User blog:SaynaSLuke/A Spell Cast



By Sayna

"Four are not one when two are gone,

Echoes of evil shall rise.

Only a breath of morning song,

Could break this spell of lies.

A chosen one and chosen true,

Has a call to answer.

Far from home but not alone,

He has a home to fight for.

Editor's Note
This is the long awaited, first book of Accused .. A Spell Cast. Accused is the rewrite of the Outcast of Redwall. The sequel to The Unsung Heroes series. (yes, each of those three words links to a book) XP

This is going to be a radical, outside the box reinterpretation of the Outcast. It is going to grip you vividly if at all possible, and I hope you enjoy this beloved brainchild of mine.

It will be shocking sometimes, maybe in some cases disturbing (although as always, I have nothing really over a PG level .. although some of the ideas will delve much deeper into real life questions about deceit, truth, and things of that nature .. than say .. 'Frozen' or 'Brave' or any Disney movie I've ever watched would) XP This story is meant to be very deep.

Of course I'm probably overestimating your reaction ;P I doubt you'll find all of this terribly disturbing. Just warning you that there are some things in it like an eleven season old, desperately hateful villain, and deception runs rampant .. even skewing the views of our good characters.

This book should be fifteen or twenty chapters. A lot smaller then my others. ;P

I dedicate this book to Brain Jacques for his wonderful world, even if the Outcast was my least favorite book. If it hadn't been written .. I'd never have re-imagined it. ;)

This also goes to all my friends and faithful readers .. it wouldn't have been possible without you :D ^^

And of course, this goes to my mother .. who, despite her crazy Cedric impersonations (XP) .. has helped me here and there .. and is my faithful beta reader.

Prologue
The low echo of pawsteps was audible through the twisting halls of a forgotten, time hidden sepulcher. The low echo of voices followed.

There was little light here, nothing but guttural torches affixed here and there to the walls. Shadows danced at will, some living, and some simply echoes of the living.

Here in the cool, dark halls of a twisting comb of tunnels, shadows were at home.

Two dark ones, both hooded, swept down a dimly lit corridor. One was tall, the only really visible thing about them being their snow white paws that turned abruptly to black. The other was short, almost dainty .. or perhaps in reality, very young.

The first's voice was a tinkling yet ominous sound, if those two could really be combined. "My young apprentice, this is the day you become one of us. Do not remove your hood, even though I do .. it is not to tradition."

The smaller beast's voice was a dark, yet youthful and feminine sound. "Yes Mistress Nightshade."

The first let her hood fall away, revealing she was an ebony vixen, as the two slipped into an alcove, one that turned out to be a room. "Ah, I see you have all gathered. Now Shroud my dear, is your lovely project finished?"

The beast she spoke to was a dog fox as black as she, only with red tips instead of white. He wore a flowing gold and navy cape that fastened about his neck with exotic pins. "It is indeed, and after seasons of effort .. I believe it is ready, as Lord Malimore commissioned it."

He motioned to a cloth covered object, before sweeping the veil of satin away .. to reveal a large piece of glass.

Another of the room's occupants, a golden ferret, sneered. "Glass? Shroud, I expected more from you after the grand scene you made ..."

A whip seemed to materialize in the fox's red paw, one studded with glittering shards of metal and glass .. although it's owner's voice showed little emotion. "Have I told you all it's properties, Swartt, son of Sixclaw?"

A tall, lean youth of a dog fox spoke out. "Father, show the polecat who's in charge around here!"

The whip dematerialized beneath Shroud's cloak as he gave his son a look. "Hold your tongue Ramon, lest it deem you incompetent by your foolish statements."

Shroud turned back to his creation, picking up a small, glittering object. "This is the first of it's kind .. but it shall not be the last."

Swartt snatched the item; a beautifully filigreed monocle. "What is this?"

Shroud smiled .. not a nice smile. "Look through it, Sixclaw."

Swartt glared at the fox before doing so, pausing as he let his gaze rest upon Shroud. "Hellgates, it has a way of making even you look innocent .. what's the use of it?"

Shroud's smile, seemingly gentle through the deceptive glass, was a demonic sneer in truth. "Don't you see, my slow friend? This distorts its owner's understanding. It makes evil seem good, it makes good seem evil .. it will change the way woodlanders see the world forever!"

The fox snatched the monocle away from Swartt, who made an instinctive grab for it. "And all the better, the more a beast uses it .. the more they want it. They can't escape it, they will fight to keep what blinds them .. and it works on those stupid followers of Ignasa .. the ones we cannot seem to infiltrate. Lord Malimore used his darkest magic."

Chapter 1 The Stranger
The warm spring sunshine shown across the lawns of Redwall .. a nearly complete Redwall. Beyond normal activities, a bit of a show was going on near the pond .. one of swordplay.

A silver fox sat nearby, but out of the range of the two contestants, calling occasional advise. "Veil, keep your blade up! Dodge her!"

The ferret, a strong young creature of about seventeen, did as he was told, and his opponent tried other measures. She was a tall, golden mouse maid with a long brown braid, a long tail .. all in all, she could be described as almost gangly.

She ducked under Veil's sword arm splitting the air with a clash as her saber connected with his elegant rapier.

The fox's voice rang out. "Fripple, not the ... tail."

It was too late. The mouse maid had wrapped her long tail around the ferret's right foot and yanked him off balance!

Veil fell, rapier falling a little out of reach. Fripple shoved her spiky brown headfur out of her sky blue eyes, asking, "Are you alright Veil?"

The ferret didn't get up immediately, just gave her an incredulous look with his steady sapphire gaze. "What is it about you that'll let you beat someone, then ask if they're ok?"

There was a perky little voice from nearby. "According to my calculations, it's because she never puts thought into her actions until they are done."

Fripple glared at the speaker, a golden, green eyed mouse maid with a pair of large glasses. "Oh be off, you walking library! Sometimes I think you're one giant calculation!"

A brown and cream otter maid intervened from were she sat on a nearby rock with a reddish pointed white ermine. "Fripple, that isn't nice! You should be nicer to Aubretia .. she is your cousin!"

Fripple grumbled. "Huh, I'm not sure how the two of us ended up related .. we're alter-egos, Catkin!"

