Chapter 3: Bigger Fish
Galgor Ironpaw sat at a table beneath the great mountain of Salamanderstron, the mighty volcano fortress of the badger lords of Mossflower and realm of the Long Patrol. Galgor and his officers were preparing a table of sorts, with many and varied maps and documents strewn about, with the Hares all sitting down with cups of mead and dusting off their colorful jackets. Galgor rested a paw on his mighty warhammer, watching as his great general arrived and swaggered into the room, the bright and colorful Biggum Bigtail III. The Hare had more metals then his coat could handle, and liked to wear his favorite feathery cap to these all important meetings. Galgor smiled and began the meeting with a booming statement.
"Not too long ago, the warriors of Mossflower felled an old evil, the craven lord of the north himself. Kasg is dead, but now I gather you here for a new purpose. A new threat is at Mossflower's door, built under our very noses. Biggum, tell us the issues of the day."
"Well my lord." Biggum began, coughing into his paw and his ears standing straight up. "First the bad news. Our report on this Markem Brownnose is still incomplete. The warband was first seen near Jusbrag where it acquired a rare alliance with the warlord of that damned settlement. Our friends in Riftguard tell us that Kylan Bignose and his horde have remained silent for over three long seasons, and warlords are disappearing under a brown banner. We fear the worst. Markem and his horde may have accumulated a sizable host, but has not set a target just yet. Our fortress of Tussock is in grave danger, as far I see it."
"Secondly, our issues in the south grow more unstable. Kasg's old captain, Gandal Blackfur, had been seen building up his forces. The rest of the black clad army had joined him, and likely he will strike when he has appropriate numbers." A murmur broke in the room, but was silenced by Biggum's brutal stare. The Hare could quickly silence his subordinates, especially when they gossiped. "Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to gauge out the buggard, the bloody wretch continues to thrive by conscripting every vermin soldier and family he can get his filthy paws on. Several issues arose, including the death of our dear friend and ally, Lorgar Watertrot. We fear his entire family has been captured, and Borbon had been hot on the tails of those creatures."
Galgor sighed "Lorgar. . .I knew him well. His death is a tragedy to us all! Has my subordinate Numbat Vigor von Biggerplume III and that badger Balon been able to at least avenge him?"
"No, I am sorry I cannot say. Lorgar's death weighs heavily on us all, but we will catch, capture, and kill Gandal soon enough!"
Galgor smiled "That is what I like to hear. We have two warlords in Mossflower, and two villains who need to be destroyed utterly. We can only focus on one. Biggum Bigtail, start mustering the Hares. We will go after Markem first, and-"
A Hare bursted into the meeting room, running up to Biggum. He looked wide eyed and desperate "My lord commander, general of the high order of the rat slayers, gre-"
"Enough titles, lad, what is it!"
"Adam Waterblow has returned, he brings grave news!"
_
In the port below Salamanderstron, a damaged ship laid in harbor, with a large and imposing hare looking over the damage. The carrack was cracked in several places, blood painted the deck of the ship, and several injured Hares were transported off board and carried off on sheets, some covered and others groaning in pain. Biggum rushed down to meet this hare, flanked to his side was Shren, a shrew in a sea jacket and wearing an admiral's cap, looking over the damage with a special kind of spite.
"Adam Waterblow IV, as soon as I heard, I came."
Galgor was shortly behind, along with a gaggle of other officers. The imposing hare turned, his left eye covered in an eye patch and looking a bit injured himself. Biggum noticed his shoulder looked badly wounded, but Adam simply shrugged it off with important news to his superior.
"I am sorry to say Biggum, but the issue of Barbo and his corsairs has only intensified. I bring sordid news from Green Isle."
"What news might that be?"
"The seasons of silence from them weren't bad weather. Barbo and some mysterious others have brutally ransacked the sea otters, stealing many away these many seasons. Kasg and his horde apparently opened up a strange little golden age for our pirate enemy."
"Aye, and worse yet, Barbo is still on the loose! We had just had an encounter with the buggard too." Shren cursed.
"That corsair, cursed be his name." Galgor slammed his fist into the air. "Adam, what happened?"
"We were scouting out the isles, but soon it became a hunt. We were tracked down by not only Barbo's personal vessel, but also other pirates. Many bore green flags, but the corsair himself seemed to attack them as well, sinking a ship or two, before retreating. It was a trap however, as his daughter's wretched ship slammed into us and unloaded a mockery of marines onto our deck. Nearly had us, but we pulled through."
"I'm glad to hear, but the casualties, Adam." Galgor had eyed some of the hares passing by him, two of which had grievous face injuries as they held onto their stretchers to dear life.
"Three dead, 11 injured."
"Including yourself?"
"No." Adam 's shoulder twitched, and even though the rhythm of pain went across his body, the Hare still held firm. Galgor liked Adam a lot, a true Long Patrol hare in his eyes. "Regardless, get healed up and rest for a while. Tell us in full report what had happened. It isn't enough that warlords threaten Mossflower, and snakes run rampant in the wilderness, but now pirates threaten our shores as well."
