Chapter 4: Festival of the Evening Harvest
Jase and Gaisen looked down from the walls of Redwall into the courtyard. They had laid down, their heads peeking over the edge of the wooden railing leading up into the wall itself, watching all manner of things unfolding. Today was the festival of the Evening Harvest, and all manner of creatures were invited. It was a unique festival for the season, as it was both a celebration of the previous year's miracle harvest, and an excuse for the Redwallers to celebrate with their good stock of food. It was an idea of Marthomis, a means of cheering up all the countryside of Mossflower from their day to day lives, and the entire abbey had been relatively busy as numerous bodies continued to duck and sprint about to prepare.
The flowers bloomed in the garden as gardeners such as Nafpha helped organize the building of flower chains to decorate the abbey with. Nuck and Darper, normally lazy creatures in their own right, were helping put down the stakes in the courtyard for the tent. Stenna grabbed chairs and tables and effortlessly began setting up. The smell of food overwhelmed Jase and Gaisen's noses, as the sweet scent of candied nuts rolled both youngster's eyes back into their heads. The creatures of Redwall were getting ready for guests, primarily for the coming of the shrews and otters. The Holt of Mossflower may not have arrived just yet, but the shrews were building a small siege at the gates of Redwall itself. Tents and small log homes were swiftly built almost overnight, as the shrews entered and left to prepare their own party tricks and foods. The tribe bickered loudly outside about what exactly to make, some arguing for the entire time and stubbornly refusing every step to even start. It was annoying to the Redwallers to deal with the Shrews in this manner, but it was tolerable.
The two youngsters were almost ready to go about playing in the courtyard below, looking for trouble, but a noisy pair of boots rolled up to them. The two stood at attention swiftly, but not swift enough.
"Slacking on the job I see?" Garfan began. Jase piped up to try to reverse his fortunes "Well, no sir! We were. . .just. . .ummmm. . .keeping watch over the whole of the abbey you know! Keeping a look out for those weasel fellow!"
"Inside the abbey?"
"Yes." Gaisem smiled. Garfan frowned.
"I'd normally had been a bit merciful letting you two go off to join in the festivities tomorrow, but you two continue to slack off more and more. You will be standing on the walls, and if I am impressed, I may just allow you to go down and enjoy the evening feast. For now, get hopping! I want to see laps around the abbey."
Jase and Gaisem sadly marched off in their badly fitting soldier uniforms. Nuck and Darper looked on, mockingly laughing to themselves. Jase hoped that tomorrow would be an easy day at least.
The road to Mossflower was busy today, as a raven began to circle the roads. Every once in a while, while mice and squirrels began to head to the abbey, the raven would come down and peck at them lightly, injuring one or two, and fly off again. It was an annoying bird, and dangerous, and no creature in or on the road was skilled enough with a bow to drive it off. It stopped some in the road and cracked its beak on the ground, demanding vittles and anything shiny. It was growing a small collection of sorts, but soon it's luck ran out. While on the road, a pair of heroes followed a mouse blowing a curious and bright tune. Hesam and his friends were coming, and the Crow saw its opportunity to strike. It came down with a thunder, and straight into the awaiting paws of Malgor Ironpaw who threw the raven into the brush. The hare of the group, in a bright brown vest, slung stones at the beast.
"Be away from here, Yushag, Oh devil!" Cried Hesam. The bird cawed and hissed. The beasts on the road came to see their saviors and Hesam was hoisted onto Malgor's shoulder, crying out to the group.
"Oh creatures of Mossflower, I am Hesam, Hesam of the Good Song! Leader of a band of merry and heroic beasts of yore! We who traveled with the Warrior of Redwall, we who hunt the vicious snakes of the woods! We who search for Jue and keep the peoples of Mossflower safe!"
Some began to clap and cheer in appreciation, Hesam then smiled and called out again. "Know that we are always in deep trouble. We require nothing much, but some donation and valuables. Our hunt is not cheap, you know. We shall join you all in Redwall soon, to give you a good song, but do help us help you with a small pittance of vittles. Your valuables will never go to waste!"
The cheers died down a bit. It was true, they did chase away the black bird today, but this little event wasn't uncommon. Some knew better, but others gladly gave into Hesam's open flat cap some of their treasures and valuables. Some gave them food, others thanked them for their service. Hesam played for a group of squirrels, a good tune, entertaining their little ones, but as soon as the crowd went off, the group collectively frowned and went off into the woods of their camp.
_
Two vermin sat near a charred camp fire, both drinking their grog with ill intent as the raven Yushag burst through the brush and nested near them. "Caw! What a pathetic bout! Bad food! Bad food! It complained. The rat, wearing a simple bandit garb and a flat cap much like Hesam, complained as well "At least ya dou'n gotta pick up yer own trash, bird! Get on with ya! Can't ya see me be sulken."
The weasel silenced them both with a wave of his claw. He was a stranger creature, wielding a cudgel and a rugged corsair outfit. He smelled of salt, and next to him sat an overly large pair of shackles not fit for a normal woodland creature. Maybe perhaps a large otter. Or a badger. Hesam and his friend swaggered into the camp, with Hesam himself swiftly taking a perch on his stool and giving off a fair tune. He liked the tune a lot, it was too bad his audience did not care for it.
"Alright, so what's the loot be lookin like, boss?" The rat asked. Hesam frowned and squinted his eyes "Not enough to share with the likes of you, Gaunt."
Gaunt sighed sadly. He mindfully cursed the mouse, who acted more like a greedy fox then the woodlanders he was used to. However, he did owe the mouse an absurd amount of gambling debt, so he didn't complain. His companions, the hare Vogar Bakepaw and the badger Malgor Ironpaw, all sat on a log. The hare snapped at Gaunt. "Get us a drink, you bloody swine. Keeping up this act ain't easy you know, wot."
The weasel looked around and then up at Malgor "Ya promised me a badger, Malgor. I take it that ain't happenen?"
Malgor shook his head "Nay. Salgor, ever the rock, didn't move. You won't be getting your prize any time today, Kaetan. If he had, we wouldn't even be here today. We'd be out to sea by now."
Kaetan cursed to himself and looked at the shackles next to him. He didn't want to drag them all the way back to his ship, and the badger would not help him. He sat comfortably on his side of the campfire. Kaetan is a slaver, a vermin from the far south who had traveled north when his gang was massacred. He had fallen into Hesam's lap as a 'friend', a strange merchant who showed the group the ropes of the easy life under their boss. Earlier in the season, the group tricked a group of voles out into the open to help them 'hunt' for the Lady of the Woods, only for Kaetan and his slavers to pick them up. As youngsters were chained to oars of Kaetan's galley, Hesam had played a cruel tune in their honor. The two got rich from this gig, and it has been going on for a while. However, the entire group knew this whole business would come to an end soon, an age of petty tricks and minor kidnappings. As they sat in the forest, the group had been waiting for their orders. Hesam and his friend would have been enjoying the free hospitality and food, if it wasn't that they were waiting for the orders from their true master. Hesam may have sold his soul to them, but every thought of his reward fills him with determination to see it through.