Catkin sighed. "That doesn't mean you have to be mean to her .. being mean never makes a beast happy!"

Veil stood, brushing himself off as another otter maid, light brown all over, glared at the first. "You and your endless happiness. Ugg .. it makes me lose my appetite."

"I'll eat it for you, whatever it is!" Exclaimed a newcomer, a mottled roan and pinto mare, just growing out of filly-hood. "Was there food somewhere?"

The silver fox leapt off his rock, a little exasperated. "Enough, enough, all of you! Mayberry, that's not needed. And Star, there's no food around here, this is a training session! Who's next? Ivan and Luke? Ivan and me? Anyone else? Veil, you up for another try?"

Mayberry, the otter, turned away with a huff. Veil shook his head. "No, not right now. I dueled you and Fripple .. that's enough for a bit."

Groddil motioned to a red and gold mouse armed with a longsword, sighing, "Luke against Ivan. And please focus this time!"

He gave the watchers a look. "Don't be distracting, or I'll have to send you off, understood?"

><><

The woodlands of Mossflower were drenched in sunlight that danced through the trees, and dappled the chocolate coat of a traveler. She was a pretty little weasel with intricately braided ebony headfur that fell to her waist.

Her garb was outlandish for the woodlands she now walked within, it was a square necked white dress that fell to the knees, simple and stained. The outfit was topped by a muddy violet sash, and a strange necklace of silver, set with an amethyst.

Her right paw and arm was bound in a tight black brace disguised as a glove, while her left sported a simple, yet elbow length silver armband.

Her steps seemed to amble without real purpose, although she always headed northward. Expressive brown eyes watched the noon sun, almost calculating, yet ever-roving, as if distracted.

She came to the edge of the woods, and was faced by the impressive western flatlands .. and more impressive yet, the newly quarried Redwall.

The little creature swiped a few stray strands of hair from her eyes, before making her way toward the towering abbey. When she was faced with a trench in the sea of grasses, it did not greatly hinder her, she simply began to slip down the side.

Her paws were nearly to the bottom of the four foot drop, when one slipped, and she toppled to the floor of the trench, sitting down hard on her left foot.

She winced, struggling to her paws and scaled the edge of the ditch, dress dirtier than ever. The weasel, no more than a child, looked a pitiful sight as she hobbled the rest of the way to the red stone building, likely in hope of refuge.

When she reached the gates, the weasel knocked several times, but didn't really get a result. She tried again, with greater determination this time.

A few moments passed before the gate pivoted inward to reveal a mottled rat. He was middle aged and lanky, and he stared at her with surprise, speaking at length, "I say liddle miss, where'd you come from?"

Her voice was weary. "The south sir .. the far south. I've traveled at least a season .. I'm so hungry and tired .. and I just fell down the ditch and sprained my foot, sir."

The rat blinked, finding no immediate reason to disbelieve her .. she was thin, filthy, and bedraggled. He shrugged. "So I'm assumin' you'd like in then?"

She nodded. "My foot hurts awfully sir."

The rat opened the gate a little wider, allowing the little creature to limp in. "Me name's Whegg miss, ya can call me such. I'll have to present ya to the high king, he'll ask ya some more questions. After all, we have ta make sure ya ain't from some horde nearby."

The young beast dipped her head. "I understand, sir."

Whegg looked at her, not totally trusting, yet not completely judgmental either. "What's yer name miss?"

She smiled a little crookedly. "It's Xzanthia sir .. you're awful nice around here. What's this place called?"

Whegg led her out of the massive gateway, stating, "Redwall. Redwall abbey."

><><

Martin's life had morphed over the last eleven seasons, though he and Rose still lived in the gatehouse with their four children .. Richart, the youngest, being about five. However Luke the elder had gone to the Lands Beyond a few seasons after the battle with Lotor .. and Vurg had followed several seasons after.

Eleven seasons could change a lot.

To add to the changes, Bella had come home from Salamandastron to retire at Redwall .. the badger was truly an ancient now .. she was in good company with Mask, who now lived in Holt Willow.

Most of the old ones .. Erwin, Germaine, Urran, and a few others had passed on, however most the younger beasts were still around.

Some had migrated, in truth, as Brome and Amyl had left to rebuild Noonvale with what was left of the Rambling Rosehip Players, and Emalet.

A few beasts like Einar and Iona had left for Salamandastron, but the greatest loss to Martin was that Trubbs, frazzled and worn from trying to run the mountain with no badger, had begged a few of the Mossflowerian nobles to come and aid him.

So it was that Sayna and Timbal, along with their two sons Gustav and Coll, had left for the mountain. They intended to return to Brockhall .. in a few seasons. But Martin was so used to relying upon them, it was a hard hit.

They had left less than a month ago, and left Fripple with Groddil, as she was training under him. Everything seemed to be settling down after this disruption, and Martin hoped it would even out. It was temporary, at least.

Now Martin was faced with Whegg, and the newcomer. She didn't seem like much, she was just a ragged vermin child .. and Martin's dislike toward vermin had numbed through the seasons.

She didn't seem in the least imposing or evil, just bedraggled, wistful, and innocent. Whegg was a bit apologetic. "I'm sorry ta bother ya, a course, but we have a visitor."

Martin nodded to him. "It's fine Whegg, you did right. Miss, what's your name, and where do you come from?"

The little creature smiled. "I'm Xzanthia .. I'm from the far south. I was a seer's apprentice .. but I ran away sir. I want to live as a goodbeast .. and maybe .. I could stay here?"

Martin had heard the story before .. this young beast was just like other vermin who wanted to run from their lives. The least he could do was to give her a chance. "Perhaps. I'll let you stay for a bit, and if you prove yourself loyal, you can stay as long as you like, Xzanthia."

He had been looking her over the whole conversation, and was curious ... she looked a little odd .. not quite like any vermin he'd ever seen. "Not that it matters miss, but would you tell me what kind of creature you are?"

Xzanthia smiled. "Of course sir .. I'm a wearet."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "Where are your parents .. and they are a weasel and a ferret, I assume?"

The young beast nodded. "I think they were .. but they died before I could remember. All I know is what my mentor told me, sir."