_
A large badger watched the port from high up on a mountain terrace, one paw to his chin and another gripping the stone fencing. The badger looked downward at the damaged carrack, and the Hares unloading both bodies and supplies off of it. He was deep in thought, but not about normal things. A voice rang behind him.
"I know that look, old friend." A light hearted voice sang out, plopping beside him. A sea otter in a tight chest iron plate, wielding little more than an axe and a bandolier and sack sat next to the stoic but bored badger. Having brought a good drink with him, he shared a cup with him, but he did not drink.
"I'm not old enough, Gambit, you should know this."
"Salgor Ironpaw, you know full well that even if I knew that rule, I wouldn't have followed it!"
Salgor grumbled and simply passed the drink to the ground and continued to watch from afar. "Adam came through the wrong port again. The rules dictate that he should have used the left anchor side of the port rather than cramming into the repair bay first. If my father cared enough about those rules, that would have been a demotion on the spot."
"Thank goodness you aren't in charge, or otherwise half of the Hares of Salamanderstron would be finding new jobs!" Gambit laughed, taking a swig of his drink. The sea otter had traveled down from Green Isle seasons ago, having lived near and around the mountain, primarily fishing and acting as the mercenary for the Hares. Salgor knew his friend well, the two having even pretended to walk southward near the marshes on a far flung adventure. Gambit was ultimately right however about one thing, if Salgor was in charge, and the heir to the great mountain, more than half the Hares would be hanging up their uniforms, and another half complaining of demotion.
"You need to lighten up Salgor, besides, once your brother returns to the mountain, I'm certain your father will actually let you go."
"I doubt so. He wants me to take command in northern Mossflower." Salgor was disappointed and saddened by the thought. He had longed to go earn his own glory, but his father had denied him several times in the same season. Much like Galgor, Salgor would never relent on even the smallest demand. The two fought, both orally and physically, over the issue, and Galgor had come out on top both times.
"Northern Mossflower ain't so bad, right? I'd join you!" Gambit smiled. Salgor smiled back and even chuckled, the sea otter's devious scheme to make the stoic creature do such things succeeded once again.
"Maybe, but it's not where the action is. Eastern Mossflower is overrun with vermin warlords, and southern Mossflower is a mess. Kasg had driven a lash to many, and he brought a lot of creatures down from the north to fight in his wars. Now, many of those vermin settle Mossflower as either bandits, thieves, or worse. You heard about Lorgar and his family?"
"Aye." Gambit sighed "A true hero. I hope that mole crushes the rat's brains in with his hammer."
"Not if Balon gets him first." Salgor shrugged "Although they have been slow. You think they may go after Gandal first? Or that new one. What was his name? Mookum?"
"Vermin names all sound the same to me, honestly. Bleed the same too."
"Regardless, father comes back inside, I suppose we should go greet him."
_
Salgor and Gambit were walking down the halls, talking and joking with one another. It was one of the few times in a day that Salgor wasn't stressing out or getting angry at family. He had a rather cruel nickname which he came to both love and hate. Salgor the Stone, Salgor the Unrelenting. When a hare walked by him on the same side of the hall, he stopped her and lectured her for minutes on proper rules and protocol, and then promised a severe punishment. The Hare was mortified, but Gambit reassured her that Salgor was simply stressed and apologized on his behalf, even though the sea otter knew Salgor meant every word he said. He rarely jokes, and if he did, it was a forced joke at that. Salgor made his way down into Salamanderstron's apartments, and collected from his room his well fitting armor and claymore, a great steel blade which in badger runes read 'Slayer' upon the blade itself. It was a well crafted thing, a gift from his mother, and he carried it always.
Salgor and Gambit were about to leave to greet Galgor and get an understanding of what was going on, up until they bumped into the worst beast Salgor knew. His small, young, and poison tongued sister Nazla.
"Watch where you are going, rock breath! It isn't enough that you have to block the halls with your fat, dopey form. Can you be a stone elsewhere today?"
"Good evening to you as well Nazla." Salgor groaned. Nazla was his youngest sibling by far, but she was already more independent then he was. She was trying to rush past him, but Salgor awkwardly was unable to move from the hallway fast enough to her liking.
"What's the rush, little one?" Gambit tried to be friendly, but that friendliness wasn't returned. "Be silent, waterdog. I'm trying to go see my brother."
"Your brother is right here?"
"My better brother!"
Salgor froze. He hadn't returned already, has he? Salgor felt his day growing worse already, and as Nazla disappeared into her room, she began taking out her 'present'. A small box of weirdly shaped pine cones she had been crafting with her mother and rushing past the two again. Salgor breathed through his nose and prepared for the worst.
_
Galgor was shocked, so much news had come in a single day, but his elder son returning from his northern command was perhaps the biggest news that had come yet. Adam and Biggum had been flanking their lord, talking to each other about the pirates, but as soon as Galgor's wife and beloved Narsa came down to greet her husband, telling him of the good news. Galgor was off immediately, leaving Biggum and Adam alone in a hallway.