"Yushag, why don't you be useful and take flight, wot! Our contact should have been here by now." Vogar insisted. The raven didn't move, instead pecking at some of the newly acquired vittles and an apple core. Yushag then began to pat the hilt of his sword in a threatening manner, and the raven shot up and flew off with a loud Caw! The raven knew better than to challenge Vogar.
"I am honestly starting to miss Jue." sighed Malgor "If anything, we used to bring in twice what we had when he was around."
Hesam silently glared at his friend. The badger was correct, but the whole ordeal with Jue the Warrior, Jue the Brave had been a sore bump in their road to fame and fortune. "I prefer we do not fantasize on lost opportunities, Malgor. Your brother would have fetched a decent amount, as you should know."
"True, but we wouldn't need to even talk of capturing my brother if we hadn't jumped over a halberd trying to claim Jue's greatest prize for ourselves."
Vagor shushed them both "Silence, you bloody fools. Look over there, in the brush." Vagor may have fallen far from Long Patrol recruit to hapless bandit in his years, but he still held onto the training he had. In the distance, a figure moved about, and soon enough, a ragged weasel filled to the brim with tattoos approached the campfire. Had Yushag waited for a moment, he wouldn't have had to take flight.
"Finally you arrive, you daft bagard." Vagor sneered at the weasel. The weasel bucked its legs in fear of the badger and hare, as Hesam approached him, still playing his tune.
"Aeh, Mouse! Hail from the master Sandbeach Isle, Lord of All Vermin, Master of all Slaves! He bid me to giv ya these instructions!" The weasel handed Hesam a scroll. The mouse looked it over and smiled. "I see. Seems easy enough. Now scram, before others see you."
"Come my companions and friends, Redwall awaits our song and dance!"
Hesam and his companions came down the road, with Hesam's smile as wide as a babe having discovered his first candied nut unattended. He was dressed in a yellow cape and a colorful assortment of rich clothes, worn in the years of service as a bard of Mossflower. He had decided his flute wasn't enough this time, and had taken out a lute and began playing it loudly, singing a song which rang as he entered the clearing between the western road and Redwall Abbey. His companions, having long been by his side since they began their long misadventures across all of Mossflower, hummed to his addicting tune.
"Oh come ye Mossflower to hear the wailing cries
To the long and glorious day of the sun's dim rise
Oh merriment and flowing beers, to candied nuts and scones
Ohh, Festivals of Redwall, big, strong, and true
To Redwall, its gates of reddish hue
Mossflower behold, the smells and sights galore
To the festival of festivals, from shore to shore
We sing of yonder past, with filled up glass
We sing of the future, with game and glory galore
Sing to the Companions! To Jue and Martin too!"
The song drew attention from shrew and woodlander alike, some singing along and mesmerized by the sweet voice of Hesam. He smiled, taking in the sights of the group. Most knew them well, local adventures from yonder ways, road treaders who journeyed long and far to defeat the great enemies of Mossflower. Companions to the Warrior of Redwall himself! Vagor smiled to himself, out of all the terrible things he and his friends did, the three woodlanders did enjoy the rare sight of their hard work of convincing the people of Mossflower they were heroes of old.
Once Hesam was through the gates of Redwall himself, Dibbums and youngsters nearly stopped their work to surround him and ask him for songs and stories. Vagor and Malgor were nearly overwhelmed themselves, exploring the woodlanders preparing for their great and coming feast. Hesam obliged and gave them more songs of their adventures. How they recently saved the poor travellers from a fearsome raven, how they had nearly cornered the Lady of the Woods in the deep forests. However, many still asked for the one thing that annoyed the mouse, nearly losing his mask.
"More! More about Jue the Warrior!"
Hesam began to really hate that name. Jue was gone, he knew that much at least, but he had only remained his 'companion' for being a warrior. Even his ghost haunted the mouse, as the youngsters cared only for Jue and his adventures. Hesam again obliged, tell them a fierce part of the story of when Jue and his friends met Logis, the chieftain of the shrews.
"Did I tell you kids the story of Jue and Logis, how when our brave warrior squirrel needed to cross a river? The southern river needed crossing, but our poor warrior nor his companions knew how to swim! He-"
"We fund thu shrus campun near by." Bollo interjected. The mole has his paws crossed, looking outwardly at Hesam. The mouse was taken aback. Usually the two never talked to each other, even though he had been a chief companion of Jue. The children turned to the mole who began to tell his own story.
"We'um crussed thu rivur wit'um aid of thur shru folk. Lugis at'um time wus a young'un then. Surry to interim'juct Hesum, gud sar." The mole's speech was like a screeching sound, a horrible thing for the talented mouse. "Huwever, we be'um busy. Wait tu giv'em sung an' dunce till we be reudy."
The children groaned and collectively said "Ahhh!", but the Mouse wasn't done and played a light tune "Our dear friend, Mr. Bollo is right, why don't you children hurry along. We will play a true concert tomorrow for you all! With song and lights, jugglers and dance!" The children sadly went along, with Bollo giving Hesam and his companions his squinty eyes. The mole had held back a lot to say, but he was busy helping out and could no longer avoid them. Hesam tried to give a friendly wave to him, and the mole only crossed his paws with some visible disdain for their existence.
"Yur early."
"We left early." Malgor replied, his voice once friendly had turned sour.
"Jus cuz evury beastie in Rudwall giv'ya good tidings, dun't mean I will. If ya here tu help, we got decorations stull needin attention. If not, gut out."
"Where is that Redwall hospitality, mole?" Vogar chided him. The creatures, the more adult creatures, were busy with their preparations. However, only the abbot Marthomis seemed to notice what was going on and quickly paced himself to put himself between Bollo and Hesam. "Enough Bollo! Hesam, it is good to see you once again, the children I am sure would love to hear your stories and songs. Will you be staying for a night or two?"
Hesam nodded his head "Of course, my friend abbot! However, Malgor will be returning to Salamanderstron. He had just come from there, but he has been missing home more often. He will stay for the festival however." The three were off to their usual rooms in the abbey, since they visited it often for song and free food. Being popular amongst the children of Redwall tended to have that effect.
Bollo stood shamefully in front of Marthomis. "Um surrey, Maurthoumis." He quickly said. Marthomis bowed his head to his young friend, and lowered his ears in a sadness. "Had Jue been here, my dear Bollo, he would have been soundly disappointed how you treat his friends. No time is ever a good time to quarrel near a feast day. We had this talk before, and I do hope you will put aside your issues with our dear Hesam and his companions to help us, rather than making it difficult for good creatures."
Bollo hung his head in shame, and Marthomis put his paw on his shoulder "I know you miss him as well." He was no longer chiding, the old dormouse expressed a familiar sadness and inner anger Bollo had felt. "I was the one who sent Jue on that quest, and told him all the signs of our dear Martin the Warrior. Many creatures died in those days, but so did many parts of our innosense to a point we did not wish to lose so much ever again. I miss him every day as well, as our dear Jase will always suffer as much as us never knowing what truly happened to him. My dear Bollo, let us for these few days enjoy the summer festivities and be grateful that the wars have ended in our lifetime." Bollo smiled as him.