Martin couldn't help but feel bad for the creature .. she wasn't even as old as his youngest daughter. "You may stay here. Whegg, take her to get some food and new clothes, would you?"

The rat nodded, leading Xzanthia off. Martin stared after them, and scratched an ear. The little beast seemed so innocent .. why was it he felt unrest?

The golden mouse pushed the feeling away. There was no real reason for it, after all.

><><

The afternoon sun was sliding it's way down the sky as Veil and his adopted brother Ivan left the training arena. They weren't alone long, as Fripple joined them, sabre clinking at her side. "Where are you two going?"

Ivan shrugged, emotion staying flat, and Veil answered. "Supper, I suppose."

Fripple nodded. "I'll come with you."

Veil looked at her, stating, "You're thinking about something, I can tell."

Fripple was used to Veil's uncanny way of sensing emotions, so she simply sighed. "All this. Do you ever .. wonder .. if we could have an adventure. You know, like are parents did!"

Veil was silent a moment, before stating, "I don't know. I'm not sure I would want to go through all the danger."

Fripple gave Ivan a look. "What about you?"

The cat shrugged, a common gesture of his .. and one that could mean just about anything.

Aubretia's voice rang out from nearby. "According to the historical accounts, adventures are hazardous and inflict casualties."

Fripple glared at her cousin. "You think I don't know this, library?"

Another voice spoke out. "Well, I guess she's right. It would help if you'd speak woodland, Aubretia."

The golden mouse pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, giving the speaker, the red haired ermine, a glare. "I speak our language fluently, Esther. What's more, I can read the old script, and .."

Esther nodded. "We know. Can I go to supper with you guys, huh?"

She was looking specifically at Veil, who shrugged. "That's fine .."

They had reached the abbey doors, and Ivan spoke with dryness, "But don't steal anything."

Fripple shoved the door open, hurrying into the great hall and toward what was referred too and Cavern Hole. "Yea, don't. It doesn't exactly win friends."

Esther looked wounded. "I won't steal anything this time .. I'll have you know I wasn't even thinking about it!"

She huffed, sweeping past the others and taking a seat near the end of a table, tossing her rich reddish head fur over one shoulder. Fripple rolled her eyes, sitting down next to the ermine.

At this second the patter of paws rang out, and a black mouse maid of about thirteen tripped on her long skirt, falling through the doorway. She picked herself up, pushing strange golden hair away from brown eyes, and stating to somebeast behind her, "I'm fine .. here. This is where we eat."

The creature that followed was a stranger, chocolate furred with black hair. She was a weasel like beast, and young, younger then Bryony, her guide.

Veil had turned around at the disturbance, and something odd happened .. something Fripple found a little disturbing. The newcomer stared in total shock for a moment, before her eyes fell to the ferret's right paw .. the one with six claws.

She did nothing for another few moments, before she ducked her head .. almost shyly. Veil was looking at her oddly now, and Bryony forestalled further staring. "Come on Xzanthia, let's find somewhere to sit, cause this is all filled up."

The weasel followed the mouse, not looking at Veil again .. almost purposely. The golden ferret shook himself, before sitting down. Fripple looked at him questioningly. "Xzanthia? Who's that? Why was she staring at you?"

Veil scratched an ear. "I don't know. There's something .. I don't know. She .. feels odd, how can I put it?"

Aubretia was writing on some parchment with her quill pen, and she stated, "That's an oddity .. she seems perfectly agreeable. Perhaps she was surprised to see another creature who is of the weasel family."

Veil stared in the direction Xzanthia had gone. "Probably. She's very young to be .. well .. I'm sure it's nothing."

><><

Night fell gently over Redwall, turning the gentle warmth of spring to a cool, breeze filled darkness.

The abbey lawns were quiet, and faintly illuminated by starlight. It was past the hour a normal best would be up, and the parapet was deserted .. except for one thing.

A shadow.

It slipped around to the northern wall, the back, before standing up straight and glancing carefully about.

However, there was no sound, no testimony that anybeast knew of the shadow's presence. The creature on the wall top turned to face the surrounding woodland, emitting the sound of a placid woodland owl, soft and wistful sounding.

Nothing happened at first, and the shadow tried again. At length, there was the flutter of wings, and a small creature .. too small for any owl, alighted on the parapet. "What is it .. impatient beast .. what would your mentor say?"

The shadow sniffed, shaking out waist length, night black hair. "I don't care Tyre, but listen, they don't suspect me in the least."

The creature stepped more into the moonlight, revealing leathery wings and long, glittering fangs .. a bat. "That's good and well, but you need to be careful .. this game we're playing is tricky. One misstep will make us loose, Xzanthia. You know as well as I."

She sighed. "Oh yes Tyre, I know .. what do you take me for? Is everything in place?"

The bat huffed. "Yes, it is. Been nice if you would have helped."

Xzanthia smiled .. not very nicely. "Ahh .. but I found out something you did not, my partner. I found the son of Sixclaw!"

Tyre blinked. "What? That's impossible ..."

Xzanthia snorted in disgust. "No, I mean the one who was supposed to be dead. Well, when I get done, he'll really be dead. Any son of Sixclaw is no friend of mine!"

Tyre rolled his eyes. "Just be sure your revenge attempts don't ruin what we've planned .."

The wearet's brown eyes gleamed. "My doubtful friend, if anything ... this helps or plan. I have it figured out. And these idiots will never see through it!"

Chapter 2 Tainted Treasure
Fripple woke slowly, to the sound of quiet morning birdsong, not bothering to move at first. Dreams could be strange things, she decided as she reflected on all she could remember of the one she had awoken from.

It was a frightening thing, blurry and hard to recall .. but she could remember running.

Fleeing something she did not know, and in near irrational fear.

But why? Why would it seem so vivid, so real?

It irritated her not to know, but it wasn't like her parents were here. If they had been, she'd have asked them .. her father and mother always seemed to have an answer.

But that couldn't be helped. She'd have to ask Groddil, but her adopted uncle always seemed busy. Well, that settled it. She'd ask Veil, for the ferret had a wisdom beyond his years, and he never disregarded something like a dream, no matter how silly it might seem.

