The Arid Summer (incomplete)

The Arid Summer by Bullwhip

I was sitting in the shade of a rocky outcrop at Salamandastron as the
sun blazed down, burning the very rock. It was the hottest summer in
living memory at Old Fire Mountain. Most people were sitting inside, in
the cool of the ancient caves and tunnels. Outside there was only me
and five hare sentries, four of which were dozing! Even my eyelids were
drooping in the heat. I was daydreaming about Redwall, where everyone
would be eating delicious food in the shade of the orchard and drinking
ice-cold raspberry fizz. I could almost taste it. Cool, sweet, liquid
gushing down my throat....

I began to doze. The orchard's trees ruffled in the light breeze, the
Great Hall lay silent, the tiny dibbuns lay snoring on the soft grass
and elderly mice dozed against the trees.

"Ship on the horizon! Coming this way!" came the cry of the last
remaining sentry.

Slightly dazed, I got to my feet. I stared out to sea, but I couldn't
see a thing. I said so to Far-eyes the sentry, who was renowned in the
Long Patrol for his great sight. He pointed out to a point on the
horizon south of Salamandastron. Then I saw something. At a point on
the horizon the sea seemed to stick up out of the water. This too I
told Far-eyes, who answered, "Aye, it is a cleverly crafted vessel. It
is painted to match the sea. Hull and all. No beast that hadn't been
looking very carefully would have seen it. Even I wouldn't have seen it
if it hadn't been on the horizon. That is the only flaw in the design.
On the horizon it looks like the sea has risen up at that point, which
isn't very normal."

Then I realised that the bulge in the sea was ship-shaped. I told one
of the sleeping sentries who had now woken to go and tell everyone
inside to be prepared for whatever beasts that vessel might be
carrying.

The vessel docked that evening, slightly south of Old Fire Mountain. We
decided to leave them be at first and let them make the first move. We
stayed out of sight and only kept three sentries out. Hidden in the
rocks carefully, they watched the strange vermin scouting parties
looking for food. The vermin were of a sort that no one remembered
hearing of apart from in an old legend. They were like frogs except
larger and more sinewy. They had black markings on their backs and
frills round their necks. They looked cold despite the warm evening. As
if they came from an incredibly hot world, far from
Salamandastron.

The next morning some of the lizards ventured close to us, coming quite
close to the base of the mountain. Obviously they thought it was a
common, plain, rocky mountain. That night I stood up and told everyone
that if these lizards didn't move off soon we would have to attack them
and that if they started for Redwall we would have to send news ahead
and try and intercept them.

Apart from these lizards, there was a large sinuous weasel who
obviously had some authority with these lizards. Another figure that
stood out was a lizard like the rest, except he was larger and had a
bright green scar on his back. These were the main things that
impressed upon us.

