The sun's bright rays beat through the clear blue sky dazzling the fresh snow far below. The bitter winter storm that raged the night before was but a distant memory to all but those who experienced its wrath firsthand. Only the sound of soft white powder pushed aside by steady pawsteps could be heard across the rolling fields close to Redwall Abbey. Even with no wind the dry air sucked the moisture from the tongue and lips of three beasts who shuffled down the quiet little road that wound its way over and around the rolling fields around them. The will to speak had dwindled as Samuel, Brin, and Eli trudged forward with silent resilience. Each hoping to make it home for some well-needed rest, and a glass of water.
"It's a shame Dane couldn't come along," Brin said after an exaggerated silence. "I'm sure he'd love to see the abbey again."
"He's needed there more than with us. The storm will only make things harder for him and his holt." Eli said as he raised his wooden leg straight out before him. Samuel thought that having a peg leg wouldn't hinder his ability to walk through the knee-high snow. But like almost everything else, it seemed to make such a simple task much more difficult.
"Besides," Eli continued, kicking his stump out in front of him before falling forward onto it, catching his balance the moment after it struck the frozen ground.
"I don't know if I'd be able to entertain both him and the Long Patrol."
"It gives them someone else to spar with." Samuel offered as he brushed the powder off his knees.
"That's exactly my worry," Eli responded. "Either he'd injure those long-eared fools or Dane would get so badly bruised that he'd have to spend half a season in the infirmary."
"They wouldn't stop until we'd have a score of hares too hurt to move. Or Raglan would think Dane wasn't coming home and appoint a new Skipper."
"That might be fun?" Brin said with a warm glow. "We'd never run out of entertainment, would we."
The winter could be a bit tedious for all the beasts in the abbey. Of course, there are plenty of activities during the coldest time of the year. Ice skating, winter strolls, and Samuel's personal favorite: snuggling up warmly within the abbey's library. But after being cooped up inside like baby birds unable to leave their nests tempers can begin to flare. By the time the snow melted away making travel from the abbey easier, everybeast was ready to go their own way.
"Maybe he'd enjoy the library? He'd be more than welcome to join one of my classes, he would fit in with the other dibbuns. Maybe now he'll learn to read." Samuel added with a laugh.
"He might try an drown ye if you offered that," Eli said with a hearty chuckle. "Could you imagine that one sitting still for more than a minute? He'd be pacing the room in a rage until he put a hole in the floor."
"Or he'd bring his sling to class and try to shoot the chalk out o' yer paw!" Brin chimed with a warm glow on her face.
"I still can't believe Sister Alderina didn't see him. She kept picking up the stones after he shot 'em. He was even standing on his desk trying to get a good shot."
"The old mole was deaf in one ear and blind in the other eye!"
"It was fun until he hit her paw. Then he got pulled from the class and paddled until he couldn't walk right for a fortnight. When Raglan finally got to Redwall and heard what happened, Dane couldn't walk straight for another moon." Eli added with a stern tone.
"He deserved his punishment. But it's still a wonderful memory when all we worried about was running from bath time." Samuel said as memories of his dibbunhood filled his vision and clouded his eyes.
"Aye. What wonderful times those were." Eli responded. His mouth twisted in a nostalgic smile.
The trio of friends continued their slow trudge through the early-season snow. A pair of sparrows chased each other high above the treetops on a hill a great distance from them. They watched with avid curiosity at the great swoops and dives done by the small specks in the distance. Samuel imagined himself as a sparrow. Darting through the woods at incredible speeds. Narrowly avoiding trunks and branches whipping by him, cool wind streaking through his fur. It had to be far better than walking through this snow. He shivered as a deluge of ice snuck through the opening of one of his large winter boots.
"Finally!" Eli said in a huff as he mopped his brow.
Samuel snapped to attention. Just down the path, the warm walls of Redwall rose to greet the weary travelers. A hearty cheer rose from the trio as they quickened their pace.
"You'll have quite a story for Captain Santain and the others." Brin chirped as the trio turned down the path connecting Redwall's front gate to the main road.
"We bravely fought off a horde of ten score vermin. All led by the fearless Dane Surebrook of course." She added with a cheeky grin.
"What did he promise to bring ye if you told everybeast that?" Samuel asked with a laugh. "The head of a pike and a searat's cutlass?"
"Both actually. But he also said he'd give me a barrel of hootroot soup."