Fripple shoved her sheets off, sitting up in the small room she called her own. It wasn't like anything happened around Redwall anymore, anyway.

Thank goodness for Groddil, and his training in the ways of war .. it was about the only exciting thing, besides dreams.

The mouse slipped open her door, to be faced with Goody Stickle. The old hedgehog dipped her head, asking, "Dearie, have you seen Bryony .. or the newcomer, Xzanthia, by any chance?"

Fripple buckled on her black leather belt, stating, "No, I just woke up. Why do you ask?"

Goody shrugged. "I'm sure they won't have gone far, but you see, I was going to have them help me in the kitchen. It just worries me a bit."

Fripple followed the hogwife down toward Great Hall, stating, "Well they can't have gone far. You know Bryony .. she hates getting all that dirty. Maybe she'll play in the woods a bit or plant flowers in the gardens .. but she likes the finer things of life."

The golden mouse maid added, "And she doesn't know a thing about roughing it .. not one thing."

><><

The mouse maid Fripple spoke of in this manner, was, at least in her mind, roughing it. She was out in the woods with her new friend, playing in the trees because that was what Xzanthia wished to do.

Bryony was a little tired of it, and the hem of her pink dress was stained, but Xzanthia seemed well at home out of doors. The wearet dashed from one tree to another, asking questions and stating trees were uncommon where she came from.

Bryony was about to ask if they could go back for breakfast, when Xzanthia discovered something that interested her greatly .. a large oak with a hole in the trunk. "Oohh I wonder what's in there? Do you know?"

The black mouse shrugged. "Nothing, most likely. The others used to play here .. and I came sometimes."

Xzanthia frowned. "Are you sure?"

Bryony nodded. "Yes, I know there's nothing in there .. here. I'll prove it to you .. ohh!"

She broke off, as her searching fingers touched something hard. The mouse maid paused, before grabbing hold of the object and pulling it out .. revealing it was a rectangular wooden box.

Xzanthia's eyes were wide. "Is it a treasure? It looks like one!"

Bryony was unsure .. and something felt wrong about the whole thing. Hadn't she been to this tree many a time? Why then would there suddenly be an old, battered trunk in it .. one that looked like it had weathered the ages. But Xzanthia was ecstatic, after all, she couldn't be expected to know. "Open it! I want to see what's inside!"

Bryony shook her head, asking, "But what if there's something nasty inside? What if it's bones, or a bloody knife, or somebeast's head .."

The thirteen season old had a good imagination. Xzanthia looked downcast. "Oh come on .. don't you want to know for sure?"

Bryony frowned. "Well .. yes. And no. I'm curious, but I don't want to see it if it's not nice."

Xzanthia was grumpy, but then her face lit up. "I know! We can take it back to Redwall, and some other beast can open it for you. That way you won't have to see, and they can just tell you what's inside."

Bryony gave the old box a look, before tucking it under her arm. "Alright. I suppose there's not much harm in that. And King Martin will want to know anyway."

><><

When the two got back to the abbey, breakfast was almost over, and Goody looked exasperated when they came in the kitchen. "Oh there you are, finally."

The hedgehog was about to launch into a scolding, but Bryony was quicker. "Goody .. we found this in the woods! Wouldn't King Martin want to see?"

Goody blinked at the proffered trunk, asking, "The woods? You were out in the woods before breakfast?"

Xzanthia ducked her head. "It was my fault marm .. I ain't used to order I guess. I'm sorry .. it wasn't Bryony's idea, though."

Goody's eyes softened. "Humph, well .. don't do it again. Playing in the woods is fine, but not before you eat .. and help me serve everybeast else."

She looked at the box, as if recalling Bryony's earlier question. "As long as it's not some shenanigan you young'uns is always playing, yes, go show him. I don't really need you anymore anyway."

Xzanthia skipped off, Bryony following. They made their way out of the kitchens and to Great Hall, the grandest room of Redwall.

"Where will we find the king?" Xzanthia asked.

Bryony shrugged. "Well at this hour, I'm not sure .."

A voice rang from behind them, making them both jump. "You wanted me?"

Martin himself had been walking down the stairs with Rose, Gingivere, Redfarl, and Arvid, the latter two visiting. Bryony nodded, holding up the box. "We found this playing in the woods .. it was in a tree trunk. And I thought you'd like to see it sir."

Martin took the battered object, smiling at her. "Hmm .. a tree trunk? It's odd something this old wouldn't have already been found. But you obviously found it."

The mouse set it down on an ornate table by the wall, fiddling with the latch. "It's locked .. but it's almost falling off."

He drew a dagger, prying the rusted latch from the box. The others had gathered around by this time, watching with interest as Martin lifted the lid.

Bryony had a worried look on, however it dissipated as she saw what the box contained. Under a layer of dust and splinters from the rotting trunk, was the flash of gold and silver!

Martin reached in, pulling one of the valuables out and holding it to the light. It was an eyepiece, tarnished as though it had sat untouched many a long season, sporting a crystal piece of cut glass and a chain and rim of etched gold.

The king of Mossflower frowned in confusion, swiping the detritus off the trunk's other occupants .. more of what he held, yet each decorated uniquely.

Rose scratched an ear. "What sort of beast would leave a trunk full of monocles in a tree near Redwall?"

Martin shook his head. "I'm not sure dear .."

He raised the object, looking through it across the hall. There was a pause, and Redfarl asked, "What is it?"

Martin slowly let the monocle drop, shaking his head. "I don't know .. I .. "

He raised it to his eye again, frown deepening. "This thing is very odd, I can say that."

Rose looked worried. "Whatever do you mean?"

Martin looked like he was searching for the right words. "It's .. hard to describe. Huh .. maybe I'm getting old .. my vision sort of swims when I look through it .. and things look a little different."

He smiled at Xzanthia and Bryony. "Would you mind if I kept this one? I rather like it, and perhaps it is time I had some sort of looking glass."

Xzanthia curtsied. "Of course sire! Everybeast can have one if they like .. can't they Bryony?"

The mouse nodded, thinking it was very nice of Xzanthia to give the treasure they'd found away. "Oh yes .. we want to share it .. what would we do with all of them?"