Next morning a family of squirrels came to us. They were shivering and
scared stiff. Apparently one of these lizards (the big one we gathered)
and the weasel had come to their home in the trees of the outskirts of
Mossflower. The weasel had demanded to know where Redwall was. The
Squirrels had refused to tell knowing that he had a horde of bad-beasts
waiting to attack Redwall. When they refused the weasel looked like he
was going to rip everyone apart including the lizard. Then he ordered
the lizard to attack and the lizard leapt up into the trees scattering
the squirrels. The youngest squirrel that had been crying was not fast
enough and was slain before she could even move.
After that, the squirrel dibbuns went to the dibbun playroom while the
mother and father joined the outside recruits section of the Long
Patrol which refugees from Mossflower joined.
Over the next few days, reports of similar incidents came in. Two
families of mice, another family of squirrels and a family of sparrows
all came to us after being questioned by the weasel (who we now know is
called Mackeb) and the large lizard (who we now also know is called
Frildar Greenhound) about the whereabouts of Redwall all, luckily,
refused to tell them.
Then one afternoon news came in of a vole family. The family had
apparently been trapped in their own home by Mackeb and Frildar
Greenhound and told them that they would be let go unharmed if they
told them where Redwall was. Of the whimpering voles told them where
Redwall was and waited to be released, but Mackeb being as treacherous
as any vermin scum quickly ran them all through with his dagger before
wiping it on their clothes.
The news hit us like a thunderbolt. There was so much to do; gather an
army, warn Redwall, pack provisions; the list was endless.
I went to my forge for its peace. I needed to think, The total number
of the Long Patrol not including the outside recruits section was 110
roughly. The outside recruits section totalled only 10. We had about
120 good fighters at least 20 of which would have to stay here to look
after Salamandastron.
The father of the first squirrel family offered to go and warn the
people at Redwall saying that he was good at stealthily going through
treetops and that if he did meet any vermin had priority to fight them,
so he set off that night under the cover of darkness.
Meanwhile my generals and I were developing a plan of attack. We took
into account that the lizards would be best at hand-to-hand combat and
close combat with their tridents and claws so we'd be have the upper
hand with projectiles like bows and arrows, but their scales might be
tough enough to withstand them. All these pros and cons were talked
about and experiments were conducted until finally the battle plan had
been formulated.
We received news from Redwall saying that they had received our warning
and thanking us for warning them. Hurried preparations were made until
we gathered an army of over 25 score beasts. Ten score archers and
slingers and 15 score footsoldiers.
The summer heat was slowly abating but still if you felt the rocks of
Old Fire Mountain at noon they felt as if they were on fire. Now the
clouds of autumn were slowly rolling across the sky.
Early next morning we started marching towards Mossflower and reached
it in a couple of hours with no bother at all. Then our 500 men marched
until noon by which time we had reached the River Moss. There we
settled down and had a light lunch of freshwater shrimp caught by the
otters and some fresh herbs.
After about an hour we were joined by 50 GUOSIM and we got into their
log-boats and set off along the River Moss with them.
By evening we were only a days march from Redwall so we made camp
leaving 20 sentries marked out along the ring of stakes which
surrounded our camp to hinder any large attacking force. There was one
big fire in the centre the GUOSIM log-a-log, two of my generals and I
talked among sleeping beasts about tomorrow. Apart from the main fire
there were four smaller fires where more slumbering beasts lay.
It was early morning and the sun was casting a few feeble rays over the
mountains to the north when the sentry fell.
I and the others who had been talking were asleep when I was shaken
awake by a young mouse sentry named Rockbar he told me that a squirrel
named Flak had fallen with an arrow through his neck, he sounded
distraught he obviously was not used to the horrors of war. I woke five
score other beasts anticipating a large vermin force hiding in the
bushes. I lead out the 100 beasts to the bushes near where Flak had
been felled.
After ten minutes of searching, Rockbar called us and we surrounded the
area Rockbar was in and started closing into a tight circle around
Rockbar. He showed us the bushes where a ferret was cringing begging us
for mercy. I stepped forward and took him by the scruff of the neck; he
squealed like a stuck pig thinking I was about to slay him.
I told him to hold his peace and that we may spare him. I then escorted
him back to camp and the rest followed.
By that time most beasts had been woken by the hullabaloo and were
talking to each other drinking hot mugs of herb tea. I then sat down
with my generals and the GUOSIM log-a-log in the semi-darkness. I gave
the ferret some of the left over soup from the night before and some
herb tea before ordering the cooks to start making breakfast. I then
investigated the ferret. He told us that he was called Bad-eye, because
everyone was jealous of his perfect eyesight and aim and that he was a
member of a band of ferrets who had heard news of Mackeb and had come
to make an allegiance with him. He told us that they were camped north
of here and were hoping to make Redwall the next day.
I had a quick talk with my generals and log-a-log and made the decision
to let Bad-eye go with no weapons and some food on the condition that
he did not go back to the band of ferrets or go to Mackeb's hordes and
that if we saw him again we would kill him.
We then sent him on his way with a haversack with 2 days worth of food
in. Me and my generals and log-a-log then had breakfast with everyone
else.
Then I took a hundred of my own soldiers and all of the GUOSIM shrews
towards the ferret bands camp which Bad-eye had told us of while
sending the other 20 score down towards Redwall under the command of
Rockbar with the message that would arrive in a days time with another
150 soldiers after cutting off a group planning to join Mackeb's
hordes.
I lead my 7 score and 10 soldiers through the edges of Mossflower
northwards and by late afternoon a scout told us that he had seen five
score ferrets marching southwards on the North Path. I quickly asked
him if they would reach us before they set up camp for the night so
that we could ambush them. He thought they would be likely to camp a
little south from where we were, because he had seen a good camping
spot there. I held a hurried with log-a-log and my generals, there were
more vermin than we had expected. We decided that we would ambush them,
as we would not have such a big advantage on numbers. We handed out
some victuals, and hid in the trees.
"I wonder how young Rockbar's doing." I thought as we settled in.

* * *

Rockbar was feeling very honoured after being put in command. He was
thinking about it.
"I mean I'm not even one of his generals and all his generals were with
him." he thought "It's very strange that he's left me alone in charge,
normally when he took one group and there was another group he left
three of his generals at least in charge, but here he was young Rockbar
commanding an army of 400 woodlanders..."
He snapped out of his daydream when his friend Furlow waved his hand in
front of Rock bar's face and said
"Hallo! I said, Redwall has comes into view over the horizon!"
"Mm? Oh, OK." Rockbar replied dazedly.
They then marched for another two hours before reaching Redwall, where
they were welcomed like Kings and Queens. A huge feast had been
prepared for them. There were the usual things like Hotroot soup,
Meadowcream, and fresh crunchy salad. As well as special trifles and a
huge cake with a badger and a mouse's paw crushing a weasel and a
lizard's paw made of marzipan, to represent good defeating evil, on
top.
Rockbar quickly found the Abbot and gave him the message Bullwhip had
told him to give to the Abbot. The Abbot quickly gathered the Redwall
Champion Bren the Fierce, Skipper, and the Badger Mother to hold a
quick council. They decided that they would have the feast and prepare
another one for when Bullwhip and his troops arrived and hold a large
council of war after the feast with Bullwhip, his generals and
Log-a-Log.