"Thunk ya, bruther Maurthourmis. Ya alwuys knuw whut to say to chuur me ol' spirit."
_
Hesam and Vogar were pacing around the abbey, but before heading into the dormitories, they stopped in the hall of Martin the Warrior. There was a silence in the abbey, everyone was outside preparing for tomorrow's great festival. Vogar came close to the altar and began poking the great tapestry with his paw.
"Bloody ol' bugger. To think, Hesam, of all the creatures you are going to jump on over the most, it'll be this here mouse."
Hesam smiled at the irony. He looked up at the mouse, holding its sword downward with vermin scattering about. He imagined what the tapestry would look like, decorating his own halls, a gift from his true master once they were done with Mossflower. He had an entire song and number ready to mock the poor ghost. However, his smile became a frown, for but a moment, he swore the mouse's head turned with a deadly glare at him. Hesam blinked, and the visage was gone. He shuttered.
"Come, Vogar. Let's get the taste of the kitchen. Nothing but ghosts and other nasty things in this room, I'd wager."
Vogar smiled, the hare leaping down to his friend and both walked off, leaving the ghosts of Redwall to sulk alone once again.
Jase and Gaisen were tired from their long marching around the abbey, having met Jase's mother only once as the only friendly creature on the walls. Kana chided her son, kissed him, and then viciously cleaned both of them with a rag right before marching off to confront Garfan for keeping her son in such heavy armor in the hot sun. The two argued, but once that had been done, Garfan came over and was perhaps a bit more merciful.
"You two, get something from the kitchens and rest up. You have until the sun goes down, but then we can begin the night patrol."
Gaisen and Jase smiled, with Gaisen attempting to mock his parental captor "Ol' Kana giving you a hard time, commander?"
Garfan slammed his spear's handle he held into the ground with a loud thunk. "Whatever hard times your mother, Jase, gives to you will pale in comparison to what I will do if you don't get moving.
The two were off. Things were setting off well once they reached the bottom of the courtyard, running past other children, they were practically dashing for Redwall's kitchens. Jase spotted Nuck and Darper far off, thankful they were too busy pretending to do actual work then helping out. The two did however nearly slam straight into Nafpha and Norma as they bended a corner toward Cavern Hole. Norma had to quickly collect herself, having held a paw full of small glass vials and shouted at the two "Hey! Watch where you are going! Oh. Hi, Gaisen. Jase."
Gaisen and Jase stopped and were relieved to find their other friends. Nafpha was carrying a basket of nuts, more used for decoration than eating.
"Oh! Sorry, you two." Gaisen began "We are sort of in the rush. It's either we rest up in the kitchens, or I get to eat Garfan's soup again." Jase looked a bit sickly at the mention of Garfan's 'soup', a mixture of light veggies in a sour broth. The old mouse guard may have chided them for hours about how it makes youngsters strong, but the taste could only be described as worse than raw dandelion, all with a soupy and thick texture. Jase always wondered why Gaisen avoided the life of a sentry, but now he knew first paw.
"I understand, maybe we can all walk together? I'm getting a bit famished myself." Nafpha chuckled "What are you carrying anyway, Norma?" Jase then said abruptly.
"Oh? These are just some dye vials. The shrews were asking all day, asking for specific colors. Did you know each clan had a very specific color? Let alone each family? Fascinating stuff, frustrating stuff too. Not exactly the best skills of an alchemist like myself of course."
Nafpha nudged Norma "Maybe you'd like to join us as well? Kalma is likely making her famous Fish Cream pies for when the Mossflower Holt arrives."
"I'd love to, but I already was going to hang out with Darper. He said something special in mind, you know." Norma looked on dreamingly. Jase was sickened at the thought. Gaisen piped up to mock Norma "Oh I know, if that special in mind is pushing us off the abbey's walls, we'll be sure to make sure it's in the romantic way possible."
Norma blushed and frowned, but Nafpha shot Gaisen a sharp look which made him be silent. Norma awkwardly still held the piles of vials in her paws as Jase and friend bid her farewell. "See you later, Norma!" Jase called as the two rushed toward the kitchens. Nafpha joined Norma as Norma attempted to call back, but the two were already gone.
"I swear, those two are going to either be great abbey beasts, or impoverished scammers, neither would exactly be a bad fate for either of them." Norma commented.
Nafpha chuckled, knowing her friend's words were fair and true.
_
In the kitchens of Redwall, Kalma the hedgehog was nearly tearing her eyes out as she rushed from corner to corner of the kitchen, knocking over pans and plates, with her young assistants trying to help her as much as avoid her.
"The apple spice! Where! Where!"
"Its. . .under the stove?"
"Is it in the storage? Maybe we can get a new bottle?"
"No no no! The apple spice we got from the southern merchants awhile back! The 'apple de frey' or whatever it is called!"
The kitchens were a mess, with each creature scurrying about trying to help the easily panicked hedgehog. In her youth, she had been for the better, but now each day she was like a thundering storm of trying to prepare Redwall's meals, each one a masterpiece in their own right. Kalma loved her collection of rare spices; pumpkin from the east, coca from the far west, and her merchant set of rare sugary blends from the far south. Southward had changed in the seasons, sure, but at least that change brought a great deal of new flavors for the kitchens. Jase and Gaisen entered the scene with a shattering of pans accidentally flown across, nearly hitting them both.
"Kelper, Bulbadill! Look for it, my special apple scones will not be complete without it!"
"But mam, why can't we use the normal spices!"
"No! It will ruin the texture! Now find it!"
Jase looked about the room, calmly and saw a small glass bottle with a yellow apple on the label, in a strange language he didn't fully understand. It was woodlander, but it had a weird look to it, almost like a scribble. Jase called out to Kalma "Is that it?"
Kalma looked around and came over and looked relieved, taking the bottle swiftly. She cheerfully added it into her glaze as if she had been heroically doing a last minute war for the taste buds of Redwall. Her assistants watched on in relief as she calmed down and began her mixing. Kalma turned, still mixing a bowl "Oh! Young Jase, and master Gaisen. Thank you so much, oh Heroes of Redwall!"
Both blushed, Kalma was always friendly when she wasn't in a terrible hurry. "What can I do for you two? Is Garfan letting you two go about having normal lives again?"
"Sadly no, mam." Jase said, with a little exhaustion to his voice. "It's our rest hour, an' Garfan wants us well rested and fed for the night's patrol."
"You two have been marching all day around Redwall, though!" Kalma was surprised.
"Oh yes, we were." Gaisen said annoyed, but piped up again once he began to smell the room. Kalma obliged and gave them both a small candied nut "Now wait just there, once I finish my scones for tomorrow, you two will get the first taste. Now the rest of you, help me clean up this mess!"
Jase and Gaisen sat on top of a table as they ate their small treat greedily, with Kalma making a comment to Jase in the hopes of cheering him up "Oh Jase, you remind me so much of your father you know, much more vigilant than I ever was."
It didn't work. Jase looked sad, he didn't actually really know his father very well and began asking questions.