Arvid ruffled the mouse's headfur. "Not much little miss, thou art rather young for one .. as are Redfarl and I, eh dear?"

The squirrel queen nodded to her husband. "Oh yes, I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to wear glasses .. and I still don't. But I'm sure some of the older beasts would like them."

><><

Bryony may not have liked climbing trees, but she did enjoy gossip now and then. So it wasn't long before all of Redwall knew of the discovery.

Veil wasn't sure what to think of it, mostly because he didn't know what to think of Xzanthia. The wearet, as Veil had learned she was, made his skin crawl slightly whenever he was near her. He could understand that Bryony would be clueless to the feeling, she was not adept in wisdom.

Of course, she wasn't as old as he. And Veil had grown to realize over the seasons, that he wasn't quite like everyone else.

He could feel things he could not explain, he could hear voices he had not summoned, and he always knew when a beast he was close to was sad, happy, frightened, or thinking.

At first the ferret had assumed all beasts were this way, but as he grew, Groddil informed him it was not so. Not even his own adopted family were as sensitive as he.

All in all, while he couldn't say why or how, Veil somehow knew something about Xzanthia was wrong.

Now he was faced with her again .. and he couldn't help but feel a tiny bit cold. But Catkin, who was with him, was as cheery as ever. "I heard you two found a treasure! What is it? What do they do?"

Bryony answered. "They're monocles, I guess. You look through them! I see fine, or I'd use one."

Catkin picked one out of the box, exclaiming, "Why, it's so pretty!"

She had stopped eating her hotroot for a moment, and now she looked through the object at it. A frown spread across her face, something very odd for Catkin. "Oh! Oh whatever is wrong with my hotroot?!"

Veil gave her an odd look .. while he didn't particularly love hotroot, he didn't see anything wrong with Catkin's. But the otter maid was in earnest. "It looks strange .. oh .. this thing doesn't make me happy!"

Catkin dropped the offending item back in it's box, and Fripple, who had walked up, asked, "Catkin isn't happy??"

The otter looked a bit unwell, and Veil shook his head. "Wait .. let me look."

The ferret slowly picked up one of the monocles, freezing as he felt it tingle in his paws .. tingle like melting ice, without the wetness. Veil could feel his heart beating a little faster as he scanned the room for something to look upon .. something he knew was good.

His gaze fell upon a carving in the likeness of Ignasa's face, and the ferret lifted the monocle to his eye.

Veil felt himself freeze with terror as the hall grew darker .. and was it .. older? It was like a whole new Redwall .. and not one that felt right .. one that felt terrifyingly wrong. But as he turned his gaze to the carving of the Lord of Light, he felt the desire to gasp .. and maybe he did.

The carving was swimming before his astonished eyes, morphing into something dark ..

There was a clatter as the monocle slipped from Veil's six clawed paw, and he felt a wave of nauseous blackness crash over him .. one of pure darkness. The ferret felt himself fall against something rock, felt himself clutching his throat in an effort to breath properly and not wretch.

It only lasted a few seconds, as he could hear Fripple calling, "Veil, Veil! What's wrong .. what happened? Veil are you alive?"

The ferret choked in a proper breath as the world came back .. but he still felt sick to his stomach. "I .. I'm fine .. I think .. Ahhh!"

Veil felt a pang shoot through his skull, prohibiting him from recalling what had happened in detail. Fripple was worried. "Are you hurt?"

Veil kept a paw on his stomach, mumbling, "I'm fine .. Oh .. but I'm sick. It must have been something I ate .. Fripple .. tell Groddil I'm not feeling well .. I'm going to bed."

The ferret wasn't conscious of any feelings as he stumbled off, but Fripple stared after him, nervous. Catkin looked up from where she leaned against the wall, muttering, "He's right .. I'm not feeling happy .. I'm sick. I'm going to sleep."

Fripple was soon alone in the Great Hall with Xzanthia, Bryony, and the monocles. She cast one glance at the one Veil had dropped, as Xzanthia asked, "Will they be alright? That's very odd .."

Bryony nodded. "It couldn't have to do with the monocles .. Martin looked through one and nothing happened! A lot of others did too!"

Fripple took a step back, before heading for the door. "I .. I have training."

><><

A slow stream of Redwallers came throughout the next few hours, to see the odd new treasure. Some took a monocle .. most did not, deeming them rather frivolous.

Bryony left for a bit to help Goody, leaving Xzanthia alone. The wearet waved cheerily to the mouse as she vanished through the doorway, and, upon finding herself left to her own devises, slammed a paw against the wall in frustration.

Trust the son of that worm Sixclaw to be a psychic!

He was too sensitive! The monocle's power worked too quickly on him, allowing him to see through it's charms!

Xzanthia cursed mentally .. that threw a twist in her plan .. she would have loved to turn the ferret into a mindless puppet, have him do her evil and blame him. But without the power of the monocle, she could not bewitch him .. at least not yet.

As soon as he recovered from his taste of Malimore's power, he'd spread the word! She had to get rid of him .. and fast! But how? If she murdered him, she could cast light upon her scheme .. not enough beasts had succumbed to the powers of darkness.

Wait. Murder?

Xzanthia scratched an ear. Murder .. there was something she was missing ...

The wearat sat against the wall, plotting. If she could blame Veil for something bad enough .. like murder ... Yes!

Xzanthia smiled wickedly, outlining and polishing her plan. She could murder somebeast important .. with poison, poison made it hard to discover who had done the deed .. and frame that psycho Sixclaw spawn .. oh, it was perfect!

But who to kill .. who to kill .. royalty was always a good target. What about the king? No .. he'd be the one to make the judgment, so she needed him alive.

His queen. It was so obvious! That would infuriate the king, his wrath would be against Veil, of course .. and then .. Xzanthia rubbed her paws together.

Her plan could continue without that interfering psychic.

The echo of paws disrupted Xzanthia's evil enjoyment of the wicked she was planning, and the wearet scrambled to her paws. A haughty voice informed her she'd been caught. "And what are you doing? Going to steal something, vermin?"

Xzanthia turned to face a slim otter maid of about fifteen, who was giving her a look of scorn. It was the one named Mayberry, Xzanthia knew from her quiet and quick observations. The one who always seemed to sit alone .. head high and never happy, like her brain-dead, bubbly twin.