* * *

I was waiting with two of my generals a little further ahead from the
rest of the soldiers waiting for the ferret band to come into view so
that when they did they could sneak back to the rest and warn them that
they would soon be coming. We could see some dust rising in the
distance to mark the position of the ferret band. We nibbled some hard
biscuit with some flavoured lettuce to refill our grumbling stomachs, I
saw the two general's minds wander and they started to doze I watched
them and I thought that I might as well leave them be and I can wake
them when the ferret band come into view.

* * *

Slugott was bored; they had been marching for days. He was fed up, he
wanted to get to fighting it was not fair. There was Rimaldo leading
them all along through the stifling heat being carried in a dais by
four very unfortunate ferrets in the cool swigging at his large bottle
of cool wine. While here he was marching in the heat and dust footsore
and weary but no, Rimaldo did not care as far as his lordship was
concerned Slugott was another fat lazy ferret who happened to be
following him around. As far as Slugott knew, Rimaldo did not even know
his name. Slugott's hate for Rimaldo swelled up inside him and he
loaded his sling. He fired. Slugott was not a very good aim with a
sling. He never had been, he had always been better at hand-to-hand
combat, but it was compulsory to carry a sling in Rimaldo's Ferret
Band. His stone flew very wide of his mark but his hate for Rimaldo was
dampened slightly by a welcome yelp as the stone hit the rump of one of
the beasts carrying Rimaldo's dais so that he tripped and fell dropping
the dais but this didn't hinder Rimaldo in the slightest. Though kingly
looking he was extremely quick on his feet and leapt clear of the
wreckage. As he landed he cursed the unfortunate beast and beat it with
the butt of a spear and it yelped even more.
Slugott was thoroughly enjoying this. Not only did he have the fun of
seeing Rimaldo in a bad mood and the poor carrier being beaten, but
Rimaldo would also have to walk the rest of the way to Mackeb's hordes,
because the dais had been broken beyond repair in the tumble. Then as
the body of the poor creature went limp, Rimaldo gave a final kick
before he turned on his band, who were grinning from ear to ear. The
grins disappeared instantly and a heavy silence fell.
Rimaldo still infuriated thought for a fleeting moment whether to make
one of them carry him on their back. Rimaldo, however knew just how
treacherous his band where and that they would probably dump him in a
suitable ditch or river and pelt him with stones until he was dead. He
knew from experience that the only people who were fit to carry him
were the weak and sickly who would not dare disobey him.

