, as he walked out into the darkness, and were hurrying out. Hesam and Vogar debated how long it would take Sheera and her children to find guards, or find Vake, and rally a barracks worth of vermin to come hunt them down. The group made their way into the darkness of the vermin commons, and made their way towards the armory to pick up their weapons. One last murder, the quartermaster's guard, would make Vogar the winner of the most killed this night.

Hesam grew worried, whispering to his companions as the rain poured down on them, looking up at the keep. "They should have raised an alarm by now."

"We can discuss this once we're far away from this." Vogar said his paranoia was getting to him as he looked side to side. They avoided patrols when they could, making their way towards the gate.

"We could have catched up to them if we didn't take out time with that otter." Malgor complained, but Hesam silenced him "Can you not remind me? You're Not the one who will need to remind Milo or Minto of our trouble now, hmm?"

They casually made their way towards the gates, but Malgor slowed and looked up, wondering to himself. Vogar and Hesam stopped as well, coming up to Malgor to bully him "Yes, we failed, can we please leave before the guards do some manner of verminous execution upon us? I'd rather not die young you know."

"They are likely still up there."

"Impossible, we saw that cracked window."

"Then where is the alarm?" Malgor turned to his friends who frowned. Malgor was tempted to head back up, make another search, but he saw a couple vermin marching around near the stairs leading up to it. He backed away and looked to Hesam and Vogar who again made their way towards the gates.

"Luzgot will be furious, wot."

"Good thing we don't care about him then, Vogar. We did half of our mission, so it's accomplished, Luzgot will take care of the rest." Hesam reminded him. Malgor grunted in disapproval, much to Hesam's annoyance. The two made their way towards the gate guard, who stopped them.

"Whacha do doin out tonight, ya got business?"

"Yes, actually. A message we are meant to send to Tussock. Envoy business." Hesam smiled. The guard squinted, keeping himself out of the rain the best he could. Hesam produced a scroll, but did not open it and waved it at the guard. However, Markem's seal was upon it and the guard nodded "Aye, fine, ya can leave."

The group slowly walked out as to not raise suspicion, but once towards the tree line they abandoned their cloaks and quickly began to move far beyond the forest. Malgor looked back towards Gholand, somewhat admiring Markem's strange achievements. He openly wondered to his friends "Strange for a slave to be loyal to their owners."

"Well, he can watch as Luzgot murders them in whatever afterlife he is in." Hesam mocked. Vogar looked over his blade, grunting "You should have let me put him out of his misery. Save us the time."

"And let the beast not die in pain? Probably already bled out by now, or died of shock. Lets not speak of this again, maybe once we get to Minto's camp, we can pretend we did our duty and wait out the war on Milo's island. If you two want, we can save Markem's bodyguard to be our punching practice, hmm?"

Malgor smiled "Heh. Sounds good to me." The badger took up his blade upon his back and Vogar came to Hesam's side. In the rain and muck, Hesam blew into his flute, leading the group along for their long journey towards the western coast, leaving Gholand far behind them.