Mayberry was not used to being ignored. "I asked, what are you doing?"

Xzanthia smiled disarmingly. "Nothing, Mayberry .. what are you doing?"

The older creature paused, asking with suspicion, "How do you know my name? I never told you."

Xzanthia sighed. "I know a lot of things .. and I know from watching, that you don't have many friends .. even though you always try to follow the rules. You're very, very good, I think .. how is it they don't understand you?"

Mayberry gave her a glare. "I don't know, and I don't care. Rules are here for our safety, and Lord Ignasa is pleased when we follow them."

Xzanthia smiled. "Well then he must be very pleased with you .. don't you think?"

The otter nodded. "Of course! I try to never be bad, or trust anything bad .. like vermin." She added quickly.

Her wearet companion smiled. "I know what you mean .. did you see that ferret .. Veil? He seems very quiet .. he could be plotting anything!"

As soon as she said it, Xzanthia could tell Veil was a touchy subject for Mayberry, by the thoughts that swam loose in her mind. The otter spoke like she had a bad taste in her mouth. "Yes, well, he thinks he's so special .. just cause he can feel the 'spirit world' better than others. He's a vermin! He shouldn't even be here .."

Xzanthia was smiling a little more .. this find would make her stronger than ever! Mayberry was jealous of her fellow beasts .. or more rightly from her thoughts, jealous of their happiness. Because obviously, she didn't have much.

The wearet looked sad. "They just don't see what we see .. do they? The poor blind beasts .. wouldn't it be wonderful if they thought just like us?"

Mayberry paused, before nodding. "Yes, it would be nicer if they followed rules better .. they don't even bother to be perfect, and are so sickeningly happy .. huh. It's disgusting."

Xzanthia knew how to play a game. "Isn't it friend .. isn't it?"

Chapter 3 The Red Mark of Poison
Fripple was finding dinner boring without Catkin to stick hotroot under somebeast's nose, and disturbing without Veil's quiet presence. All in all, she wasn't eating that much.

The golden mouse maid fiddled with the food on her plate, nibbling a little here, sipping a little there, but not finding much comfort in any of it.

It was about this time she realized she had not told Veil her dream, but it didn't seem important anymore, not after this afternoon's events. Why had Veil become so sick .. and Catkin too!

It was those monocles .. it had to be. What else would have caused it? Fripple poked at her food one more time, before slipping off her seat and stating, "Ivan, Esther .. I'm not hungry. I'll be back, though."

Without another word the mouse slipped from the dining hall, out toward where she had last seen those monocles.

There was something wrong with them!

Even as a little girl, Fripple had never liked the dark. She always had the odd phobia something would jump out and get her.

The echoing, empty hall sent shivers up her spine, and she felt like she was being watched by wicked eyes.

''Fripple, really? The dark? You're sixteen .. pull it together.''

Despite what she told herself, the nearer she got to the place she knew those things sat, the more shivers crawled up her spine. She blinked in the gloom, swallowing as she made her way to the table, fingers dancing over the hilt of her sabre.

Fripple paused, staring into the box, unsure of what to do. The ideal thing would be to look through one of the monocles to see what Veil saw .. but did she really want to?

The mouse was stretching out a paw to try, when a dreadful commotion rang out from behind her!

Fripple pulled her paw away, wheeling around and running back across Great Hall, boots echoing hollowly. The mouse was mystified as to what the disturbance was about .. had somebeast stuck their paw in boiling water? That was about the only thing that had ever happened at dinner, that and Esther or Gonff jr. stealing something ..

She came through the door in time the run into Sandingomm, who wasn't dreadfully affected .. but Fripple fell backwards. The cat was surprised, but pulled Fripple effortlessly onto her feet as the mouse asked, "What's happening?"

Sandingomm was worried. "Where were you? Your aunt is sick .. it looks like poisoning to me."

Fripple's eyes widened .. "Rose, poisoned? What? What happened?"

The gray cat shook her head. "She was fine until Ben brought out some of his strawberry fizz .. and there must have been something in it .. Rose practically fell over! Columbine took her to the infirmary .. I hope .."

Fripple swallowed, asking in disbelief, "Somebeast put poison in the drinks?"

Sandingomm shook her head, "I donno dearie, but I was a vermin seer .. and I've seen poison in action before. This was all too familiar."

Esther looked shaken as she stared at her beaker. "I'm glad I didn't drink any .. will Rose be alright?"

Sandingomm got an odd look on her face, before snatching Esther's drink and sniffing it. To Fripple's horror, the cat tasted a drop .. and Esther stared at her like she expected her to keel over instantly. However Sandingomm did not, and she frowned. "Wait a minute ..."

The gray cat bolted to where Rose had been sitting, picking up the fallen chalice and staring inside, before stating darkly, "Aha .. just as I thought! The diabolical creature put it in the glass itself .. look!"

Fripple blinked, seeing the red stain that clung to the cup's sides. Sandingomm's voice was certain. "It's Wolfbane .. that's the only poison I know of that stains red."

Ivan, who'd been standing nearby silently, asked, "Mother .. who would do this?"

Sandingomm shook her head. "I don't know ... I'm honestly clueless as to that. But I will say they may not be hard to find."

Esther looked at her oddly. "Why?"

Sandingomm crossed her arms. "Because Wolfbane stains everything red. If mixed with water it will dye fur, and it irritates the skin .. our poisoner won't escape, whoever it is."

><><

The poisoner herself was always one to defy what should be, evidenced by the fact she stood in Redwall's flower garden, calmly burying a pair of reddish stained gloves. She kept an eye out for anybeast who might chance to see her, however she doubted she would be caught .. everyone was too worried about the queen, and the chance of more poison showing up elsewhere.

Xzanthia smiled to herself .. that was a trick she had learned in her travels .. to poison the cup, not the wine.

It fooled the intended victim every time .. it was too bad the queen had only sipped it. But then, whether Rose died or lived was really meaningless to Xzanthia .. either way, her plan had succeeded.

Of course .. she had to put the next part into action .. and this might be the trickiest piece of all.