"Kalma. You journeyed with my father, to fight Kasg the Craven. What was he like?"
"Oh. He was a lot of things. Did Kana tell you much of him, he was your father after all?"
"Mum doesn't really speak of him much. . .and he. . .he wasn't really around much either. I only remember his face when I was younger, and then he was off again with Hesam on his many adventures."
Kalma cringed at the comment, but re-collected herself swiftly "Oh. Well, I tell you a couple things then. When your father was young, with me and Bollo, we were always the trouble makers of Redwall ourselves. Poor Marthomis wasn't even an abbot then, the poor dormouse was always studying his books. By then, the Sword of Martin hung from our altar. It was a surprise when Jue began getting the dreams. The ones where Martin comes and speaks to you? He was frightened then, but once the sword of Martin was missing, he, I, and Bollo were already off to get it back. Your father had to gain a lot of bravery on the way, always turning the bend into all manners of trouble. He was always a good friend, always knew what to say to cheer me up. Although, poor Master Hesam never did get his tales just right about very specific details."
"Such as?" Jase looked enthralled.
"Jase, my dear, your father was braver than any, but was always headstrong. He, back then, always knew it was a team effort to pull through a great deal of terrible things. Martin the Warrior had many companions who aided him in his adventures, as much as we had ours. Bollo knew the lay of the land better than the both of us, and I had to always make sure we were well fed and didn't starve our poor selves. Your father may have been the brawn of the whole thing, but never really much of the brains. More than once he charged straight into a small group of vermin, nearly getting himself killed! We had to trick some poor rat we weren't even worth his time. He was a vigilant one, your father, and once we were all done with that whole cursed affair, we were back here. . .changed."
"Changed, how?"
Kalma was picking up a pan, hiding a sadness she didn't wish to show her friend's son. She came up and smiled in an awkward fashion "Oh, well of course your father became the abbey's guardian, I became a cook, and Bollo as you know became the formole. Lots of changes you know, like those kinds."
Jase wasn't very satisfied with the answer he got but once he and Gaisen got their scones, the two greedily munched on them and filled their stomachs with small treats. Nafpha came by and joined them. Kalma watched the three, although perhaps a bit worn out from carrying Garfan's 'recruit' armor all day, they were happy with the content of things.
Oh Jase. You don't need to know the full story. I hope you never do.
It was late at night, and Jase was curled into a temporary bed of straw, covered by a small blanket. Gaisen slept on a cot next to him in the gatehouse, with Garfan sleeping soundly not too far off. It had been a long night, and once satisfied that nothing was afoot, the three slept soundly. However, Jase began to struggle in his sleep.
He beheld a black morass before him, in the distance he heard distant cries and terrible voices calling out. He was frightened as he hopped along the edge of obsidian dirt and abyssal mud flats. Vermin. They were everywhere, calling out for mercy, angrily cussing from beneath the pools. He looked out into the distance, an ominous figure watching over the dark marshes of this hellscape, covered by a great red cape and hood it strode about as a giant in the distance. The vermin ghosts clawed and tried to pull Jase under, but was grabbed upward and pulled swiftly across the land into a dark woodland.
Jase looked up horrified, seeing the silent face of a mouse, covered in plate armor. He lifted his visor and bent his knee to him. He spoke out something Jase did not fully understand.
"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."
Jase came to quickly realize, it was Martin the Warrior he looked upon. He pointed into the distance, at a strange sight. A vision in the dark clearing. A green eyed cat strode out and clashed its sword against a brown rat. A strange otter, bound in rope by its paws and covered in scars looked on, quickly surrounding the two, watching the duel. Many were there, their heads dejected as no matter who won, their fate was sealed. From the clearing, a flame arose, as a squirrel in burning armor approached. The whole forest lit up in flame as both turned to it in anger. The squirrel challenged them both and they fought, the images of the captives becoming ash with each swing. This terrible duel frightened Jase as he crept closer to Martin, but back up into a nothingness. Darkness and smoke crept across the whole of the forest, till only the visage of the red giant loomed over all of the forest, giving away a violent and slow chuckle.
Jase woke up, nearly screaming as Gaisen awoke as well.
"Bad dream, eh?" Gaisen said sleepily.
"Y-yes. It. It was a bad dream." Jase replied.
It was barely even morning before Stenna was awoken by the excited cries of the Dibbums already scratching at their doors and playing in their rooms. She growled as she awoke and began dressing herself for the day, herding her beloved little ones and collecting the children for the morning brunch. Today was going to be a good day, especially once Hesam and his companions entered Cavern Hole which had just recently been refurbished. He began the morning with a song, with breakfast served to all the abbey beasts in attendance, to all except Jase and Gaisen who were patrolling the walls with Garfan.
"Alright you two, I have a job for both of you, and none of you will complain. Festivals can sometimes get a bit rowdy, so you are going to join me at the gate for most of the day, getting permissions and checking for weapons or ill gotten things. Last time this wasn't done, a fox came into the abbey and caused all manner of trouble. I'm certain the old abbot told you that tale at least."
He referred to Slagar the Cruel, but Jase and Gaisen only nodded in compliance.
"Today is a big day, so I don't want you two lollygagging for any of it. If you are good enough today, I may let you two even join the night time festivities."
"Yes, sir." Jase and Gaisen replied. They both went off, with Garfan prodding both along like a herder with the dull end of his spear.
_
The Festivities officially began with a prayer from the abbot, the dormouse having called the entire abbey to the courtyard "To those who did not make it to this year, we give thanks to their hard work and diligence. To Redwall, we are blessed with a long harvest last year, and in thanks we shall celebrate this year. May those who we lost be never forgotten, and those misremembered find peace. Just as the skies give us the rain to make our food, let us give thanks today to the farmers and craftsmen of Redwall and all of Mossflower, let no beast go hungry or suffer the indignity of poverty today, for today is the Festival of the Evening Harvest, let us all go about in joy!"
The dibbuns and adults cheered as the festivities began. The colorful pavilions filled the courtyard, connected by strings of colored flowers as farmers flooded in to show off their feasting foods. Hesam gathered the children in the middle with a playful tune of his flute, singing away into the day of the songs of harvest. He began to eye around the battlements, but returned his attention to the children. Stenna watched from afar, happy that the small brood were happy as ever, but also had returned her attention to herding a smaller group to help out with the games. Joining into the fray came the shrews of Mossflower, carrying a countless number of feasting goods and small slings. Behind them all, Logis and his weapon bearer, the younger shrew maid Ganla. Both came up close to Marthomis who had come out to meet them.
"Ah, Log-o-log Logis, its good to see you old friend. The otters have not arrived yet, I see, and the children do grow restless. You were preparing your stone slinging competition?"
"Aye, abbot. Where are the best beasts in the abbey? Kalma and Bollo? I wish to give them gifts today on this fine day."
Ganla looked longingly at a group of children who were following Hesam around, singing a harvest song. Logis noticed and patted her on the back. "Go and play about, me hardy Ganla. Do me proud and be happy yerself! You are dismissed for today!"