* * *

Bullwhip had watched all this disgusted at the behaviour of Rimaldo,
but as he saw they had begun to march, again he woke the two generals
and went to get the rest ready. There was a quick scuffle as everyone
collected their weapons and positioned him or herself, then the tense
wait began. Every beast not daring to move for fear of him or her
making a noise and giving away their hiding place. The whole
positioning was quite complicated.
The squirrel archers positioned themselves in the trees over looking
the path and were going to fire down on the ferret band before joining
in the fight down below. The rest of the archers and slingers who could
not climb would also do this from the bushes below the archers. The
shrews were concealed in some bushes behind everyone and would join in
the fight after everyone else, from behind. The rest of the
footsoldiers hid in some bushes and were going to join the fight after
the slingers and archers had finished firing and would attack from the
front with the slingers and archers giving the shrews the element of
surprise when they attacked from behind. The rest of the footsoldiers
hid in some bushes and were going to join the fight after the slingers
and archers had finished firing and would attack from the front with
the slingers and archers giving the shrews the element of surprise when
they attacked from behind.
We only had to wait another ten minutes until the ferret band reached
us. First, the archers in the trees fired, killing at least 15 ferrets.
Then the ferrets looked upwards trying to see their attackers as they
descended from the treetops. They were then hit by the rest of the
archers and slingers, full on taking out another score or so. Now the
ferrets were down to only 50 vermin or so and where very weak. Then all
of us (except the shrews) charged straight into the front ranks, the
slingers using their loaded slings to knock down the ferrets. The
shrews hardly needed to join us, but they did any way, finishing off
the last score from behind.
The scene was bloody, but luckily, not for us. We didn't lose anyone
thanks to our tactics. We cleared the ferrets into the ditch at the
side of the path making the path passable again. As we were moving the
vermin, I noticed a cautious movement on the edge of the battlefield. I
told everyone to continue what he or she was doing and I went closer to
the figure continuing to move bodies as I did. As I got closer, I saw
it was a ferret. It was Rimaldo; he was badly bruised and was
cautiously creeping away, into the trees. Luckily, he did not notice my
presence until it was too late. I ran at him and grabbed him before he
could move. I got him in a headlock and took him back to camp.
There my generals and I questioned him and asked him what he was going
to do without his ferret band to back him. He told us that he was going
to go to Mackeb and tell him about our plan to attack.
We decided that he would have to travel with us as a prisoner, because
it would be too dangerous to let him go, because he might still go, and
warn Mackeb about our attack. With the help of Log-a-log, I tightly
bound his paws behind his back.
Then I informed everybody that we were going to continue and join
Rockbar at Redwall Abbey. At this news, there were many cheers,
everyone knowing that the welcome feast at the Abbey would be enormous
and incredibly tasty. The only beast who was not rejoicing was Rimaldo;
he obviously thought that we would taunt &; tempt him with the
delicious food and not let him have any.
Everyone set a brisk pace, wanting to get to Redwall as soon as
possible. The two foot soldiers who I had assigned to guard Rimaldo,
were dragging him, grumbling and complaining, along next to me and we
talked cheerfully together, through the moaning and grumbling. I shot a
warning glance at Rimaldo and that quickly silenced him. We continued
to walk the next half an hour, in silence, to the place which my scout
had earlier picked out as the place the ferret band were most likely
going to have camped at.
I ordered that no fires be lit because we were nearer to Redwall and
Mackeb and his horde of lizards could see them if they were
nearby.
In the warm sunset I sat &; watched all the beasts eating cold roots
and bitter berries all giving me their full trust. I was tired, it's
hard work commanding beasts and especially when you know that your
going to have to lead them into battle and that some of the will almost
definitely die, we were very lucky against the ferret band, not to lose
any, but is it better for 200 innocent dibbuns, women and men to die in
their beds than say 50 brave, strong fighters to die in battle? I think
not.
That night passed peacefully (thank the Green), what with all the
excitement and trouble I had only had about two hours sleep the night
before.
Early next morning we happily began marching again. It was hard going
in the warm, humid autumn weather. We took a short break at noon when
the heat was incredibly stifling. It did not matter whether you sat in
the shade or not because the muggy air was everywhere and there was not
really any sun, just heat.
Still sweating everyone began doggedly to walk again. They toiled away
determinedly towards Redwall. In the shade of the trees the panting
creatures walked and all of us were aching all over in the hot
air.
As the sun began to dip over the horizon, a cool breeze sprang up. It
was very soothing at first after the hot day, but it got stronger and
stronger until it was a strong wind, which now that the sun had gone
chilled us to the bone. Redwall's bell-tower reared suddenly up over
the horizon, everyone let out a rallying shout, but I am sure some the
younger ones thought they were hallucinating after the hot day when
they saw the sight.
At that moment, wet, heavy round raindrops began to fall down from the
sky. The parched road soon became soft and slippery. Now all of us
trudged bedraggled, in the wet gloom towards the tower. It was the
first rain since early spring. The dried out, shrivelled leaves of
trees were wet and dripping for the first time in nearly two
seasons.
Late that evening we arrived at the Abbey gates. I strode to the front
of the beasts and knocked heavily on the door. I was surprised to find
that there were no sentries posted anywhere. After a few moments and
jangling of keys, two bolts were gratingly pulled back and a sturdy
otter greeted us. He had a black eye-patch and a tattooed arm. He
winked roguishly and said impishly:

"Ahoy there matey, you'll be the one who's bringin' the rest of
Rockbar's crew. Foolwhip wasn't it!"

Momentarily dazed at his impudence I replied: "My name's Bullwhip,
we've come to join Rockbar and help you defend Redwall Abbey. I hope
you don't mind," I added sarcastically.

"Of course not, matey, please come in." I signalled to my troops and we
followed him in.

Many younger soldiers stared in awe at the huge bell-tower and
beautiful architecture. Even the older beasts and myself were slightly
surprised at the architecture, as it was nearly five seasons since any
of us had been, apart from a few people who had come in routine groups
which checked up on Redwall a few times a season.

All the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey cheered as we entered the
courtyard. The Father Abbot greeted us and we were all given a
refreshing drink and our equipment taken to our dormitories.

Older beasts like me talked to our old friends whilst the younger
beasts chattered to interested dibbuns, telling them tales of strange
places. The dibbuns listened amazed to one young hare called Musker
play expertly on a harolina, while his friend Sanbine sang pretty
ballads telling the tale of her great uncle Sambkin.

The Abbot thanked us for coming to protect his abbey from the hordes of
Mackeb, but it was our duty to protect Redwall in a time of need
because it is a safe haven for all good-beasts and creatures of good
heart in Mossflower. And a place of such happiness will there never be
elsewhere.

My old friend the badger mother talked as we strolled through the
peaceful Abbey grounds, now and then, stumbling on giggling dibbuns. It
was the picture of serenity, but my mind was troubled. If (it was not a
very big 'if') we had to do battle with Mackeb, some of these dibbuns'
fathers and mothers would be killed. Although I never knew my father
and was brought up by my mother, I knew what it would feel like to lose
either parent and it was a terrifying prospect.

My friend could obviously see into my troubled mind and swept these
dark thoughts away by talking about the ripening golden apples and ripe
grapes, and handed me one of the latter. Its skin broke easily in my
mouth and the juice came out and filled my mouth with a warm
flavour.