The wearet rubbed the dirt from her paws as she scattered some stray pebbles over the patch of turned earth. Now she simply needed to slip into Veil's room .. and put a sprinkle of Wolfbane into the ferret's wash basin.

When he washed his paws in the morning .. he'd have the reddest paws anybeast had ever seen.

However, Xzanthia knew good and well, it is dreadfully hard to convince anybeast there is nothing wrong when one is found trying to climb through a second story window in the middle of the night .. it just wouldn't do.

It was far more prudent to go about her goal from the inside. If Veil happened to lock his door for some reason .. well, there was such a thing as picking locks.

Xzanthia wasn't in the least bit worried Veil would awake .. he was probably totally exhausted from his encounter with the monocle. It was everybeast else.

Hopefully they'd still be sufficiently distracted.

><><

In truth, they seemed to be, as Xzanthia moved through the halls without hindrance, toward where she had learned .. from probing Bryony .. Veil slept.

The wearet reached the door she was looking for, and cast a glance about the shadow filled hallway she now stood in .. to satisfy herself she was unwatched.

Xzanthia smiled in satisfaction, slipping her paw onto the doorknob, and turning it silently. The room wasn't locked, evidenced as the door swung silently inward, surprising the intruder. She winced as it thumped against the stone wall, and Veil murmured, shifting in his sleep.

However he did no more, breathing even and eyes closed. Xzanthia allowed herself to watch the beast for a few minutes, evaluating him.

He was tall and sinewy like his father, his fur was only a shade brighter than his father's .. he looked amazingly like Swartt. And yet he had his puny mother's eyes .. and was a little sparer than Swartt, the son of Sixclaw. Still, if the mere resemblance were not enough, the six clawed paw confirmed any doubt.

This was the one .. the one she'd heard had been killed by woodlanders after being abandoned at Salamandastron. But obviously he hadn't .. they had raised him instead.

Xzanthia's face contorted with hatred.

Oh, if only Swartt knew!

Ahh .. but there was so much Swartt did not know .. and would never know. He would never get this son of his back .. that thought was soothing to Xzanthia. This son that he bitterly cursed leaving .. the son that he wanted back .. would die.

And die by the very paws he had grown to love.

How fitting .. how perfectly satisfying. The torment Xzanthia knew she would inflict was almost more satisfying than if she had gotten to kill the son of Swartt herself.

And it was long overdue. Xzanthia swept over to the simple washbasin, and sprinkled Wolfbane in the water filled pitcher, smiling as she edged out the door .. giving the sleeping Veil a last look, and whispering, "Oh Swartt .. you fool. I'm doing this to you. Someday .. you'll know. Someday when you die beneath my claws."

><><

Columbine was tired and frazzled .. after all, the infirmary keeper hadn't exactly planned on trying to save somebeast's life that night. Martin was pale .. frozen almost .. and looked sick as Columbine went about her work with determination.

The king of Mossflower sat waiting, totally helpless against this sort of enemy. However Columbine knew what antidote to use, and administered it quickly.

Tense moments passed, silent and clouded with unspoken fears. Yet Rose still breathed, and though pale, wasn't as ghastly looking as before.

At length, Columbine sat down, sighing, "I've done all I can .. pray it works."

Martin fiddled with the monocle he now carried, asking, "Columbine .. will she live?"

Columbine shrugged. "I think so .. she won't feel well for a while .. Wolfbane is very strong. Thank Lord Ignasa she only got a sip of it. Even then .. she nearly died. She may suffer some memory loss and be weak for a few days .. but it should all be temporary."

Martin looked relieved, before he asked, "How did this happen .. who would have tried to poison Rose?"

Columbine looked weary, as Sandingomm, being a good friend of Rose, spoke out. "I don't know Martin .. but one thing's for sure. This was intentional, and Rose was a specific target .. the poisoner coated the rim of her chalice in Wolfbane. This was no accident."

Martin's brown eyes darkened. "Whoever has done this will die, according to the laws of Mossflower .. a life for a life."

The king fingered the hilt of his sword, growling, "And we will bring them to justice."

><><

The night passed uneventfully, though all beasts were on alert and worried .. keeping wary eyes out for anybeast with red paws.

All except one, that is.

Veil lay fast asleep, recovering from the monocle's crippling power. However, as the morning began to turn light gray, he began to awake.

The ferret stretched, blinking his eyes open .. what an odd dream he'd had!

It was so faint .. but of a beast that called out to farthest recesses of blurry memories .. a stately blue-gray creature with long, dark hair. Sandingomm? No, this beast was smaller, with smaller ears and a black mask .. a ferret.

Veil blinked a little, sitting up. He'd dreamed of the ferret before, many a time. Something about her made him want to run to her .. see her clearly .. but she was always far from him. Still, she was familiar .. perhaps she was his real mother.

The ferret knew good and well he had not been born to Gingivere and Sandingomm; they were cats, and he was not. But as for his real parents .. it was so long ago! His mother was blue gray .. he had thought .. and he could remember fearing his father .. but not seeing him much and therefore not remembering the faintest thing about his looks.

Something in his heart made him want to see his mother again .. he had loved her dearly, he could recall that much. But he was pretty sure that his parents were likely dead, killed in the battle of Salamandastron.

Veil sighed, slipping off his bed and over to the window, and his wash basin. The light was dim and the ferret was more concerned with the world outside his window than the water he poured in the bowl. Veil was scrubbing his paws in it, not really looking, when there was a knock on his door. "Veil, Veil! Are you awake?"

That was Ivan, and Veil opened his mouth to answer as his brother called, "Somebeast tried to poison queen Rose at dinner last night!"

The ferret wheeled about, jumping as this abrupt movement caused both bowl and pitcher to smash to the floor. "What?"

Ivan opened the door, no more than a silhouette in the dim light. "Rose almost died last night .. from Wolfbane! Somebeast put it in her glass."

Veil gathered up the broken pieces of porcelain, setting them on the table to be disposed of later. "Who did it?"

Ivan shook his head. "That's what we're trying to figure out .. where were you last night?"

Veil buckled on his belt, stating, "I was sick .. because .. wait .. it was those monocles! Ivan, those things are evil .. just plain evil! I looked at a carving of Ignasa with one .. and I swear it started to turn into .. Malimore!"