"Thank you Log-o-lug!" Ganla shouted and ran off, nearly tripping over herself to join in the festivities. The events grew lively as Marthomis commented to his dear friend "Kalma is making her last preparation in the kitchens of course, and Bollo. . .well, he sits out on these affairs, likely drinking cordial with his moles. You know how he can be."
"I should know all too well! I shall collect them, abbot, and drag them out to have fun this day, if my name ain't Logis!" He charged off, laughing. Behind all the shrews came Logis's less pleased brother and a huge hedgehog from the deeper woods, Bigoar and Sagad. Sagad the Strong they called him, carrying his young son on his shoulder and a marching procession of hedgehog maids which jubilantly looked about. He set his son down who ran off with his sisters to join in the games.
Bigoar may not have been log-o-log, but he sneered at the shrews who tried to break rank to join in the fun. His authority wasn't well respected, but the shrew did like to yell and curse at others. However, as the day continued onward, with few accidents, it was at long last that the yelps and squeaks of otters were heard aloud, as the otters of Mossflower arrived.
_
Jase watched in amazement as a grand procession of colorful and painted otters came through the gates, each checked well. Garfar gave an approving glance at the skipper of the otters, and his two flanking children. "Dakan you ol' waterdog! You look well dressed for today!" The skipper was dressed like a clown, in a colorful getup much like his son and daughter next to him. They were much older, warriors both who stared down at Jase and Gaisen and smiled at them.
"And I see you and your guard are well fit, eh? Preparin for a great battle, I take it, lads?"
"Oh, no sir! Just keeping the festival safe!" Jase said. Dakan saw the youngster had a sad look and he decided to cheer him up. "Kasser. Pelma. Why don't we show these lads a little trick. A favorite of me holt."
"That isn't necessarily Dakan." Garfar tried to warn him, but the otter didn't listen. Dakan took out a knife and held it aloft as a rush of otter clowns and entertainers came inside the abbey, the thunderous sound of cheers and laughter echoed. Dakan began to juggle it much to the two youngster's amazement, and then with a slight of paw, the dagger disappeared and out popped a small candied nut. He handed it to Jase and patted the small iron cap on his head.
Jase ate the candied nut and with full mouth spoke "Thank you!"
The old skipper gave a humble bow to him "And thank you for keeping the abbey safe, youngster! Garfan, my friend, we should drink together!"
"Nay, I am busy gu-"
"I think these young devils can keep watch in your stead, right, my honored and dear fellows?"
The two were unsure and before they could answer, the skipper was already pushing his friend inside the abbey, looking for adult beverages. Pelma Whitewhisker giggled as her father pulled the struggling warrior mouse away. "As they say, we whitewhiskers do get what we want, and never do hold back! Come on, Kasser, I want to see if we can win the pond race."
"I think not my dear sister." Kasser chuckled himself "I didn't half kill myself learning how to juggle these things just to waste the day doing pond races. I want to see some smiles! I'll join in with you later!"
The two were inside, with Jase and Gaisen standing guard outside, watching more come and leave. The two remained soured still, enjoying so little of the day as everyone else was having fun. They were yet thankful the skipper had stopped by to give them a small little show at least.
_
Bollo was busy with his small group of moles, drinking cordial together and discussing mundane things within the fairly sparse Cavern Hole. Some woodlanders would come in and out of the informal dining area to get away from the vastness of the festival games and colors going outside. Bollo enjoyed the underground. It was quiet, cold, and with the right companionship, it was downright tranquil.
Then at a sudden moment, Logis burst through the door. The shrew chieftain wearing his most outlandish clothes, and his bright rainbow headband which he wore proudly. It was an old thing, extremely dated and shoddy, much of the color almost bleached out. He may not have had a weapon on him now, but Bollo saw his free scabbard swaying as he walked. The old shrew came over and both hugged each other, the two old friend happy to see one another again.
"Bollo, you old and vicious dirt dog! I haven't seen ya in ages!"
"Lugis! Huw yu been! Yu gruwn me thinks?"
"Grown! Ha! You would say that! I feel ever the more shorter! Kalma, come out here and embrace a good reunion!"
Kalma was covered in dusty flour and smelling of all manner of sticky things, she had been collected from the kitchen, a small puff of flour having the peculiar shape of a shrew having hugged her. She was smiling, and Bollo was happy to see it. None of them had been truly happy since Jue had disappeared, with Bollo half expecting his squirrel friend to simply waltz through the door to meet them all. If he had, perhaps, Bollo may have just soured the mood with a stern talking too.
"I see our dear friend never lost a good touch of bombastic air, right Logis?"
Logis shot up, his face souring in a moment. "Why I never! I go halfway around Mossflower for you lot and you think I'd act the clown the moment I see you all again!" Logis would swing his moods so quickly, but yet always was half friendly and half joking. Kalma missed her friend's strange humors, knowing the Gousim all too well.
"My friends, its been far too long! How I missed the lot of ya!"
"Lug-a-lug nuw, I heur?" Bollo mockingly swirled a tankerd in cheer "Huw dat happun?"
"Funny story. Remember when all those seasons ago when the old Log-a-log said to me 'Ol' Logis, if I see you or your brother ever again, I will personally throw you with rocks around your ankles into the river moss!'? Well, we returned and nearly tried to do that! Jue happened upon me, travelin with Hesam and his friends, convinced the old Log-a-log to take us back in, he did! Next thing you know, all the Gousim were voting for me to be the new Log-a-log! Ya should have seen it Bollo. It was quite the show trial."
"Triul?" Kalma and Bollo both heard Hesam's cursed name, but did not speak on it. They knew full well that Jue traveled with them across Mossflower for awhile, so it was no surprise to know wherever the squirrel traded, Hesam would drag behind, singing his tunes and his friends keeping watch.
"Aye! The whole tribe put me on trial for what happened all those years ago! Remember?"
"Kind of, Logis, although it was quite complicated. I still cannot wrap my head around it."
"You see, before we met, the Log-a-log called all the shrews to attend, but me and my brother had other business on the other side of Mossflower. Shrew tradition demands all shrews be in attendance for such important meetings, and me poor mum kept insisting that me and Bigoar should be there for the whole ordeal! Naturally of course, they waited for one whole week before they gave up and held a vote without us, sneaking in our banishment from the Gousim in the process. Well, Jue happened upon our near execution you see, told them all about how we helped you and saved the whole tribe from Kasg's minions. Log-a-log was still not convinced, so we held a trial to see if our actions held some merit to our absence and then you see-"
Bollo cut him off "Ie see, Ie see." The mole still could never wrap his head around the whole story. It made less sense with each retelling. Logis had helped them numerous times when Jue was on his quest to reclaim Martin's sword from Kasg's horde, narrowly avoiding capture. Logis convinced half the shrews of the Gousim to join the Long Patrol in destroying Kasg for good, and all Bollo and Kalma knew is that, in that act the shrews decided to make him their chieftain. Logis was a good beast by all accounts, a bit hot headed, but calmer than most shrews.
"Come friends, let us go up top once again! We have a long day of fun and drink for us all. I think you would like one of my new friends I found skulking in the forest Kalma, a big and strong Hedgehog! Sagad the Strong they call him! Bollo you should drink with us!"