"I'm sorry to say ol' chap. Your return is lessened by the return of our dear and honorable Dagor. Adam, why don't you begin preparing your report. I must gather the rest of the Long Patrol as well. We will meet and make our final decisions tonight."
"As you wish general Bigtail III, shall I find Barfoof as well?"
"Yes. Fetch him as well. Do make sure he doesn't bring his little blue book with either, last thing I need is him mucking about again in front of the lord."
"There will be an attempt."
Galgor and his wife rushed out the front gate, seeing not just one, but two lonesome figures in the distance beyond the beach head of the southern land of Mossflower. The two towering figures approached, one wielding a great battle axe, the other a large shortsword. One wore a muddied outfit of mangled armor and was covered head to toe in scars and torn clothes, the other had a more simple getup. Narsa nearly broke into tears running out the gate, seeing not only had her son Dagor returned, but her other son Maglor as well. Galgor was soon flanked by his small daughter who nearly rushed out to meet her brothers, although was much more happy to see Dagor. Yet, this happy moment seemed to fade once Salgor and Gambit waltzed out.
"Ah, the stone does actually move from his perch." Galgor began, but Salgor only folded his paws.
"He returns a bit too early, and you know it."
"I will have enough of that, and you will not mention it. Yes he returns early, but he has yet to explain why."
"He would have been disowned by badger law."
Galgor held back some rather cruel words to say to his cold son, but relented. "Just enjoy having family around, my son. Come, your brothers need attention."
Salgor looked grimmly at the two approaching, he didn't despise him, but he certainly did have a lot of bad words to say to them especially considering the last time. His mother hugged the two, and was hugged back in turn. It was a joyous occasion for her, having not seen Dagor in seasons, and worried for his safety so often. Dagor had a 'lust for adventure' and traveled to northern Mossflower to lay off some steam, commanding a small camp of Long Patrol to hunt down vermin and chase them far into the northern passes of the Highlands, and made his father proud with each victory he achieved. Salgor however was less pleased, for Dagor's adventuring often went beyond protocol, was stupidly dangerous, and dangerous stupid. Several Hares would have survived to this day had Dagor not decided to simply not rout his enemy all the way up a mountain. Malgor was a bit of a different story, and is Galgor's second eldest. However, he left the mountain to live in Mossflower, and abandoned his family duties to go on adventures with a mouse and a rogue hare. Malgor was adventurous and remained so, and Galgor appreciated him. Salgor did not. Salgor had said many things to his brothers before they left, lecturing them on duty and responsibility, since it was what he was taught and practically beaten into. He hated how his father ignored his brother's obvious failings, but never ignored his own.
Galgor hugged his two missing sons and invited them inside. Salgor lagged behind with Gambit and his mother joined him. Narsa was cheerful, and the badger did not want to break her heart. He kept silent.
"Oh, Salgor, it is like a miracle. To have the whole family together again! Malgor coming home again was the biggest surprise yet! Maybe he may even stay."
Salgor wanted to say that badger law would have had him banished under old laws, but stopped short. He remained silent as they headed back inside. Gambit could see Salgor's face drop, and mentally began preparing himself for a night of awkwardness and general nastiness.
_
"And you slew him on top of the mountain?" Galgor said, impressed, sitting in his large chair in the war room. Dagor chuckled "The wolverine stood no chance! He ate some young creatures, so I slew him and his entire wretched warband! You should have seen it father, it was glorious!"
Salgor looked over from his own chair, breaking the mood "You stepped several miles out of Mossflower to hunt him? Several Hares were injured in that fight, as I recall from the report you sent."
Dagor shot an angry glance at Salgor, followed shortly by Galgor. The Hares in the room who were watching in attendance usually respected the badger lords, but they did not miss these family disputes. Galgor and Salgor were always nearly at each other's throats, but the fights between Dagor, Malgor, and Salgor were always ugly.
"And how many wolverines did you kill, little brother?"
"None."
Nazla, who had been sitting in attendance also chimed in. "How many vermin did you even slay, stone breath."
"Enough Nazla." Galgor chided. "While yes, you did step out of line my son. I admire the courage it takes to finish off another wretch of the world. Salgor, you should be more like your brothers."
Salgor gripped his chair. Gambit may have been in attendance at the meeting, the major and higher command Hares having not arrived yet, but he grimly looked on. It was like watching a family dispute, or a mother beat her child in a cruel way. He wanted to look away, but could not.
"One who actively disobeys orders, and another who abandons the mountain and our ways entirely?! If only you had told me sooner."
"Does something ruffle your fur, dear brother." Dagor cruelly chuckled. However, a swift and angry glance from Galgor silenced him. Malgor sat peacefully in his chair, but spoke up once Salgor involved him.
"Perhaps Salgor, if you wanted it so much, you could just leave the mountain. Here and now, and be done with it."
"I don't abandon my duties, not like others who sit in this room."
"As if you even know what duty is!" Dagor shouted out "You whine too much for your own good! Maybe the stone would crumble a bit if he actually held a real position."