We walked to the main lawn where a torch-lit picnic had been prepared
for us. We took our places on the ground near the two hares Musker and
Sanbine. They talked to each other round mouthfuls of food. Grinning
from ear to ear when we sat down next to them, they quickly composed
themselves, swallowed their food hastily and Musker saluted whilst
saying:

"Jolly good meal, wot, sah!" Sanbine giggled at his comical lopsided
ears, which made his head look wonky. He glared at her and flicked them
up straight.

"I hope you have a nice meal, sah," said the pretty, young Sanbine.
"Thank you, Sanbine," I replied, while Musker imitated Sanbine's
courtesy sarcastically behind her back.

We dug into our food heartily and Musker and Sanbine turned back to
stuffing their faces. It was not a feast, but to our inexperienced
palettes, it was an incredible culinary experience. Musker could not
believe that the feast could be better than this.

"No way! This cannot be bettered; it is not possible. Just this is 200
times better than at Salamandastron," he said disbelievingly.

I grinned. "Hmm. It is true that this is better than at Salamandastron,
but I'm sure you're fitter eating Salamandastron food every day of your
life than if you were living on Redwall food." but it didn't look like
it convinced him.

We munched our way through the nice crunchy salads and soft doughy
bread.

The bright torches flickered, casting a cosy light over the ground.
Tired dibbuns dozed on the laps of the elders. But even the elders
looked tired, or not really tired but dozy, and they talked about their
past in happy, far-away voices.

We talked well past midnight, but then even we were sleepy, and we
packed up the picnic, took it inside and washed it all up. Once
everything was put away, we went up to our dormitories. All of us fell
asleep almost instantly.

I slept for only about two hours. Then a vision of a mouse in shining,
heavy armour appeared.

"Quick! Up Badger! You must rise! Up! Up! Come defend Redwall Abbey
from the claws of evil! Quick, they approach!"

My eyes burst open and the vision disappeared, but it was still
engraved on my mind. I leapt out of bed, grabbed my mace and ran out of
the dormitory. I ran down the stairs, but all seemed peaceful. I went
to the main door, opened it and stepped outside.

No sooner had I opened the Abbey door; wild screeches and war cries
filled the air. I could see the silhouettes of the sentries fighting
desperately against the vermin were almost shadows in their fiery
torchlight.

I felt someone arrive at my side I turned my head to see who it was.
No-one was there I looked down there was Bren the Fierce, his brave
face and strong eyes looked straight ahead at the m?l?e on the
battlements. In his hand he held a sword. I studied it for a few
seconds, covering every inch. I could see now why it brought fear
vermin's hearts and death to all that crossed the owner. When I had
seen it earlier it seemed simply a very high quality sword but as I
observed it now it seemed full of hatred to the foe of Redwall.

Bren met my gaze and gave a quick nod. Without a word we clambered up
the steps to the battlement. We told two sentries to go and raise the
alarm.

We took their places and began the battle. To my left, out of the
corner of my eye, I could see Bren coolly slashing away at the lizards
scaling the wall without help of ropes or anything. I brought my mace
crashing down onto green scaly head after another, sending them
crashing back to the ground, screaming as they plummeted.

Although we had the help of the walls our strength was failing. The
young Rockbar had joined me about an hour ago. Since then swathe upon
swathe of vermin came on and even the reinforcements could hardly lift
their weapons. Suddenly the vermin began hammering on the main gate the
walls were reverberating violently. Rockbar looked up at me, smiled
meekly before collapsing pure exhaustion. Seeing this happen I grabbed
in my arms and told Bren, whose expression had hardly changed since the
battle began, that I was taking him to the sickbay. I don't believe he
heard me but I went any way. Slowly we began to give; all over the
battlements vermin were breaking through the ranks.

As I emerged again through the Abbey door I saw not only the Abbey's
Main Gate crash open but Bren who was at the bottom of the steps
leading up to the battlements fighting vermin fall to an arrow in his
shoulder. I saw the young hares from the feast, Sanbine and Musker
nearby fighting bravely back to back. I ran over to them quickly and
told them to follow me. I went over to where Bren had fallen. I rushed
in to the vermin roaring and swinging my mace. They were petrified as I
battered them from side to side. In a few minutes I had cleared the
area. I went to Bren and took his sword. I felt his pulse. He was still
alive, but, as far as I knew, quite close to the dark forest gates. I
handed the sword to Musker before instructing the pair of them to carry
Bren back to the sickbay and to evacuate the Abbey. I knew that Redwall
was about to be captured and I knew that with Bren and Rockbar safe
that any of us captured would have a good chance of being
rescued.

We fought and fought, but to no avail, and in the end we surrendered
ourselves our fate and with one final effort, the bloodwrath upon me,
spying Mackeb through the main abbey gate I charged crushing many in my
path. As I swung my mace for the last time that night I saw the weasel,
Mackeb, cackling madly as he saw our forces fail. In that moment I made
a promise to Redwall Abbey and myself that I would not rest until that
vile creature was brought to justice.

* * *

We had stayed and tried to but after the Main Gate had fallen it had
been impossible.