"He can tell his side when he comes to Redwall for the midwinter feast," Eli responded. "But please keep quiet about the vermin for the time being. It's best that rumors don't start swirling about when we're trying to quash talk of starving."
"And when beasts ask where we were?" Brin asked. "They're bound to be interested in why the abbey's champion, librarian, and favorite squirrel disappeared for two days."
"We were with an old friend and there was a terrible storm. I think they'd be more surprised if we did return last night." Eli's once stern voice relaxed.
"Who said you were the favorite squirrel?" Samuel ribbed.
"The abbot called upon me to do your job Sammy," Brin said with a grand gesture toward herself. "A job that could only have been done by the wisest and most well-read beast in the abbey."
"Ahh, then I am in the presence of excellence, wot," Samuel said with an exaggerated bow. He brushed away the snow at Brin's footpaws.
They laughed as they closed the distance to the front gates. The warm smell of freshly baked bread rose through the air and settled like a warm summer's fog over a crisp mountain pond. A smooth pile of snow lay in front of Samuel. Still laughing and joking with Brin he thought nothing of it kicking with enough force to shatter boulders. Or with what he thought was enough. With a resounding crack, Samuel doubled over in pain as he slammed his footpaw against a hard stone surface hidden under the snow. Samuel felt tears well up in his eyes as he howled in pain and rolled about. His companions rushed to him.
"What happened!" Eli said as he slid to his knees aside from his brother.
Samuel cradled his footpaw in his arms as he sat up. Tears fell from his eyes as he bit his tongue to prevent himself from cursing. He could feel blood pouring from his mangled toes as a pointed object jutted from under the snow like a gnarled root and jabbed at his thigh.
"What didja kick ye poor lettle thing," Brin said as she stooped to brush away snow from the large mound that jutted from the ground.
Samuel could hear Brin's breath catch in her throat. He slowly forced his eyes open to the sight of a stone war hammer unearthed from the snow. Samuel felt a cold chill creep down his tail at the sight. The hammer was as big as his head. He didn't think even Eli could pick it up without help.
Samuel scrambled away from the hammer. The prodding in his leg had become too much.
"Martin help us!" Brin exclaimed from over his shoulder. He looked back.
With the snow brushed aside Samuel could see several weapons lying where he fell. The sharp prodding, he had felt earlier came from the end of an axe.
"What's going on Eli?" Samuel couldn't stop the shaking from entering his voice.
"I don't know," the grey mouse said as he picked up what appeared to be a cutlass. "But these look like vermin weapons!"
"But what would they be doing here?" Brin asked, peering down at him with wide eyes. "The abbey wasn't attacked while we were gone. Right?"
Samuel felt as if a knife had stabbed him in the stomach. Eli shot to his footpaws and rushed to the gate.
"Open the gates! This is Eli Greyfur the champion of Redwall Abbey! Open the gates now!" He bellowed cupping his paw to his mouth to be louder.
Samuel staggered to his footpaws with Brin's steady arm around him and started forward.
"Hellooooo! Is anyone home!" Eli shouted from beneath the wall. He paced about in a frantic fury kicking up snow in front of him.
As Samuel was about to join the shouting a pale grey iron cap with two large ears poking from them looked over the ramparts.
"Wizby!" Eli shouted, relieved to see the young gatekeeper was alive.
"Eli! You're finally here! You wouldn't believe it; we have a vermin infestation!"
Samuel limped through the open gates doing his best not to lean on Brin. Eli rushed far ahead of him, forgetting about his brother and friend. As soon as they were inside the trio found themselves quickly surrounded by fellow Redwallers. Most of them crowded around Eli who could hardly move through the mass of bodies. Samuel noticed that every beast appeared to be carrying something to protect them. Mostly slings and staffs, but occasionally a kitchen knife made an appearance. A few dibbuns held spoons and forks in their chubby paws.
"Eli, a vermin horde attacked the abbey twice last night!" A female shrew squeaked from the crowd. The crowd erupted into chaos as everybeast tried to speak their peace.
"There's a giant rat the size of a badger!"
"There were no less than a score of 'em, but we scared 'em off, yes we did!"
"One o' the dibbuns saw them and rang the bell!"
"They thought they could hide but we found them at the gate before they could flee!"
"We told 'em we'd slay'em if they came any closer but the abbot let'em in!" There was a roar of fury from the crowd.