"Enough!" Galgor slammed the table. At that moment, Narsa had come in with food, serving the group inside. The Hares liked Narsa, not only for being a good cook, but the badger family seemed to always hide their spite for each other when she was around. She was not blind to it, but Galgor fixed himself up and nearly all gave a fake smile once she entered. She served one of Gambit's favorite meals, salmon with soft and salted bread. The Hares thanked her. She sat next to Salgor and tried to change the conversation before it got heated more. "Dagor, it's been so long, tell us how things went up north."
"As I was saying, bef-"
Galgor's silencing stare turned again to Dagor. The Badger may have been strong and hardened by command, but Galgor could put the fear of death into him. He began his story without mocking his brother.
"As I was saying. When I took up command, my first act was hunting down the bandit clans caused by Kasg's death. These clans, black clad and armed, built warlord fiefdoms in all of northern Mossflower. Some escaped eastward, but we kept the pressure on them. Things went well, and we were attacked by a wolverine and his band of cannibals! He ate the youngsters of a poor vole family, so we chased him up a mountain and slew him for the trouble. However, when we came back down, strange things began to happen. You know the vermin have slaving routes, right? The bandits would kidnap woodlanders when we aren't looking, and sell them to slavers who will drag them to fortresses. I thought they would head to Jusbrag, but instead they were marching into the western sea itself. We fought a strange horde alongside Marshal Bludger. I actually came back down, looking for reinforcements."
Dagor turned his eyes to Malgor and commented to him, "How about you Malgor, any adventures?"
"Kind of. Me, Hesam, and Vogar have been trying to hunt down the Lady of the Woods. We came close to catching it once, but not much has come of it. We are harassed by a black bird often, who we have to rescue the people of Mossflower. Not much else to say really, just helping out." Malgor turned his eyes to Salgor who sat with folded paws, clearly being disinterested.
"And you Salgor? How are your adventures?" Malgor knew this was a blank and cruel statement. His sister from the back also chimed in "Ah, do tell the adventure of when you nearly knocked over a torch in the hall last winter! It's a favorite!"
Salgor was about to speak up, but Dagor chimed in with a cruel twist "Tell us brother, how goes counting all the stones and pebbles of Salamandastron, waiting to replace me as lone defender of the north, eh? How goes being so uptight on every rule and regulation in the mountain that one can barely walk without tripping?!"
Narsa tried to calm her son down "Dagor, please, this isn't necessary."
Malgor came to quickly regret his decision, as Dagor arose from his chair in a threatening manner. "Dagor, I didn't mean to-"
"I fought, struggled, and bled for my rights in this mountain and my command, while you bury yourself mocking and berating me, Salgor!"
Salgor arose in anger, pounding the table with his paws and nearly breaking them. Blood rushed to his head "Fought, struggled, and bled?! You had to be supported every step of the way, you spoiled pup! I'm the only one here who seems to not be in the thrall of your overbearing glory to realize you make mistake after mistake, and someone had to clean up after you! You don't think I struggle to find the glory you so revel in because I never had that chance!"
"Enough, the both of you!" Galgor shouted, but his attention turned to Salgor. "You. Out. Now."
Salgor turned to his father. It was clear to him that any blame was solely on his head. He angrily threw his chair to the side and left in a huff, his mother chasing after him. "Salgor. Salgor! Please, my son, wait!"
Dagor sat down, giving a triumphant chuckle to himself. It was almost a game at this point to easily offend his overly lawful brother. Dagor's efforts were in vain, as Galgor looked at his son, disappointment and fury in his eyes.
"I know full well your brother can be glued to our traditions, but I did expect a better of my heir to not act like a crying ratling. You two. . .and you Nazla, are going to go find your mother and brother and make amends. Now."
"What, why me!" Nazla called out.
"You know why, my daughter! Go. Now!"
The three go up and left, Dagor mumbling to himself. Gambit also got up and began to leave, leaving Galgor and the few Hare officers in attendance alone with their lord. Most look shell shocked as Galgor pressed his paws into his face.
"What gods curse me with having so many children, and what devil hates me enough to make them all like this!"
_
Salgor nearly tore off the door to the smithy inside the great mountain, his only place of comfort. His mother hurried into the room, seeing Salgor sitting on a small bench and angrily pouting to himself. Narsa came over, comforting her son. "Please, Salgor, come back. I'm certain your brothers didn't mean it!"
"Mom, I think we both know full well they meant it." Salgor didn't burst into tears, but his face reeked of his sadness. These moments were always locked behind doors, where his mother did not see the seams of the family splitting itself apart. Held tightly by his mother, Salgor shook with rage.
"I want to prove myself for once, mom. I want to go out and do something in this world while I am still young! Dagor got his chance, but why not me!"
"Your father needs you here, and he needs you to take Dagor's place once he was done letting off his steam. You aren't special in that regard, it's just a natural part. Me, your father, and many badger lords had the call to leave and return. Many times they had left, many times they said terrible and damning things. Be patient with your brothers, and with us, I do beg of you."