Bollo felt a spike of energy. Even if Hesam was about, Logis was a greater friend still. Bollo finished his drink and commanded the Moles to enjoy their day off, traveling outside to greet the afternoon air.
_
Jase and Gaisen were a bit bored, although 'a bit' did not do it justice. They had been standing at attention for some time, and it the beating sun was starting to get to them, even in the shade. What had gotten into them more was watching behind them occasionally, seeing the bright and fun colors and games. Jase's favorite game was already becoming a popular hit amongst the other children, a impromptu puppet show being hosted by the abbey's scribe. However, the view of the show was soon blocked when Jase's mother turned a bend with a basket in her paw.
"Oh. Hi ma!" Jase had said worryingly, sweat beading down his fur at the mere thought. He expected a painful yell, a banshee scream of chiding, but instead his mother looked down with a strong expression of worry and began almost instinctively cleaning his uniform with a washcloth already draped in cool water.
"Oh look at you, that villain should have cleaned you up every day! I knew agreeing with the abbot on this kind of punishment for your shenanigans would bring me to worry on this good day! Are you alright, you didn't get a cut or anything, right!"
Jase felt the cloth go up and down on his face for a good while, nearly choking on his mother's love and attention. "Ma! Stop! I think I'm clean."
Gaisen chimed in "I think you missed a spot, Miss Kana! Just below the chest!"
Kana shot a dangerous look to Gaisen "You will be silent, sir Gaisen. You are correct however." Kana blamed the young mouse for a lot of misbehavior, but she had given up trying to separate the two. She was full on aware the two were impossible to separate, especially after the last few incidents. Gaisen silenced himself, not wishing to incur her wrath.
"Now, I brought you two a nice basket of candies, bread, and a salad for you to munch on. Remember to behave yourself, Jase, or the abbot may just expand this whole ordeal out for another week!" She rummaged through the basket, pulling out a buttered up and hot steaming bread stick. Jase looked on with awe.
"Now you two better not be in trouble, especially not today! When you are done with all this, you are grounded till next season, young sir!"
Jase used to dread those words, but Kana had a tradition of relenting if Jase showed good behavior. Yet, being under Garfan's watchful eye, Jase longed for it. At least he wouldn't be tired, or eating Garfan's special stew.
_
Jase and Gaisen sat together, having processed most visitors already. Garfan was gone for a long time now, and the sun could no longer be seen without going to the other side of the abbey itself. The festivities were still going on strong, with the otters now performing a special song and dance, led primarily by the skipper's son, Kasser Whitewhisker. The Whitewhiskers were a fairly new family to being skippers, but their lineage was interspersed with many famed otters. Kasser was the true blood of strong river otters, and even if young by otter standards, he was a mature and skilled warrior, fisher, and friend to the abbey. He was especially popular with the children of Redwall, filling their heads with stories. He was bounding around, still celebrating his victory in the pond race as an undefeated champion.
Jase and Gaisen however spotted a game still not finished, and greedily looked at it as they finished the rest of the meal left by Jase's mother. It was a sling stone competition. The clans of the shrews had set it up, and were goading the Redwallers to beat their own 'champions', mostly their own overly aggressive youngsters. Gaisen looked around, an idea forming in his mind.
"You and I both agree, this is boring?"
Jase perked up "Agreed. Garfan hasn't returned with the skipper just yet."
"I am going to 'retire' a bit early, if you catch my drift. Just one little game. You should come."
Jase was frightened of the consequences then the adventure. He showed a small speck of bravery when it was mentioned, but slinked back to his worries. "I don't know Gaisen. You go on ahead. Last thing I need is another week with your father."
"He ain't my father, Jase." Gaisen spat "And he doesn't think of me his son. Get that fool idea out of your mushy head! I'll be back in a jiff!" Gaisen was already off before Jase could try to even think of stopping him. Gaisen was skilled with a sling, they had spent a week practicing in the attic with their pretend fort. It was quite a show then, but seeing Gaisen whip a sling stone at high speed to it's target at distances even made Jase give pause. However, this moment of happiness for his friend faded when he was approached from the side of the abbey by two less than loved figures.
"Looks like the coward is once again alone and abandoned, ain't that right Jase the Craven." Nuck's voice was like sandpaper to the squirrel. He turned in shame to Darper and Nuck having bounded a corner to snuck in to give their regards to their victim.
Darper sneered "Can't even stand guard right I bet. Garfan again wastes the time of the whole abbey keeping you and Gaisen on a short lead."
Jase wanted to speak up, but had no strength to do so. He was in truth rather frightened of the two. They were older, stronger, and had years on them. Jase knew Darper could fight at least, which is why Nuck always kept him close. Jase only looked on with contempt and silence.
Nuck began rummaging through the small basket, looking for crumbs "Your mom is a terrible cook, no wonder the abbot passed her over for the chief cook of the abbey! You know that, right? I wonder sometimes why Jue the Warrior even bothered with her, or you for that matter. In fact, I think he just downright left you, which is no mystery for me."
Jase widened his eyes, his heart began to pound. He never felt this way before as he froze, a twitch began to form in his paws which tingled. Nuck was cruel before, always mocking him for his cowardice and disdain for danger. Yet, now he was twisting the knife today. Perhaps being alone, without the abbey around to keep him safe gave the two overdue confidence. Maybe Nuck and Darper were just easily bored. Who knew for certain.
Darper looked on, folding his paws, expecting something out of Jase. He then angrily spat out "Well. Do something, if you can. I know you won't. No wonder Jue abandoned your sorry bottom."
"Stop it." Jase said, meekly saying out. It was a breath of fresh air as the two continued to prod like devils at him.
"Look at that, Darper. We actually got him to say something for once! Maybe Garfan may make a real. . ." Nuck began to chuckle to himself "Oh, who am I kidding! By the time Garfan is done with you, you'll be sulking back to your little room in the only good house in all of Redwall! Crying and rocking back and forth like a frightened dibbun while real abbey beasts do the real work!" Nuck again, pushed Jase down who only got back up in quick succession. It was something new to the two.
"Stop it!" Jase cried out, tears began to form in his eyes. Something strange began to take over him, something that felt painful. Blood rushed to his head, and all he could see was the forms of Darper and Nuck becoming blurs. Nuck continued to push in harder, seeing in his morbid curiosity if he could break Jase at his lowest moment.
Nuck again tried to push Darper down "Stay on the ground next time, looks better for you."
Jase jumped on the larger mouse, knocking him to the ground, and began pounding into him. One punch. Two punches. Three. Darper pulled Jase off of him, only to get soundly bitten. Darper harshly smacked the squirrel down. The two bullies were lucky, none of those near the gate saw what was happening, but their luck ran out when Garfan and the Skipper reappeared as they exited the gate to see how their new recruits were doing. Garfan looked at Darper tending to his wound, Nuck was laying on the ground, and Jase was painfully trying to stand back up. Both adults looked at each other, and then angrily turned their gazes as the youngsters.