"Eli, please convince the abbot to have 'em leave. My dibbuns haven't stopped crying since they arrived!"
"Captain Santain wanted tah leave'em to freeze!"
"We should've! The abbot's gonna get somebeast killed!"
"The ferret wanted to slay me I could see it in her evil eyes!"
The crowd roared in a fit of confused anger. At one point an old female mole collapsed into Eli's arms and began to weep into his chest. Nobeast seemed to notice Samuel and Brin who stood back from the crowd in a shocked silence. For a moment Samuel was happy he was the librarian, he could never do Eli's job.
The abbey gates closed with a rush of air and snow, snapping Samuel from his shock. The pain in his footpaw was excruciating but he could hardly feel it as he watched the maddened mob in front of him.
"Move aside! Let me through!" An angry voice called from behind the crowd. Samuel could see a large dark-furred otter wearing a steel chest plate and red cape pulling beasts away from the crowd.
"Dokkur!" Eli shouted seeing his apprentice.
He began to move towards the otter, gently pulling beasts off him. The crowd remained as loud as before but a small path was formed between the two. Quickly, Eli raced through the gap reaching for Dokkur who grabbed him and pulled him from the mess of beasts. They rushed towards the great hall with the crowd surging after them.
"Let's catch up!" Samuel said remembering that as the abbey recorder, he was as important as Eli in these situations.
"Sammy, you can barely walk," Brin said, as she attempted to slow their pace.
Samuel ignored her and trudged forward. Dokkur was leaning over and speaking rapidly in Eli's ear as they walked. Eli quickly responded with something that left a sour look on the otter's face. There was a soft response from Dokkur before Eli turned and jumped upon an overturned wheelbarrow that was covered in snow.
"Hear me good beasts of Redwall," Eli began, and a hush fell over the crowd. Samuel rushed to the edge of the crowd to hear better.
"I apologize for being gone. If I had known this was to happen, I would have never left." Eli said crestfallen.
"However, I cannot change what happened last night and we should all be thankful no beast was been hurt. I am going to speak to the abbot now to hear what happened and what needs to be done. As far as vermin, they're locked in the dungeon as we speak!"
"No, they're not! They're in the infirmary! Next to the dibbuns in the nursery!" A furious father squirrel with a short sword shouted at Eli.
"And they're under the constant supervision of the best hares the Long Patrol can offer. If any vermin even looks at a dibbun the wrong way his head and body won't be together for much longer!" Eli responded. Which elicited a halfhearted cheer.
"I've been traveling all day with my brother and Brin Brushtail, we can all attest that we haven't seen hide or tail of any vermin stragglers. Now please I ask you to go about your day as if-"
"One of the vermin threatened to slay the abbot!" A beast squeaked from the rear of the crowd and there was chaos once more.
"None of the vermin are dumb enough to do that!" Dokkur shouted, quieting the agitated beasts.
"And they would be smart not to do so. But to properly deal with this nuisance we all need to go about our day as if nothing has happened. You may carry your weapons if you feel the need but please remain calm. You do nothing but help the vermin with your panic."
Eli jumped from the wheelbarrow.
"I will let you know of anything new once I learn of it!" Eli called over his shoulder as he hurried into the great hall.
The door behind Eli closed in a whoosh. The crowd of Redwallers stood still for a moment before they slowly began to scatter and chatter quietly amongst themselves.
"Sound's like nobeast had a good night's rest," Brin said, looking at Samuel.
"I suppose so," Samuel responded, watching the beasts in a glazed daze.
"Tired or not I'm Redwall's recorder. I should be right alongside Eli making sure-"
"Making sure you're in the center of it?" Brin's mouth turned into a gentle frown as if the petals of a wilting flower were folding in on themselves.
"No," The mouse grumbled. Secretly wanting to know what the abbot knew.
"But I still might be of some help. I could look through the visitor records or see if we've ever let a whole horde of vermin into the abbey before."
"You're no use to them with your paw like that. You can barely stand straight much less rush about your library." Brin reminded Samuel, whose brow furrowed as a shot of pain rushed up his leg.
"If Eli or the Abbot really need your help they'll ask. Everybeast wants to do what they think is best for everyone else, but Eli's right. We should go about our day and stay out of their way. I don't want to get tangled in this mess after the night we had."
Samuel's ears shot up remembering the vermin from last night.
"Well… I want to forget about that. Should we tell anybeast? If they were part of a larger horde, then Redwall must be in some sort of danger!" Samuel said before being shushed by Brin.