Narsa held her son close to her, the badger relenting and embracing her, up until his brothers came through the door, followed by his sister. Salgor could stand his brothers, in spite of his ill will towards them both, but Nazla was a different story. The small badger sat on a stool and folded her paws with ill intent, as the other two bowed their heads to their mother. Narsa called out to them.
"While we are away from your father, I have much to tell you two, and all of it ill and cruel. If your grandfather were here now, he'd skin you and throw you out! How dare you act this way in front of me and your sire with such contempt. My dears, I love you, and I wish you no ill will, but I will not let this family stand to crumble! You will make up, here and now in this room. None of you are to come out of the smithy till you all apologize to each other!" Narsa gave a cold glare at her daughter who bowed her head in shame. "That goes for you as well Salgor."
Salgor nodded. He knew he had done wrong, as was ancient code of conduct, to challenge and leave the presence of the badger lord while he held court or meeting. To be in a room with his brothers was perhaps punishment enough, but it was cruel and unusual to leave him with Nazla. Narsa tapped her foot, awaiting Dagor to start. The proud elder son relented and gave a loud sigh and started.
"I am sorry brother."
"See, isn't that easy? Now you two best start making your amends, before I return. Your father and I have some things to discuss."
Narsa left the room to her children, she was confident that once things had calmed down, they would have acted like the pups she had come to love all those years ago, their imaginations and friendliness returned to them in due course. However, what she had not known was their unspoken rule, for when Narsa left the room, they began unleashing all hell onto each other again.
"I am sorry you have a stick shoved up you-"
"I get it, Dagor. I get it. Come now, speak out what you want to say to me."
Dagor came close, it was usually intimidating to any creature who saw the warrior badger. He was covered in scars and old wounds, many of them sustained in battle and experience in the command of his northern division. However, seeing Salgor simply fold his paws with defiance made him wince. Salgor had not earned the nickname 'the stone' without reason, looking on with a grim and cold fury. Dagor grunted at Salgor's reluctance.
"Father will send you north, but once I am in charge, I'll make sure you stay up there. You'd learn a thing or two, and see where your pompous 'traditions' get you! You don't know what it's like to hold command, let alone battle for your very life, and you sit in this place complaining about father about me of all things."
"It's because you don't have to deal with your own messes! I do! I am the only expected to keep to the rules you mock daily, while you, father, and everyone else gets to leave the mountain as they so wish! I get to watch your mistakes in the damned reports your own hares send! I have to tell the families of the Long Patrol who get killed under you that their loved ones don't get to return home because my 'glorious' brother is playing the hero! I have to stay the 'stone' of the mountain, waiting for you to take charge, and mess things up even more! Don't think for a second that the moment you become the next badger lord, that I will stay around to see you get yourself and the entire Long Patrol killed."
Dagor twitched his eye in anger, he wanted to strangle his brother, but yet knew all too well he was right. At one time, he loved his brother, but years of their father's plans and abuses always caught up to them both.
"Can you two and hug it out already, I'm bored! Salgor, just say you were wrong, a doodoo brain, and be done for today?"
"You be quiet, Nazla." Dagor shot back. Nazla widened her eyes in disbelief, as Dagor seemed to collect himself and back away from Salgor.
"Salgor. I know you are essentially the family's steward in all but name, I'm not blind to it. You just need to know that not all of our traditions. . .make a lot of sense. I chased a wolverine up a mountain not to just get glory or tell great tales. . ."
"But it was a part of it." Malgor intervened. Both badger brothers shot him a venomous glance and he silenced himself rather quickly.
"It was to keep the wolverine from doing the same, or coming back down after having grown fat off the land and gathered bandits and vagabonds to do the terrible things he did again. Not every code is there for our protection, a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Once you are out in the world, you will learn that lesson quickly."
Salgor shaked his head, much to Dagor's disappointment. Even giving into a basic lesson, the stone of the mountain was not moved. "Our codes are there for a reason, and one day you will have to learn them Dagor. By heart, as I did."
"I will just say we hugged it out for mum, and leave it at that then."
Salgor didn't respond. It was about the only 'yes' he could get. Dagor left the room, leaving only badgers inside.
"Once again, brother, you continue to astound us all with your bulwark against reason itself." Nazla chided. "You do know he is right."
"Ignoring Nazla for a moment, Salgor. I am actually sorry." Malgor began, trying to calm the situation in the room. Salgor looked over at his 2nd eldest brother with the most contempt, and Malgor knew his threatening look better than most. When they last parted, it was not on good terms.
"Mom always wants us to get along. I know you look down at me for leaving, but can you blame me? You, Dagor. . . Nazla."
"Hey! I'm not the one who keeps making family time awkward!"
"Can you blame me for leaving? I wanted my own adventure, to be out in the world. I wasn't going to be ruler here anyway, so why stay to be Dagor's assistant and minion? I found my calling out there. I left you behind, but you don't have to remain there you know. You can come with me, and just join my small band in doing good for Mossflower."
