User blog:Akash.B/User blog:Akash.B/The Forbidden Tale

Prologue
It was a moonless and stormy night in the vast land of Mossflower. Lightning pierced the moonless sky and threatened to strike earth with all its fury. Rain pelted down with a barbaric force, flattening everything in its path. In this chaotic weather, every living thing was forced to take shelter. The creatures of Mossflower reveled deep in slumber, letting their minds roam free in dreamlands far and wide. The entire land seemed to be asleep, unaware of one unexpected guest, who had reached this land by the sea.

Yogroth, as he was called, had a very strange attitude. Some said this creature could see the future, and others even believed he could change it. His every move was precise and every motive unnaturally successful. Yet no one knew what he actually was. His light-hooded cloak always enveloped his lean and tall body. A face mask covered all facial features. Even his paws were covered by full gloves. Mentally he was just as mysterious. Not a single word left his mouth unless completely necessary. If he did talk, his monotone voice betrayed no emotions. Now this peculiar creature was in Mossflower, coming from someplace far away in the seas, and heading to someplace only his mind knew.

He walked in long, confident strides along the coast. His legs moved in perfect timing.

CHEECK CHEECK CHEECK

His long boots sloshed through the wet sand. Producing a bamboo stick from his side, he used it to aid his walking. The rain beat on unmercifully, and the waves got rougher near the coastline. Yogroth however had no intention of stopping. He marched along for about an hour, relentlessly and unchanging. He suddenly stopped when he spotted a fire in the distance. He slowed his pace, and crouched to take a better look. He could mark out three figures sitting around the fire underneath some sort of hut. Moving higher up the coast into dry sand, he stealthily began running into that direction.



Three hares sat in their very own tent which was made of thick branches and torn up haversacks. It was raining hard, yet the tent held up quite well. All three lay near the campfire which was in the center of the tent, dazing off on full stomachs. Scraps of what had been a superfluous dinner lay on the sand. The fire had begun burning low and the hares’ eyes began drooping.

“Think we’ll make it to Salamandastron tomorrow?” asked one hare called Vauz.

“I’m sure we will mate, it’s only about half a days march, wot.” said Haze.

“Will you keep your gobs shut, it’s hard catching a few winks with your gibbering and a bursting tummy to boot!” said the young Norer.

Silence fell, and all closed their eyes. The constant sound of waves soon lulled all hares to sleep.

WOOSH! The campfire was extinguished in a mass of sand. All three hares immediately woke up, Vauz being the first to gain his senses. Looking around, he could hardly make out anything in the dark night. Reaching for a sword, Vauz got up and called out loud, “Who’s there!”

There wasn’t a reply. Vauz frantically rubbed his eyes, trying to gain some view of the scene. A large lighting bolt pierced the sky, illuminating the beach for a second. Vauz stared in terror as he saw a figure in front of him. By now Haze and Norer were up as well, both of whom were frightened. Vauz’s voice was shrill with terror when he shouted, “Who are you!”

There was still no reply, but he could slightly make out the figure in the darkness. It began moving in his direction. Vauz raised his sword and made a feeble attempt to look brave. A sound as dry and gritty as the sand they stood on, spoke out. “Don’t be afraid Mister Vauz. I’m only here to seek your help.”

“How do you know my name?” Vauz replied, trembling and still clutching the sword in both paws. The figure stood a few feet from the camp.

“That doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I find what I’m looking for. I’m sure you’ve heard of ‘Death Mountain’?” replied the illusive figure.

“You mean Salamandastron?” Norer said, to her own surprise.

“Ah, so you do know. Your help should be critical then, at least for the time being.” Said the figure and produced something from his cloak.

Vauz circled the figure and boldly asked, “You know my name, but what’s yours?”

The figure turned his head and said “My name is Yogroth”

Another, larger lightning bolt pierced the sky. The three hares took a good look at Yogroth. He was a large beast, but they couldn’t discern what he was. His large cloak was deep red, covered in stripes of orange. A belt of iron clenched at his stomach. His paws were sheltered by thick gloves. Yet the most dreadful feature was his mask, half white, half black, with two slits for eyes, and a grill for the mouth. His eyes were most strange, large and red in color. When he stood still, he looked like a lifeless statue. He wielded a wooden stick in his hand, and walked to Haze and Norer. They stood, rigid with horror.

Dumbfounded, Vauz asked “What are you do…”

CRACK

Both hares fell to the ground, knocked cold. Yogroth turned around and spoke calmly to Vauz.

“Bamboo, silent and strong, works without flaw every time.”

Fear fell on the lone hare, as he looked at the unconscious bodies of his friends. His muddled mind could not take in what had happened. Courageously he shouted “Eulaliaaaaaa!” and lunged for Yogroth.

Sidestepping calmly, Yogroth tripped the charging hare. Jumping on his back, he grabbed Vauz’s arm.

“You’ve asked for this Mister Vauz” Yogroth twisted Vauz’s arm brutally. His cries rang loud, yet no one was there to answer them. Yogroth twisted it further and further, until a painfully loud crack was heard. Vauz dropped the sword on the ground.

He groaned loudly, still trying to wrestle of Yogroth. Yet Yogroth twisted on and on, as muscles and bones gave way. The pain was so great, that Vauz passed out from the pain.

Gently rising from the twisted body, Yogroth fixed his cloak. His face showed no emotion, as he brought together the three hares and tied them together with rope. He sat down near the shore, drenched with rain and waited for morning to arrive, looking into the direction of Salamandastron.

Chapter 1
'''Salamandastron is in danger, Redwall is under attack, what is the fate of the three hares, who is Yogroth, do you really want to read more? Find out in Chapter 1 on 01/10/10'''