"And do what? Cause more panic? No need to be adding more to everybeast's worries." Brin said shaking her head and glancing at the beasts still milling about.
"Eli will tell the abbot won't he," Samuel said with a defeated sigh.
"Tell the abbot, wot?" A young voice asked Samuel. Samuel whipped his head about in shock.
"Tell us bruvver Samuel! Tell us!" A small mouse said as he bounded up to the pair. He was followed by an otter and a hedgehog his same age.
"I…uhh…" Samuel stammered. The dibbuns watched him with eyes wide with interest, the fur around their mouths was sticky with strawberry preserves.
"It was about our old friend," Samuel responded after a pause. "He's the skipper of otters and we thought we'd visit him before the winter set in."
"Did ya see any vermin!" The small mouse asked, bouncing on his toes. He wore a long-sleeved red coat that his mother made for him. A small wooden training sword was slung around his waist.
"No, we didn't, Karic. And vermin aren't anything to joke about!" Samuel said transforming intotheir teacher. The three dibbuns were all in his class and could hardly stay quiet enough for Samuel to go through the lessons. However, they seemed to pay more attention when Samuel talked about the many battles the abbey had seen throughout its years. So, he couldn't completely despise them.
"We did! We saw the villyuns an rang the bell!" The otter said twirling a stick in his paws that was as large as he was.
"Sista Beryl says we wuz just playing a joke but she's wrong." The lanky hedgehog said pulling on Samuel's cloak.
"I couldn't imagine Sister Beryl lying about that."
"Well, she's wrong! The vermin were larger than a pike! An scary with weppins as tall as us wid mad red eyes!"
"There was a real pirate! He had tattoos all over his arm and a giant sword!"
"You should've seen Cap'n Santain. Dere wuz a foxybeast who tried to fight 'em. But Cap'n Santain taught 'em a lesson he did!"
The three dibbons exploded into action mimicking the fox fighting the valiant hare. Tumbling and chirping at each other the whole time, Brin couldn't mask a laugh and Samuel smiled at them.
Unfortunately, one of the dibbons accidentally stepped on Samuel's injured paw. Samuel yelped and skipped away.
"Oh no! What's the matter bruvver Samuel?" The otter who had accidentally stepped on him asked.
"It's nothing Beskit. I just hurt me paw." Samuel said as he winced in pain.
"I'm sorry." The young otter said as he sheathed his imaginary sword. "I kin get Sister Lilac."
"No, I'll be fine," Samuel said through clenched teeth as he straightened himself.
"Besides I think the walls need somebeast to guard them until Eli returns. If ye see anything suspicious ring the bell like ye did last night." Samuel continued.
"Yes, sah!" The three dibbuns snapped to attention like they'd seen the Long Patrol do in the past, before running toward the nearest wall they could climb.
Samuel watched them run off with a slight smile.
"Let's get to the infirmary. Lest they want ye tah join in their shenanigans." Brin said, pulling Samuel towards the main hall.
"Oh, dear sweetie. I'll make a splint for it, but you'll have to stay off that footpaw for a couple of days." Mildred said as she looked at the bloody toe.
Samuel had to bite his tongue not to scream in pain as she removed the boot. He held his tongue once more as she examined it.
"Now while I fix it, I want ye to tell me about your trip and how you managed to get this nasty thing," Mildred said as she turned to a drawer a few steps from the bed Samuel was sitting on. The air in the infirmary was warm but dry. The aroma of scores of dried plants and herbs tickled Samuel's nose reminding him of the inside of the farmhouses around the abbey. He opened his mouth to respond but quickly closed it to keep from sneezing.
"Well, we saw Dane and a party of shrews," Brin answered Samuel as he rubbed the sensation from his nose.
"They seem to be doing well, they just returned from a journey north." He added.
"Is he as scurrilous as ever?" Mildred asked as she rummaged about in the drawer.
"He seems to have settled a bit. He's still the fun and empty-headed otter from our dibbun days, but he takes things much more seriously now that he's Skipper." Samuel responded.
"He's still afraid of ghosts and noises in the night," Brin added as she examined a tapestry on the wall.
Mildred let out a short chortle as she closed the drawer. Moss, wrappings, and a flat bit of wood burdened her paws as she returned to the bedside where Samuel sat, his foot propped up on a stool.