Many families had been evacuated into Mossflower as I had hoped, but
there were still some families captured along with me and other
fighters. Our losses had not been great I counted about twenty-five
when we were burying them. Most of them Abbey sentries. We had only
lost three hares and five other forest-dwellers who we had recruited to
boost our numbers. One of the hares we had lost was an old friend of
mine, General Woodchuck, I was sad to see that he was one of our
losses.

I had met him on a visit to the north and befriended him. He came back
with me to Salamandastron and soon became one of my Generals. He was
always witty and hares loved his stories of the old Northern Mountain
hare kings, the greediest hares of all, and that's saying something.
His name came from his family's excellence at the northern sport of
tossing the caber. He was not so good at this sport and this
disappointed his father but he could still easily out throw any of the
hares at Salamandastron. Oh well, not time for reminiscing.

At least the families who had got away had gone with some good
warriors, Bren and Rockbar among even if those did go on stretchers.
True I do not know if Bren survived but pray to the Green he did.
Because to find Redwall Abbey without a champion at the moment would be
a terrible blow. But with those two in charge I knew that in the end we
would be rescued. While us inside the Abbey could slowly build up a
collection of sticks, stones, chains and other objects which could be
used as weapons for when the time came.

We were not treated badly by the vermin. Mackeb seemed to enjoy playing
with us, as a dibbun would with cloth dolls. Our first task was to
rebuild the main gate. He sat imperiously in the Abbot's chair watching
us work. He did not whip us or make us work exceptionally hard. Don't
get me wrong I'm not saying he was good, he slurred our friends and the
families that had escaped, saying that they were traitors and were
going to leave us to die in his power.

He was clever, he was very clever. I could see from the start that he
was trying to wear us down mentally so that some of us might fall into
his trap and tell him about any plans there might be for a revolt. It
wasn't working on us at any rate, but I was worried about the dibbuns.
Their mind could easily be affected. So we kept secret from them all
plans we had. This didn't stop them doing funny things like fighting
imaginary vermin in front of Mackeb and when asked they are doing
saying thing s like: "Jus' fighting vermin for fun Mr Frogface Mackeb,
or is fun not allowed or summ'inck?" On occasions like we couldn't help
ourselves from laughing at the sight of Mackeb's furious face and the
mother saying to the dibbun now then where did you language like that
from, 'Frogface' indeed!

The Father Abbot became increasingly brave and outspoken and gave
outbursts of indignation, not normally an abbatial feature, at the
attacks on our fellows. Mackeb enjoyed this, I think you'll find of
most war lords that that when they see the strong comradeship of us
goodbeasts they are impressed. they use fear and hatred to put respect
into troops, they don't understand how to treat them well and be nice
to them to earn their respect. I suppose it is just in their blood but
they use brute force to win battles not many use strategy.

The long days passed and yet none of us were losing resolve and falling
into Mackeb's trap. There was now and then a grumble from someone or
other that maybe Mackeb was right but a word from me or another of the
Long Patrol who still had faith in Rockbar and Bren soon put them at
ease. We knew they would help us, plus, not only was there Rockbar and
Bren, two my best officers had also gone with them. I also thought the
two young companions Sanbine and Musker had a good future ahead of
them.

We waited calmly holding midnight meetings and night-time training
courses ran by various members of the Long Patrol. We now had quite a
stash of weapons and we had hidden them in five separate places,
knowing the ancient tale of Martin the Warrior and his comrades escape
from Marshank in which they are betrayed and all their weapons found.
So knowing that if betrayed not all our weapons would be found, it also
helped that I was the only one (apart from my most trusted general) who
knew where all the stashes were.

I was content to wait, knowing that it would be stupid anyway for our
friends who were free to attack straight away before either us or they
were ready. And every day we were growing stronger.

* * *

Rockbar was sitting at a campfire discussing the situation with Bren
and the officers. Bren had a bandaged soldier but apart from that he
was bright, and most importantly, alive. Rockbar had been chosen to
lead the forces now that Bullwhip was captured but closely advised by
the Redwall Champion and the officers. After rescuing Bren, Musker and
Sanbine had been promoted Captains so the army was split into two
sections, the one lead by Sanbine and the one lead by Musker.

Rockbar was very strong-minded but he sensibly listened to his elder's
advice. They had not yet decided when the liberation attempt should be
but they were preparing equipment. They had strengthened their numbers
and they knew that the goodbeasts held captive in the Abbey would also
help once the attack had begun and had been set free.

Rockbar, Bren and the officers got up, they were going to take a tour
of the camp and see the progress of their troops who were building
various things.

The camp was loud with hammering and sawing. They first came to a
large, low cart. The cart was coated in dry moss. Three strong otters
were now loading up the cart with logs and hay. They moved on having
seen good work. After this there were about thirty squirrels, around
ten of whom were concentrating on small delicate bows and the rest
making arrows. Rockbar picked up a bow from the pile and fitted an
arrow to the string and aimed at a bush. He fired the arrow expertly
towards the bush. The arrow flew well and straight to the target. There
was an agonised scream and Rockbar rushed over to the bush, assuming he
had hit one oh his beasts.