Salgor thought it over in silence, then shook his head. "I will not, but thank you for your offer. I only act the way I do towards you and Dagor for your own good. You are still my brother at the end of the day."
"Perhaps you would come to Redwall this week? The Festival of the Evening Harvest is going to be hosted there, and Hesam was invited to help set things up. Perhaps you would. . ."
"No." Salgor gave a firm answer. Maglor frowned and remained in silence. He left the room, although perhaps as a far higher note when the two last spoke. Salgor watched his brother leave, leaving only two badgers in the smithy.
Nazla got off her stool and again criticized her brother "Good talk Salgor, a lot of work and good feelings to be had all around. Even denying your own flesh and blood a good time at going to Redwall for a festival. Very nice, cannot wait for the next wonderful and bright conversation six long seasons down the road."
"I will miss you least, Nazla."
"Same." Nazla left, leaving only one badger in the smithy. Alone at last, he was once against the last badger standing in the room, and once again he couldn't help but feel nothing but remorse for the miserable condition of his family, and anger for their mockery. Perhaps once he left the mountain, like his mother said, things would get better.
Biggum Bigtail III, the great hero and leading general in all of Mossflower, strode confidently down the halls of Salamanderstron, flanked by his friend and compatriot, Adam Waterblow IV. The admiral had to be nearly dragged to an infirmary just to get his wounds bandaged and healed, and the two began to speak of today's events with little ease.
"Biggum. You and I fought different wars, you know! You fought Kasg, killed him even, but our threat is still from the bloody ol' sea. Didn't I tell you I was right about Green Isle?"
"You were, but I am not happy about it. Those poor creatures, whatever enemy torments them clearly is bold enough to attack even the likes of Barbo Senger. That wretched corsair had done nothing good in his miserable life, and I was hoping we could drag him back to the mountain in shackles."
"So then, will I have my reinforcements?"
Biggum sighed deeply, the matter of reinforcements had been a top issue for years. "Not yet, sadly. We have other enemies on land that may have to be tended to first. We aren't short of Long Patrol hares just yet, but we are over stretched. Even with the shrews and otters cooperating as they are, we have two larger threats to deal with."
"What about these mysterious green ships, any idea who might be behind those?"
"I have no clue, and it frightens me that there may be yet another enemy out there on the sea, watching us, waiting for us to make a terrible, and brutal mistake."
"Thankfully, we still have the likes of Barfoof Vosh Veegnuff still among our number! Have you read his new book by chance, Biggum? You might like it."
Biggum cringed a bit, having read Barfoof's new 'book'. The general said nothing to the effect Adam wanted him to, and the two continued down the path, leading to a eastern part of the mountain, where the tombs were kept.
_
In a well lit crypt beneath the mountain laid a ornate tomb of marble and stone, the sarcophagus was one of many in a grand hall of heroic Hares of the ages, each depicting the Hare that had died. Many heroes of the Long Patrol with long, fulfilling careers were buried with honors in these crypts, as it wasn't for all singular Long Patrol members. Many were forgotten, simply left in the peaceful darkness. Only one otter was buried in this place, and that was the adopted son of Basil Stag Helm, Cheek, who was given full honors for a deed that has long since passed in the world. Two lonely creatures however inhabited a small crypt, with a single ragged Hare and squirrel looking over one of the more recent additions to the tomb, looming like a shadow over it. Both were wearing a reddish vest over their Long Patrol garments, the hare adorned with various metals and having a rapier at his side. The squirrel was more simple, placing a wreath down upon the crypt depicting a smiling Hare upon the marble.
Here lies Cato Vosh Veegnuff, Hero of the War in Kasg the Craven, He Defended Salamanderstron in the Year of the Black Snows, Beloved son of Captain Barfoof Vosh Veegnuff. May his memory never fade, and may he join his ancestors in peace.
Barfoof touched the grave, his companion Dacks, a young squirrel of the north, comforted his adoptive father with a pat on the back.
"I wish I knew him well."
"I wish you knew him well as well, my boy." Barfoof didn't cry, but a slow burning fire entered his eyes. It was a brutal fire. Damn you, curse you, to hell with you Biggum. He was a bright boy, my boy.
Dacks came to know that fire in Barfoof's eyes well, he saw the same fire when the Hare practically leaped into Kasg's main encampment, cutting down vermin with rapier as he went. He was but a child then, a slave in the horde. The Hare impressed greatly, a brave warrior who cut down bandits and thug with long swipes, angry and violent as he and his division tore into the enemy. He saved him from that life of toil, and followed him gladly into Salamandastron. Barfoof had raised him to march, stand at attention, and to read. He followed in everywhere, including his rather controversial campaign in northern Mossflower.
Barfoof spent the post war in one of two ways, grieving his son, and avenging him. Vermin fled in terror of the Long Patrol in those years, Barfoof had gone far and beyond to personally slay each and every vermin he got his hands on. Many fled north, some fled east. Barfoof never fully forgave Biggum for commanding his son to put down his life and his career to defend the mountain from siege, it had been a stupid mistake in his eyes. Biggum had commanded the Hares to decimate the vermin ranks outside the mountain walls, distracting and injuring the main horde long enough for the badger lord and the general to take down Kasg once and for all. Barfoof ran thousands of scenarios in his head, each one more fantastical than the last. As a hare of dignity, he never publicly rose much of a fuss.