"That rascal hasn't changed a bit! I remember rocking him to sleep one winter's night when ye were just able to toddle around on yer two paws. Sweetheart thought that the wind was a ghost, and it wanted to take him and his friends away! Hard to imagine that softie being skipper of anything."
"He's Skipper around the holt, but with us, he's Dane once again," Samuel said as he tried to think of the good times with his friends, instead of the pain in his foot.
"I'm sure he is. But let him know that Miss Mildred would tuck him into bed if he needed it." Mildred said with a mothering smile as she dabbed at Samuel's wound with moss.
"I don't think he'd jump at that." Samuel laughed as he imagined the sight; he couldn't feel the old squirrel wrapping his paw.
"Why not sweetie? I'm practically his grandmother. And that's the same for you two and Eli. You're never too old to have Granny Mildred lull you to a wondrous night's rest."
"Thank ye, ma'am," Brin said through a toothy grin. "I think Eli might need to take yer offer with the vermin an such."
"Oh, fur and whiskers! They're not as bad as they seem. They're more terrified of us than anybeast seems to realize." Mildred exclaimed as she pulled the wrappings tight, eliciting a squeak of pain from Samuel.
"Oh! Sorry dearie."
"You should've seen how everyone acted when we returned. You thought that Martin himself was there." Brin said as Samuel rubbed his footpaw.
"They're just confused that's all. If they really knew that almost all of 'em were in the infirmary I'm sure-"
"They're here!" Samuel and Brin both exploded. Silently they expected the talk of vermin in the infirmary to be a rumor.
"Shhhhhhhh!" Mildred held a finger in front of her lips for silence. "They're still sleeping. And yes, those dearies are here, all but two of them aren't on their backs."
"How's a horde gonna fit in the infirmary?" Brin asked her paws instinctively searching for her sling.
"They're not a horde, just a few stragglers and families, several dibbuns as well."
"That's not what the others said." Samuel glanced about wondering if the vermin were hiding inside the drawers.
"And you listened to them?" Mildred's lips tightened into a frown. "You're the abbeys historian, you should know we wouldn't willingly let vermin in if they were armed."
Samuel and Brin shared a glance.
"They came to us looking for help. You both know it would be wrong to turn away anybeast who comes to us in need. Vermin or not." Mildred stood up and walked to a wash basin.
"But" Brin began, knitting her paws in anxious anticipation.
"If we turned them away, they would die. Would we be any better than they are if we did that?" Mildred asked as she rinsed her paws.
"I mean…" Brin began but shut her mouth from Mildred's icy glare.
Mildred sighed and finished drying her paws. She gingerly walked back to the two of them and took their paws in both of her own.
"I know it's quite a surprise, and we've all had quite a long, terrible night. But we must do the right thing even if it scares us. These vermin deserve an opportunity to live."
Both Brin and Samuel looked at her uneasily. Samuel trusted Mildred, she had been a grandmotherly figure to him and his siblings since they were dibbuns. She was elated when he became the abbey historian, always finding free time to visit his library and listen to his rantings about some warrior or other beasts. More importantly, Samuel wanted to agree with her. He was taught as a dibbun that the abbey was a haven for all less fortunate beasts and that kindness should be extended to all. Now he was the one teaching the young'uns those same ideas. But vermin?
The abbey had constantly been vigilant against their villainous hordes, but even then, the Redwallers tried to avoid conflict until it became inevitable. Unfortunately, even then the vermin hordes didn't seem to care, and all met the same fate. There had been times when apparently 'changed' vermin had been allowed to stay. But most examples were shrouded with dark warnings. The most famous being the former Abbotess Bryony's adopted son Veil. Even with all the abbey's kindness and the saintly Bryony's love he still tried to assassinate the abbot. Even his former mother admitted he was evil. Stories of 'good' vermin were few and far between and Samuel knew they could never overshadow the generations of violence, fear, and bloodshed they had caused. He and his family knew that far too well.
Yet something within him still wished for the all but certain outcome to be different. The memories of that night haunted his sleep and burnt like a red-hot iron, searing into his mind, heart, and body. But as the memories of that horrid night lingered, so did the questions.
Samuel couldn't tell what Brin was thinking, her brown eyes were filled with confused worry. He thought it would be best to answer for her.
"We'll do our best to show them as much kindness as we can."
"Within reason." Brin quickly added.
Mildred smiled and tightened her grip on their paws.