When he got there he found a ferret crouched in anguish with the shaft
through his right arm. A squirrel fletcher jogged up and looked
shocked.

"That was a good shaft there and y've gone an' ruined it, y'll never
get it out of 'is arm." The squirrel put on a face of mock sadness,
before chuckling and returning to his work.

There was absolutely no chance of getting the ferret to answer
Rockbar's questions as he was in so much pain. So an old hedgehog named
Myrtle came and gently removed the arrow and bandaged the arm. Rockbar
wasn't happy he said that the valuable medical resources should be
saved for more deserving creatures. While Myrtle saw to the ferret,
Rockbar realised that this could not be one of Mackeb's group, because
Mackeb's group were all lizards. He pondered this while Myrtle finished
the poultice.

Rockbar began questioning the ferret. he found out that the ferret was
alone and had escaped from the battle with Rimaldo's Ferret Band, he
had been living peacefully since then.

Rockbar decided it would be safest to keep the ferret captive, because
they did not know if the ferret of their hiding place so they made sure
a strong otter was with him all the time but otherwise letting him go
freely around the camp.

After this interruption Rockbar continued the inspection of the work.
He came to some moles hammering away at a furnace making swords, spears
and arrow heads for the squirrels. They were not elegant weapons,
rather ruddy, but strong and well made. Rockbar finished his tour of
the working parties. Some had finished and had gone looking for food
and wood. He was satisfied and they had decided they would be able to
attack in seven day's.

* * *

Mackeb was restless. Ever since he had captured Redwall he could not
help noticing that the goodbeasts were perfectly hopeful that they
would escape. This, combined with the fact that he couldn't believe
that they had lost so many lizards in the attack. Led him to be worried
that other goodbeasts had escaped and that if they did try to liberate
Redwall they may be able to defeat them, almost with pure will
power.

He explained this to Frildar Greenhound who like, who like most of the
lizards wasn't very comfortable in the cold, damp climate of
Mossflower. The lizards had us keep massive bonfires burning in the
courtyard. The heat was stifling but the lizards seemed to find it
nice.

Frildar Greenhound wasn't happy at the news that there were other
goodbeasts, because he knew he would have to go with some others and go
and find them. And he did not want to go out into the increasingly damp
forest. The lizards felt a lot worse now that the incredibly hot summer
had passed and some were even dying in the pleasantly cool
autumn.

Frildar Greenhound was right, he was told to select a party of lizards
and go and search for the goodbeasts. He went outside and told about
fifteen lizard who were sitting around a fire to come with him. They
all barred their teeth at him and snarled, refusing to come. At this
Frildar became very worried.

He returned with trepidation to Mackeb to tell him of the lizards'
refusal to come with him. As he had expected Mackeb's eyes became
molten lava as he struggled to control his temper. Mackeb spat and
shouted.

"Well make them you stupid, green, leather dirtbag! Can't you do
anything!" Frildar Greenhound cowered as Mackeb raged outside. He
stared at the lizard around the fires with contempt,

"Get up! Get up! You filthy scum! When Mackeb wants something you do
it! Don't ignore my orders! You just lie there basking by the fire,
well from now on there will be no fire and if you disobey me, you will
die!" The reaction was instant, the lizards scattered and ran in all
directions while Mackeb laughed derisively.

Inside Frildar Greenhound put his head in his hands and shook. He knew
that he would find it even harder to control the lizards out side the
abbey now. Mackeb walked back inside and saw him.

"Oi! I told you to get your filthy backside out there and do what I
told you!" Mackeb shouted in his face.

" Ye... Ye... s, sir." Frildar replied stuttering before stumbling
outside.

I had watched all this from our compound. I smiled to myself because
now that the lizard's fire was extinguished many more would die making
it easier for Rockbar and Bren to break through. Metaphorically, Mackeb
had just stabbed himself in the back. We were well prepared and ready
for the liberation of Redwall, we were expecting it soon.

Now we just waited.