Barfoof exited the tomb along with Dacks. "We best get to the meeting with the Badger Lord, Dacks. I don't want to be too late for the more important meetings, wot."
"You didn't miss much." A voice called behind him. Dacks and Barfoof turned, seeing Biggum and Adam walking down the tomb path. Biggum knew his captains very well, and he knew full well of Barfoof's traditions. Adam embraced his friend with a friendly paw shake, and giving an honored bow.
"Ah, good Dacks. Good to see you and your parental figure all up and about. Barfoof, the meeting is less then a few moments, and we were looking all over for you. I figured you were down here."
"I see." Barfoof glared "I shall bring my reports, and a little rea-"
Biggum stopped him there "No, Barfoof. None of that. Galgor needs reports, and we have no time for the talk of reforms."
"But Biggum, you know full well we need changes. Each and every day, the vermin grow in number. Eventually we will all be overwhelmed."
"While true, they are Beasts of Mossflower as well, no matter how much you wish it wasn't so. I have criticism of your latest work that we WILL talk of at a later date."
Barfoof bowed his head "Then I shall meet you in the war room in a short time."
"Good. While you are on the way, be sure if you see Naus to tell him to join us this time. Now Adam. Why don't you tell me more about Barbo. He is getting up there in years I imagine. . ."
Adam and Biggum's voices trailed off and Barfoof made his way out of the crypts, taking one last look at the tomb of his son. He had wanted nothing more in the world to see the smiling face of his young and perfect boy, the great soldier, a great captain of Salamandastron striding out of the tomb, ready to fight a good fight and embrace his father. Yet it was never meant to be. Dacks and Barfoof exited the tomb, making their way to find Naus Stag Hare II, Colonel of Mossflower.
_
Naus was busy, mostly mocking the new young recruits as he dodged left and right with ease. The Hare was bold, and the struggling youth with their wooden sticks for weapons could barely catch up. "Ha ha! Jolly good show I'd say, if you bumblers could even hit straight. Coustom! Keep up your arms, you want to thrust, not flail around like some poor chap who lost his teeth! Melka! You almost had me, keep up and you may even be Long Patrol before you reach old age!" The training room was filled with several Hare youths, and Naus loved playing these duelling games with them. It definitely worked out a lot better than doing Biggum's paperwork or filling out those boring reports.
Barfoof entered the room with Dacks, watching the show with mild amusement. Once he entered, a youth nearly was flung across and into a wall, sliding to the ground with his rump in the air. Barfoof bent down and picked him up, giving him some generally good advice.
"Keep it up, youngster, and you may just hit him yet! Try going for the back legs, it's his weakness."
"Now now, Barfoof you devil! No telling these backpack trotters my secre-" Naus was hit in the leg by a youth who had listened from afar. Naus grasped his hind leg and laughed "Bugger, you all!"
Naus collected himself, the descendent of a prestigious line of Stag Hares, which had descended from the line of Basil Sag. Basil always liked stags, and it became a symbol of their household when he settled down. A symbol of a yellow and red stag was borne onto the chest shirt of Naus, and was painted onto his armor as well. Naus was a favorite amongst the Hares, an upbeat, cool, and skilled soldier who was calm, funny, and collected. Naus was a model Long Patrol soldier, and Barfoof knew it. He just wished he followed orders
Naus continued to rub his hindleg which had been smacked "Ahh, Barfoof. What do we owe for pleasure, wot?"
"I've come to collect you Naus, my good chap. The Long Patrol is gathering tonight for a big meeting. Biggum has requested your presence."
One of the youngsters piped up. "What's the meeting for? Are we going to war again?" He had said excitingly.
Barfoof sighed grimmly "I do hope not, young soldier. As Long Patrol, we are defenders of the mountain and all the good beasts of Mossflower, and perhaps even beyond. Our responsibility is to wipe away the bandit, the pirate, and the slaver with due diligence."
Naus corrected him "And to serve the will of the badger lords of course."
"And to serve the badger lords. . .of course." Barfoof had a lot of things he could say to that effect. In truth, he blamed Galgor as much as Biggum for what happened in the war, and for several good reasons. Galgor was young then, and Kasg had been rummaging around the far north, collecting warlords left and right under his banner. By the time anyone had taken it seriously, they were already destroying northern Mossflower in their suicidal charge. Many vermin laid dead, but so did many woodlanders as well.
"Sir Veegnuff." Asked a youngster, huffing as he recovered from Naus's training. "If I may ask sir, you were there fighting Kasg the Craven. What is it like fighting the vermin buggers?"