"Thank you, children. Being kind is the least we can do." The old squirrel released them and turned to the sound of pawsteps coming from the private rooms.
"Oh, here comes one now!" She whispered, an eager smile adorning her wrinkled features.
"Good morning sweetheart! I hope you slept well; lunch was just served, and I can get it brought to us."
Samuel held his breath as he moved about the bed to see the vermin, careful not to hurt his injured toe. Brin set her jaw and instinctively held her sling.
From down the hall of quiet rooms, a lean female ferret sleepwalked into the waiting room. She rubbed her puffy eyes as if she had been crying the entire night. She reeked and Samuel had to look away not to gag. When he looked back, he could see her face was weathered and gaunt as if she hadn't seen a meal in moons. She wore a long dark black cloak overtop and a light blue nightgown underneath; a strange pendant with interlocking chains and a grotesque figure in the center rested on her breast. From the shadows behind her, a hare with a fierce spear watched her intently.
Samuel realized his mouth was open and quickly shut it so as not to be rude. Mildred's cheery voice filled the room.
"I'm just speaking with some old dibbuns I had a paw in raising. Did the baby sleep well? I didn't hear a peep from it, so I assume so." Mildred seemed as if she was floating on air.
The ferret's dark eyes lazily drifted from the old squirrel to Samuel and Brin. They hardened and she pursed her lips in a snarl as if she planned on striking. Her eyes like a spoilt queen picked apart their every flaw before they suddenly widened in horror. The ferret turned around and rushed out.
Mildred's warm smile faltered as her brow ruffled in puzzlement.
"Sathe, sweetie. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine! Jus'… tired." A curt snarl, like a cracking whip snapped back.
"You don't sound tired dearie. I'll have food brought up in a moment that'll help you feel lighter than a lark!" Mildred called back with bottomless compassion. She received no response.
"What a rude beast!" Brin snapped. "We offered her food and she looked like she wanted to rip our ears off!"
"Poor thing. She's been the vermin's only healer for who knows how long. She's done her best but there's only so much a beast can do."
"How bad are the other vermin?" Samuel asked as he swung his leg onto the bed.
"They're in much worse shape than I first thought. They were attacked and were lucky to have survived. One beast has been unconscious for at least a week, another had a terrible wound on her footpaw, her mate had a broken arm, and all their kits have a cold. Then there was the poor fox,"
Mildred sighed and wiped at her damp eyes. "I frankly haven't got the courage to tell the pirate about him."
"There was a pirate?" Samuel asked, remembering hearing somebeast mention that.
"He had to be a pirate with all the tattoos. There was also a giant white rat who isn't able to speak," Mildred said as she pulled the details from her vast memory. "He might be mute by the looks of it."
"Oh! How could I have forgotten? Brin, I want you to do something for me!" Mildred said as she took her by the paw.
"Don't worry Samuel, this'll only take a minute!" She called from over her shoulder as she led Brin by the paw after the ferret.
Samuel sat alone for the first time in several days. He wondered what Mildred needed to show Brin and why he couldn't tag along. He suspected it was because of his footpaw. Samuel crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. He couldn't remember if he'd seen a pirate on his journey before and wondered why he would be mad about the fox. Vermin corsairs seemed to care less about other beasts than the vermin hordes did. He also racked his mind thinking of the giant white rat. It sounded familiar, but his mind was spinning from the pain in his foot and the sight of the ferret.
To pass the time he traced patterns in the stone wall, winding about the tapestries and jars of Medicinals that sat across from him. When he got bored Samuel thought he might get up and try and find Mildred and Brin. He could limp well enough if he didn't put his weight on his footpaw. Just as he was about to get up from his bed, he heard the creaking of an opening door from down the hall and a strangely familiar voice.
"Where's the vikkles? Me kits an I are starvin'! Yew rabbits bitter not 'ave eatin' 'em all again. I might tell that mad ol' squirrel and she'll hammer ye inta mush!" The voice snapped.
"I can get somebeast tah bring it up," Another voice that was doing its best to withhold its anger responded.
"Aye do dat! An bring enough for me kits an mate! Iv they starve you'll be the first tah feel my wrath ye long-eared maggot!"
"I heard that ya stupid weasel! If I had my way, I'd whack yer dirty mouth until yer kits started behavin'!"
