Author's Note
Disclaimer: The world of Redwall and its characters belong to Brian Jacques. I own NOTHING- except for my OCs. This is NOT canon, and I don't claim it to be. This fanfic is my take of what could have happened after the events of The Legend of Luke and an exploration of lands outside of Mossflower, as well as continuing Martin's story since we don't really get much of an account of his mid to later seasons of his life in the books.
The average Redwall novel has the usual graphic violence and other elements. This story will have that as well but will be more mature as the books were obviously written for a younger audience and many of us that read the series growing up are now adults.
It will be Rated T for some brief language, graphic violence, frightening themes and some suggestive elements.
And as with most Redwall books, here's a riddle foreshadowing the events of the story:
That which you seek, here can be found
You must have wisdom, for riddles abound
Listen close, take heed, the path is laid
Your journey starts, when the crescent doth fade
Face the sunrise, leave the vast waters behind
Beneath emerald forests, seek and ye shall find
The blue snake winds its way, thru thicket and fen
Follow its track, to the left fork's end
Trees of black pine, the way is clear
Go 'round, not thru and don't show fear
A valley of stones, rocks and rills array
Think as a child, the streamhound points the way
Stones become few, tall grasses now reign
Travel by night, your bones will remain
The earth opens up, steps you must take
A labyrinth of rock, a sound you can't make
Lord of the North, don't meet his eye
Columns of stone, caves that echo and cry
Woodlands abound, marshes thrive aplenty
A place of evil looms, forlorn and empty
The vale awaits, hurry and make haste
The Warrior knows the way, trails he has faced
The broad stream encircles a hidden jewel
A secret you must keep, tis an ancient rule
Gather your army, do not hesitate
The enemy is near, accept thy fate
Hearts will be challenged, lives will be lost
After the battle is through, will you learn the cost