_
Nuck and Darper were grabbed by the ears and were harshly hoisted through the fun activities into the Great Hall by the skipper to an uncertain fate, leaving only Jase to be rushed into the gatehouse by Garfan. Jase was mortified, in pain, and on the verge of crying a river. However, before his first wail, Garfan silenced him by harshly sitting him on a stool in the gatehouse.
"Out of all the dumb, fool, idiot things you can do on a good day, is start a damn fight!" Garfan ranted "Days of harsh discipline was clearly not enough, huh? You have to abuse your authority as well!"
Jase was easily frightened, but Garfan, much like his mother, always made up their mind it seemed. Jase tried to speak out. "S-sir! I-I-I didn't start any of it! I swear!"
"It doesn't matter who starts it!" Gaisen entered the gatehouse, but Garfan shot him a deathly look. His talk would come soon, but true to his friendship, he did not leave.
"Gaisen. Out. We will talk about what happened later."
"Garfan, it was my fault you se-"
"I know full well its your damned fault! Now, get out." Gaisen obeyed, giving a worried look to his friend. He had no power over Garfan, and he knew this. Like a meager servant he closed the gatehouse door and Garfan ranted and raved.
"If we were in the damn Long Patrol or some far flung village, I'd have you beaten! However, we are in the abbey, so I am extending this punishment into next season!"
Jase wanted to shout, question Garfan, but the mouse seemed to already read his mind like a book.
"I know full well you didn't start that trouble, but you did start that fight! It was obvious, and I know it all too well. Vermin get in scuffles such as that all too often, and you should know better. You are well armored, and under good authority. You abuse it, and my patience. I am grateful I did not give you a weapon!"
Jase sadly looked down with a bow "I'm sorry, sir Garfan."
"You best be. Its clear the both of you will need triple of what i've been giving you. I'm halving your rations. You will not see any more distractions from the festival tonight, and you will be patrolling the walls for the remainder! Do I make myself clear!"
"Yes, sir." Jase replied meekly, his lip quivering no longer with rage, but with anger at himself. The one act of bravery in his wretched life, and it was for not. Garfan then exited the gatehouse, the loud sounds and yelling between Garfan and Gaisen echoed outside. The young squirrel grasped his head and began to weep.
_
Garfan angrily rolled his way up the Great Hall, spear in paw as he awaited Stenna at the hall. Stenna tapped her foot as she looked over Nuck and Darper, the two bullies who had just told her a rather unconvincing story of their actions. Stenna knew Jase was fairly meek, always off with Bollo and his moles, avoiding his studies and going on some long winded adventure with the rogue Gaisen. Nuck and Darper looked down, not very battered, but somewhat bandaged up by Stenna. The badger mother looked over at Garfan who also looked less than enthused.
"If I was leader of this here abbey, I would march the both of you miles off and leave you there for the night! I don't know what kind of foolishness comes over you two, but it ends here. And now." Garfan began.
"You two, Nuck. Darper. I practically raise you up as right as one can be, and to torment a widow's son. What were you thinking? I should have smacked you all the way to northern Mossflower itself."
"There will be no need for threats from the both of you." Marthomis came in, with the skipper Dakan.
"Abbot Marthomis. Jase and Gaisen will be properly punished for this trouble, but these two clearly began it. I will not have my discipline undermined with cruel words, and a bully's push."
"You disciplined Jase and Gaisen for these two's actions?" Stenna looked on with surprise. "Yes. A guard of any settlement, let alone the abbey, should know their position is one of authority. A soldier doesn't just start attacking the poor creatures, even if they clear bullies. They should act like guards, be the stronger beast."
"This is an abbey Garfan, and those stronger beasts are younger children." Stenna gritted her fangs. Garfan was a soldier from the bottom up, who joined the abbey when he brought Gaisen to their door. He may have lived in the gatehouse, but he was always an odd creature. Now, Stenna began to think poorly of him.
"Thank goodness then, that I am the one with authority, my dear Garfan."
"Garfan is right you know." the skipper joined on in "Both parties here did wrong, although perhaps you are being a bit too much like the ol' captain you were back then. This be children we are talking about. What exactly do you suggest?"
"I'll extend their service till next season. It'll put some discipline in them, abbot."
The skipper shrugged "Seems reasonable to me."
"Skipper!" Stenna said shocked, the otter then explained his case "My holt are mostly warriors as much as fishers, and I know you beasts all love you peace and quiet, but vermin are always on the prowl out in the woods and in their burrows. Just the other day we came across some weasels, trying to rob some poor mouse heading here. We beat him up and threw him right into the river, but made sure he didn't drown. Learned his lesson, he did. This young Jase and Gaisen make trouble, and a harsh punishment seems cruel now, but works wonders down the line. If me pups ever acted like that, attacking in good spirit like that, I'd have them marched out and left in a clearing and let them walk back to the Holt. It's good experience for them, I'd say."
Stenna did not like the logic at all and grunted "Its cruel to punish those two simply because these two caused all of it."
"I think it not as punishment, but a lesson. Garfan, don't you agree?"
The old and armored mouse relented, but stubbornly bowed his head "Fine. I shall, but what about these two bumpkins?"
Marthomis smiled "Garfan, how would you feel about two new recruits?"
Jase sat on the walls, looking down at the pavilions below, sighing to himself. Gaisen was on the opposite side, looking outward. They were forced to keep seperate for this night at least, as Jase looked downward, eyeing as the festival came to its conclusion. A voice came from behind him, Jase turning, half expecting to see Garfan ready to kick him into marching out again. However, he was surprised to see Hesam having climbed up the stairs to the main wall itself. Hesam looked at the poor lad, who had just noticed him. Hesam knew from his figure, his specific brown fur, that it was Jase. Jue's son. Jase came around surprised at the sight, the celebrity mouse almost as surprised as him.
"Oh?! Mister Hesam, I'm sorry. No creature but us is supposed to be on the walls today."
"Ah, young master Jase, is it? Whose orders may I ask is that?"
"Oh, Garfan, the abbey's current guard."
Hesam was on a mission of his own, but gave a wide smile. He came up to Jase, seeing his reddish face and brimming eyes with dried tears. The mouse knew all too well this look, and smiled in comfort with him.
"I see you have been rather sad, my friend. Your father, did you know, was sad as well?"
"He. ." Jase was taken aback, his legs slumped. "He was?"
"Oh, not exactly always part of the tales you know. Your father, the brave hero, had sadness in his life. He told me much, before he disappeared. He was afraid too, a mortal creature like any other. He was sad so often when he left, protecting woodlands for creatures such as you."
Jase looked down saddened. "I miss him. I miss him so much."
"I do too." Hesam said rather cheerfully "I miss that ol' warrior every day."
"You knew him well, Hesam. What was he like?"
"He was braver than most others, my boy. Brave and strong, much like you believe it or not, but not always in the same way. You brought so much joy to him, you know."
Jase asked a rather hard question, one which Hesam wasn't exactly prepared to answer "If I brought so much joy to him, why did he leave me and mum?"