* * *

Rockbar had been trying to find a way to contact those inside Redwall
for a few days when he realised that they could send a bird to tell
them anything he wanted to. There were a few birds in the camp and they
had had a visit from a sparrow that lived in Redwall a few days ago. If
only he had thought of it then.
They found eleven birds in the camp. There was one hawk, a robin, three
starlings, two owls, and four others. Rockbar and Bren had made a list
of attributes that would help a bird in the mission.
1. Being quite small
2. Quiet during flight
3. Easy to understand
4. Trustworthy
5. Strong if they had to fight
They were going to pick a bird that fitted these attributes best. The
robin and the starlings were the smallest but not very quiet and not
strong. In addition, candied chestnuts could easily bribe the Robin. So
these two were discounted. This left the hawk and the two owls. There
was not much between them but the owls were chosen because of their
clarity of speech. The owls were going to take turns, leaving one
behind to look after their chicks.
The first message they were going to take to Redwall was to tell them
that the liberation was to take place in four days. The owl was to go
at night, obviously, so that any sentries would not see it.
When night came the owl its short flight to Redwall. It only took about
a quarter of an hour to fly there, so it was possible to get more than
one message to Redwall in a night.
The owl had been flying for about five minutes when she spotted a fire
below her. She swooped slowly down to the tree canopy and perched on a
high branch. Her powerful eyes could clearly see the forms of fifteen
or so lizards.
She turned a wide arc in the air and headed back to the camp. Once
there she told the sentries that she had spotted the lizards about 15
minutes walk away. The sentries decided that they better wake up Bren
and Rockbar and decide what to do about the lizards who were almost
definitely searching for the camp.
Bren and Rockbar weren't quite sure what to do seeing as it would be
dangerous to take them captive, it would be hard to kill them all, and
it would be suicidal to ignore their threat.
After much discussion they decided that while the lizards slept they
would attack and try to kill as many as possible and take the rest
captive. They knew that it wasn't very honourable to kill them as they
slept but they didn't have much choice. They decided to station about
ten archers in the trees around the lizard camp, these archers would
then try to shoot ten or so lizards before a small ground troop would
come in and kill most of the remaining lizards taking one or two
captive.
Bren and Rockbar handpicked twenty of their best fighters including the
ten best archers they could find. Bren told Rockbar to stay at the camp
and get some sleep while he went to try and kill the lizards. Bren told
Rockbar that they needed a commander at the camp and that Rockbar
needed rest, but he actually wanted Rockbar to stay at the camp because
he was young and the mission would be dangerous. Rockbar sulkily agreed
and Bren finally set off.
They went slowly making sure they made no sound or trail which could
alert vermin.
After about twenty-five minutes they arrived as the owl had said a
small clearing, the lizard camp. Silently six squirrel archers climbed
the trees surrounding the camp forming a circle around the sleeping
vermin. Four other archers did the same on the ground. Bren and the
rest remained on the ground in a group.
Bren's eyes blazed with hate for the lizards. He carefully looked
around at the lizards, then he noticed the larger form of Frildar
Greenhound lying by the fire. He quickly gave a whispered message
through the ranks and to the archers.
"Don't kill the big one, he is the Commander. I want him alive."
Another reason Bren had wanted Rockbar to stay behind was so that he
could let go of the anger and hate that had filled him since having to
leave Redwall. If Rockbar had been there he would have had to set an
example and control himself. He pulled himself together and got the
great blade of Martin the Warrior ready in his paw. He used the blade
to catch the firelight and twinkle it around the clearing. This was the
sign for the archers.
Ten deadly arrows flew true and straight towards the lizards. Six died
instantly and without a sound. Another got an arrow through his lung
and had time to scream in pain before dying. Two others were seriously
injured in the arm and the leg. The last lizard with an arrow going for
him was so lucky it was amazing. He rolled over in his sleep and the
arrow thudded into the ground beside him.
The scream awakened the six unharmed lizards who leaped up to see what
was happening. Ten loyal Redwall soldiers charged at the lizards,
headed by a ferocious Bren, all roaring 'Redwall! Freedom and
Peace!'.
Bren immediately sliced the head of the nearest lizard clean off and
the momentum of the charged caused him to bull straight into another
lizard, transfixing him on his sword. The lizard stared at him in
startled amazement before slumping to the ground.
When Bren turned all the other lizards lay dead and nine warriors
surrounded Frildar Greenhound. Bren slowly walked towards Frildar,
savouring the moment.
" So, who's the prisoner now, Greenhound?", Frildar shivered, more of
cold than of fear, " No need to shiver scum, we're not going to kill
you. Are we?", The other good-beasts shook their heads, "See, no need
to be scared vermin. We can use you a lot better." Bren grinned
manically and led Frildar towards the camp.

* * *

Frildar was quite surprised when he was put in a warm bed by a fire so
he was quite warm. Ten burly otters guarded him, glaring at him with
the fire glinting in their eyes. Frildar shivered once more, this time
though it was because of fear. He knew what he faced the next day from
Bren. It was late in the night so he decided to try to use the last few
hours before daybreak for sleep. There was no chance of escaping and it
looked like he would have to obey Bren.
He fell into an uneasy slumber with visions of mouse warriors attacking
him and slicing his head off.
He woke up with a start; Bren had his face up close to Frildar's.
"It's time to help us, vermin scum. You had better not lie, it won't do
you any good. From now on you are under constant surveillance.", Bren
smiled, "You may not always realise it, but we will always be there.
The most dangerous shadow you've ever met, matey."
Frildar recalled the mouse warrior in his dream. Bren reminded him of
the warrior, but they weren't the same. The warrior in his dream was
stronger, bigger somehow and had a wild, reckless look in his eyes.
Frildar glanced at the sword in Bren's belt. It wasn't the sword in his
dream, though it was beautiful, with a red pommelstone, but the sword
at Bren's belt was finer more balanced.

* * *