"An iv I had me arm, I'd cut yer ears off and strangle ye wid 'em! Now take me tah the restroom, unless ye want me tah go on da floor!" The voices stopped and a moment later Samuel heard a pair of footsteps heading towards him.
He lay back down hoping that the vermin wouldn't notice him. Samuel knew he should pretend he was sleeping but curiosity gripped him, and he turned to his side to watch.
He didn't have to wait long. From the darkened hallway came a familiar face, the weasel with the crooked nose. His arm was still in a dirty sling and his clothes were nothing but dirty rags. He smelt far worse than the ferret and Samuel couldn't hold back a disgustingly frightened squeak.
The weasel eyed him like a hawk circling his prey and sneered. His crooked nose added more vitriol than was intended.
"Aww, what's the mattah mousie? Scared of a leetle ol' vermin?" The weasel snapped at Samuel, following up with a cruel laugh.
The hare prodded him with a spear, making the vermin jump around in furious shock.
"Remember what the badger said mate, if ye threaten another beast in the abbey I get tah run ye through like a fish! Don't think ye kits 'll like that one bit, wot?" The young hare snapped at the vermin. He was younger than both Samuel and the weasel but still stood at least a paw's length taller than them both.
"Don't worry about this one sah. Just needs a bit of motivation, wot." The hare chided as he prodded the weasel forward.
Samuel nodded, noting the weasel's crooked beak staring at him from its odd angle. The vermin muttered something foul under his breath but trudged forward. The hare followed along closely behind, the tip of his spear a mere whisker from the vermin's back. With a few choice words, the hare corralled the beast through the entrance and out of the infirmary.
Samuel lay in shock, his nose twitching as he strained to listen to the pawsteps of the weasel and hare vanish down the halls. It couldn't be the same vermin! But it had to be! The weasel with the crooked nose, the cloaked ferret, the pirate rat, and most ominously the giant white beast! They were the vermin band from last night!
Samuel felt his mouth go dry and the world about him spin. A fearful flood of worries surged through his head. How could they have found the abbey? How could they have survived the blizzard? Were they members of an advanced vermin party, preparing the way for a greater horde?
Samuel couldn't lay still any longer and jolted upright. He had to tell Brin, and he had to tell Eli! The abbey could be in danger! Swinging his legs off the bed he tentatively put pressure on his footpaw. A string of pain shot up his leg. He swallowed it back down. His fear made the pain manageable, but he must be careful. Samuel tried calling on the memory of the heroes of Redwall to give him strength and courage. Biting the inside of his mouth he stood up. His toe throbbed in agony. It mixed with the warm colors and intoxicating aromas of the infirmary, turning the world around him into an overwhelming kaleidoscope of color and emotion.
Yet Samuel kept his balance. He tried to clear his head. He hadn't eaten since they left and was tired from their adventure the night before. He remembered his sister Esther's gentle chiding, reminding him to think before he acted. So, Samuel paused, closed his eyes, and tried to calm himself. As he did so a thought rolled into his head.
What if the vermin were just a group of wanderers he had almost killed?
Samuel felt his stomach churn at the thought. The mouse wasn't violent by nature, although he had taken a life in self-defense. He hated thinking that he could have caused a group of beasts, even vermin, such pain. Even if he hadn't cast a stone, or drew a bow, he still missed the signs right in front of him. Eli mentioned that a bad harvest for the abbey would mean that the rest of the woodlands would be starving. Memories of the crooked-nosed weasel and short fox looking for food assaulted him like a winter's gale. The fearful screams from the vermin the night prior rung in his ears like a haunting dirge. Mildred's concern about the fox circled about his head like a fog. The rotten stench of the vermin reeked of the slow, cruel decay of starvation.
Eli. Samuel had to speak with Eli and the abbot. They would value his insight, and he could help right his wrong. Now he just needed to waddle his broken footpaw to the abbot's chambers. He hoped he could do that.
"Samuel Greyfur! What did I say about staying off your paws!" Mildred said as she stomped into the room with Brin on her tail.
The old squirrel was a stone wall of motherly fury, and the younger one looked like she had seen a ghost.
"I'm sorry Miss Mildred," Samuel meant it deep in his heart as he stepped by her and grabbed Brin's paw.
"But we must get going! Eli needs us!" He said as he darted out of the room leaving Mildred alone in a confused daze.
Sorry about the delay, chapters might take longer to complete as school starts again.
Thanks for the read! Please let me know what you think and what I can improve on. Any and all feedback is appreciated!