Naus and his students listened intently as Barfoof cleared his throat. "Vermin, my dear boys. They are but a common, vicious, and relentless enemy of all good beasts. Fighting one is easy as you know, ill trained and ill physically. Can barely hold up a spear to the likes of a good beast like ourselves. I wonder why we don't run them all out of Mossflower, but it is but the same reason we tolerate them. There are too many of them, you see. Hundreds live in the wilderness, preying on the good beasts of Mossflower. Commonly, they just bully and steal. Passive ones aren't that much better, overly rude you know. The trouble is their number, a single spear is never enough for them. A well armed vermin can quickly put down even the most experienced Long Patrol veteran."
"Aye." Naus nodded and agreed "If you ever find yourself in a situation against them, fight to the bitter end, and always to that end. Better to embrace the dark forest then to wake up chained to a slave's lead, I say."
"Why do the vermin take slaves? They are evil, I know this to be true, but why don't they just settle?" Another one piped up. Dacks spoke up this time, a hint of anger in his voice.
"They take good beasts to work them till they drop, because they are too lazy or too stupid to do the good work themselves. They never ask for help, and always want others to feed them. They may live in poverty, good sirs, but they demand silver spoons."
Barfoof also piped up with the squirrel "My young friends and future compatriots, the vermin by their nature are evil. They kill and enslave the common, for if it isn't good woodlanders such as ourselves, then their own fellows suffer the same indignity. Know your enemy; The rat, the weasel, the ferret, and the fox. They hold no mercy in their pitiless hearts, and will gladly join a side of evil to fill up their own stomachs. Now Naus, let us not keep our superiors waiting."
Naus reluctantly obeyed, and he and the squirrel were already out of the training room. Barfoof turned to the youngsters, slipping one a small parchment, a small bluish book. He winked at them "Just some light reading on the subject." The small book only read;
Expanding the Patrol: General Thoughts and Opinion on Reforming the Long Patrol and how to deal with the Vermin Threats in Mossflower and Beyond.
Galgor sat in the great war room, second time the charm, and this time a little more saddened then usual. He privately confided in himself that how he treated his family was the right thing to do, but his boys did not give him much comfort. Dagor returned first, and then Salgor. Malgor decided, as per his usual routine, to stay out of Salamanderstron's matters, since he often complained that no one listened to his advice. The badger lord agreed with such self-defeating sentiments, Malgor was not his heir, and he wasn't a warrior hero like his elder son. Galgor awaited as Biggum returned, with a cadre of other Hare captains and higher officers, along with others who joined in the background, observing the meeting. Biggum began as he laid out the order of the day.
"As I had mentioned earlier today, we have two enemies within our borders that must be dealt with immediately. Markem Brownnose and his horde still holds a firm and iron grip on north eastern Mossflower, and is the future threat. Gandal and the rest of Kasg's infamous horde has retreated to the Inland Lake, preparing his next move, and is our more immediate threat. It is obvious to us all that Gandal and his horde seek vengeance for the slaying of his master, and murdered Lorgar Watertrot and captured his family. However, Adam has worse news yet. Adam."
The admiral arose, clearing his throat and speaking the Hares who were already a bit shaken with anger and concern. They had all just come out of a war with the vermin, and now two new threats were at large. "My patrol to capture or kill the infamous corsair Barbo Senger has failed. While we have never truly located his palace on the open sea, we do now know he is in a stage of retirement, and this is mostly due to age and other such factors. His infamous raids on Green Isle during the war will likely go unpunished until we find a means to fully bring him and his gang of thieves to justice, but I have graver news yet. Our mission was thwarted by Barbo's daughter Penolpe and her own ship. This can only mean the legacy of Barbo's tyranny will continue, even if the bloody stout dies of old age. The mystery of the green flag ships and vermin vessels also still remains at large, but their number grows daily. Any attempt to track the vessels has, as you all know, been fruitless, even as their number grows. There is a bigger enemy out there then Markem or Gandal I fear."
A murmur went across the room, as the Hares looked on to their Badger Lord for support. Dagor pounded his fist on the table "Murmurs and cowardly slinking will get us nowhere! Are you hares or rabbits, the lot of you! Father, let me lead my northern contringment into southern Mossflower and destroy Gandal once and for all."
"No. Not yet. As much as I fear Gandal is our more immediate threat, this Markem is the far larger one. We must focus ultimately on one enemy at a time, but we will not give up so easily. We must gather supplies for three campaigns, but this green threat can be a direct threat to our coasts."
Barfoof shouted in suggestion "Perhaps we should send our division to camp Palewind. Gandal cannot be waited on while he regrows in strength!"
Galgor knew these threats could not wait, but this Markem and his horde seemed passive, at least for now. He shifted his attention to Adam. "We must have full information, but we will not ignore these threats. Gandal is already weakened by our southern army, the Long Patrol there can hopefully bring Gandal and his horde to justice. Adam, being preparing the ships, we must go out and find this green threat before they make their move. We will leave an army in Mossflower to keep an eye out for Markem. Once we figure out and disable the threat at sea, we shall march out and destroy Markem and Gandal once we return.
Dagor smiled greedily "My axe will love it, to be drenched in sea rat filth."
Adam smiled as well "I shall prepare our ships, I know the perfect place we shall start."