"Well, it was a bit complicated, lad. You were such a joy to him, that he had to make all the woodlands safe, you know. Defeating vermin, fighting ravens. He wanted you to grow up to be a strong lad, and safe. He loved you, more than he loved himself I think." Hesam smiled, a glint of understanding sparkled in his eye. Jase smiled a bit, confidence building in him once again at Hesam's words. "Maybe he is still out there, making the entire abbey safe."
"He should be, I just know it. We looked high and low for him, but I know he still lives. I just feel it."
Hesam began to break into a low song right on the spot, a private show to cheer up the youngster.
"Oh when Jue returns to Redwall, break the casks
Fill the tables, sing to the warrior to return!
He will come with a lofty blade, and spirit unfurled!
He will come and embrace his son, and make all well.
Woe to the snake, woe to the vermin
Son and father, father and son
Forever united."
Hesam smiled as Jase arose with confidence in his heart as Hesam patted him on the back "Why don't I watch the walls for a short while, young master Jase. You and your friend enjoy the midnight eve. Vogar!" Hesam called down, the hare had been standing by and looked upward.
"Why don't you go and distract the good master Garfan while our two new friends try to enjoy the remainder of their evening!"
Vogar went off with a small huff. Hesam patted the young squirrel on the back again, but a bit more pushy "Enjoy the evening, have your fill, young warrior Jase."
Jase rushed off to meet Gaisen to tell them of their turn around luck, as Hesam looked longingly at the gatehouse leading to the main road. He began to swagger on over, lightly humming into his flute. Sucker he said to himself, happily going along to his own tune.
_
Hesam was inside the gatehouse, opening the door ever slightly and peering into the well opened room. Garfan had turned the old gatehouse into his personal barracks, since Redwall's dedicated library had become the only good place to record and store the various scrolls within. Hesam was a bit surprised by this, since he always assumed Jue used to live in a gatehouse, only to discover far later when he met Jue's family that the squirrels preferred a small, newly built cottage on the opposite end. The gatehouse served as Garfan's personal barracks, but it contained the one thing Hesam was looking for.
The old gatehouse was a perfect place for his master's plans. He began to rummage through the rooms in secret, looking for something more valuable than any coin or trinket he came across. The mouse struggled to find it, becoming more annoyed with each moment he remained there, worrying ever constantly of being found out.
Where is it you old, useless mouse? You couldn't have hid it far! Hesam was nearly reading to tear up the place, but then stopped. He opened a drawer with relief in the personal bedroom of Garfan and set down a large scroll on the bed. He unfurled a great and detailed map of Mossflower country. The mouse smiled greedily and then packed it up, rushing outside. His little plan worked, for once outside he came to the north wall and looked down. On que, his rat companion Gaunt was there. Hesam dropped a bag onto the rat's head who took it and scurried away.
The master has his prize, now I await for his coming. These poor abbey folk. If only they knew. Perhaps I'll write their lamet?
Hesam chuckled to himself and began to play his lute, marching around the walls. His plans were working perfectly, all that now had to happen was to wait and see.
_
Things died down, as the festivities left all the Redwallers and their guests in a good mood, and now came the time for the night's rest. The otters had packed their things and moved into the pavilions to lay down, their youngsters still fairly energetic enough that their mothers pulled them close. The tired youngsters were herded to bed by Stenna, holding a gaggle of dibbuns in her paws. She looked out into Mossflower, always wondering where the warrior squirrel had gotten to, wanting him to return on this day and night to give her some comfort. Yet alas, Jue was still out there, likely fighting another battle, saving another young badger like herself from the clutches of an evil vermin warlord. It comforted her knowing this, or at least pretending to. She worried deeply for his son, Jase. He is a good lad, Jue. I just wish you were around to see it.
Of all the creatures up and about, only Jase seemed to walk about with some energy. He and Gaisen were able to make a good game out of a small floating cup game and grab some crumbs from a cream pie, but that was about it. They had some luck, but not enough to unsour their night. Gaisen headed to bed, as Jase wished to explore a bit more. He wanted to speak to Kalma again actually, traveling down into Cavern Hole to find her. He wanted to thank her for telling her story to him, and to perhaps show off his new found confidence. Yet, he found Bollo alone, his mentor and friend, enjoying a tankard of ale in a saddened mood.
Jase came over to Bollo, the mole looked at him not with joy, but with a depression he had not seen in the mole before. Jase wondered if something happened, and joined Bollo at his table.
"Late fur you lad, yu should bee headun to bud." Bollo commented, trying to fake a smile. Jase looked at his friend, and asked a simply question of him. "Is something wrong, Bollo?"
Bollo looked into Jase's eyes, no longer being able to hold back something he wanted to say to him "Mu lad, a lut of thungs are wrung. Turrible thungs." The mole began to speak, a bit drunk and hazed. "Yu be a cursed thung, me lad. I wush yur futhur wur hure to see ya, tu bee wit yu."
Bollo was not normally like this, but Jase felt he had found a rabbit hole and he wished to explore it. Yet, he was frightened of what he would hear. He prodded further. "Bollo, what could you tell me about my father?"
Bollo closed his eyes and chuckled at first, a happy feeling overcame him, but then he spat and slammed his tankard angrily into the table with a loud clud. There was silence in Cavern Hole.
"Yur futhur, lad. Yur father wuz nut brave, a cruel an' heartless vugubund like thu vermin we fought lung ago. Yu hear the tall tales of Jue the Wurrior! Not the tales of Jue the Frund-abandundur! Jue the Hurtless! Wun yur father came hume wit thut swurd, the Jue I knuw wuz gun, dead ur wurse. He wunt on lung walks through the're Mussflower wuud. He abanduned yu, an' yer mum, an me, an Kulma, an evury one else in this hur abbey. He saiz' tu me whun I confrunted him, he suz 'Bollo, yu wer never thur fer the likes of me, ya useless baggard!'. It hurt thun, an' it hurt now! Seasuns of frundship fur not! Damn thut Hesum! Damn him!" Bollo began to cry a bit, as Jase realized he was clearly not in his mind, a bit drunk. However the squirrel looked on shocked, he knew Bollo for seasons, he had never said anything of his father in all this time. Not till now. Yet he could feel the old mole had meant every word, and he blamed Hesam for it. Jase prodded further, of all the information he knew of his father, this was oddly the strongest and truest answer he had.
"Bollo. Did you hate my father? What does Hesam have to do with this?"
The mole replied sorrowfully "Nu, lad. I luved yer futhur, I'd hud died fur him when we were yunger. He wuz me bust friend, we'uz closer den bruthers. He thruw thut all awuy, he jouned Hesun an' luft the abbey. He luft you, yur mum, everyune fer glury an' fume. Nuw all that be remainin of hum is Hesun's tall tules." Bollo took another pitiful drink of the tankard, reveling in his sorrow. Jase looked at the one father figure he had only ever known in a new light. He bowed his head in silence and got up. His optimism from Hesam's speech seemed to take a new meaning as Bollo looked on in sadness, wanting to see his old friend come down and join him in Cavern Hole. Jase went up to go to bed, likely being missed by Garfan.
The young squirrel had a lot to think about.