Ivan raised an eyebrow. "Through the monocle. But when you looked again without it, nothing was wrong?"

Veil shook his head. "Oh .. I don't know .. I didn't look again. I was about to vomit Ivan, I swear .. something dark was choking me."

Ivan blinked. "We better tell King Martin .. and quickly. If those things really are that bad, we have to get rid of them!"

His ferret brother pulled the door shut, walking out into the darkened hallway with him. The two hurried along without a word, and about three minutes passed before Veil noticed his paws were itching.

The ferret tried to ignore it, but then they began to sting and throb. He cast a glance at his brother, a beast he knew loved to play dry humored pranks .. all too well. "Ivan, you didn't put Poison Ivy in my water basin, did you?"

The cat gave him a surprised look. "No, not this time anyway. Why do you ask?"

Veil winced. "My paws itch! And sting now .."

They were in the Great Hall by this time, and Ivan frowned ever so slightly. "Let me look ..."

The cat didn't get a chance to, as Martin entered through the main doors, pausing at the sight of the two. "Neither of you have seen our poisoner, I assume?"

Ivan shook his head, "No, but we'll keep an eye out .."

Veil interrupted, "Sir, not to interrupt, but I need to tell you something ..."

Martin froze suddenly, frame rigid as he stared at the ferret's paws. Veil soon did so himself, and gasped. They weren't black .. they were red .. as red as fresh blood!

Veil frowned, unaware of the position he was now in. "My paws are red? Is that why they hurt? Ivan what did I touch .. do you remember?"

Martin's teeth were clenched as he growled, "Of course he doesn't remember .. don't try and play stupid. Why did you .. of all beasts .. poison Rose?"

Veil blinked in shock. "Me? But I didn't .."

Martin was furious. "Oh really? Then why do even your paws testify against you? And where were you last night?"

The ferret shook his head. "Look, I don't know why my paws are red .. but I was sick last night. Because of those things .. they're dangerous!"

He pointed to the monocle stuck in Martin's belt, and the mouse king glared back. "It seems to me that you are the one who is dangerous .. take off your sword."

Ivan stepped forward. "Martin, sire .. this isn't right! Veil didn't do it .. I know he wouldn't!"

Martin glared at the cat. "He will have a trial .. it's more than he deserves. But he will remain a prisoner until then. Is this clear? I will hear no arguments."

><><

An organized Mossflowerian trail is diplomatic and complicated .. but this one was thrown together speedily. Martin, Redfarl, Bella, and Keylar were at the head of the whole affair, with Rose still unconscious and Sayna and Timbal missing.

The news spread like wildfire .. Veil was the poisoner!

Rumors went around that he was planning a takeover .. or more poisoning .. after all, he was rather quiet and not a lot of beasts knew him well.

But the few that did, were horrified.

Esther was in hysterics. "They can't do this!!"

Fripple was, as usual .. not optimistic. "They have. Crying won't change anything."

Esther sniffled, shaking Fripple. "But they'll kill him for murder .. they'll kill him! You of all beasts, know the law ... you're the princess! Fripple, do something!"

Aubretia was taking notes. "According to my calculations, she can't do all that much. Martin will see her as biased, and she has no real evidence."

Catkin was eating hotroot to calm herself. "I don't understand .. how can this make anybeast happy?"

Fripple stomped a boot. "It doesn't make them happy! Do you think it makes me happy that they'll behead my best friend?"

Esther thought about this a minute, then wailed. "We have to do something ... quick! What would Veil do?"

Fripple sighed. "He's the one imprisoned, genius."

Mystiquestar, the horse, looked up from the grass she was cropping furiously as a form of stress relief. "He'd help him escape .. well .. if it wasn't him."

Esther suddenly looked up. "I know! We could steal him!"

Ivan, standing nearby, was droll .. and yet serious. "Steal the keys first."

Esther turned around. "What ... ohh ... wait. The keys? Well of course I can steal the keys."

Fripple crossed her arms. "In this case Esther .. I agree with you. We have to do something radical .. and fast!"

Ivan's voice never changed. "How fast, exactly? Today, or tomorrow?"

Fripple glared at the cat. "How can you joke about your brother's execution?"

Catkin had the answer. "Because we won't let it happen .. will we?"

Fripple crossed her arms. "No we won't .. I can't stand by and watch that .. Veil is my friend .. Veil is our friend. He's bailed us out of trouble more than once, and we are going to do the same for him .. we wouldn't be true friends if we didn't!"

><><

Veil felt truly numb .. this was crazy. What had he done .. how had he succeeded in getting into Wolfbane?

The ferret knew good and well what charges he was facing .. if he wasn't proven innocent, he'd be executed for treason and attempted murder. Worse yet, murder of royalty.

Part of him was in truth, furious. He had done nothing! He knew he'd done nothing! But he couldn't prove it! Still .. had he ever done anything terribly wrong before? Had he not kept in good standing with the ones who had raised him? What right had they, to imprison and accuse him?

A bitter tear trickled down Veil's cheek as another emotion came to him. What did his parents think? Were they disappointed .. did they hate him now? What about his friends? Did they all believe he was the poisoner?

The ferret sighed .. he couldn't expect them to not. It looked terribly like he had indeed poisoned queen Rose.

Fearful doubts and suspicions began to settle in his mind .. had he unknowingly done this? But how? Had somebeast framed him? Who hated him enough to do that?

Veil tried to chase away the terrible thoughts he was thinking of his fellow beasts, but they wouldn't go .. they plagued him.

After all, the mind is a fascinating, horrible thing ... one that tasks itself in explaining the unexplainable .. and almost always does it wrong.

Veil closed his eyes, trying to block out the dreadful throbbing in his paws as he turned to higher power. "Lord Ignasa .. what are you doing?"

The cellar door clanked open, and Whegg stepped in, stating almost reluctantly. "You'll have ta come with me."

Veil stood slowly, asking bitterly, "You hate me too?"

Whegg looked down. "I .. this is a bad business, all of it. I donno what to believe, Veil. I don't like to think this of you. Do ya hate me?"

The ferret felt his anger slowly melt somewhat. The rat was nearly his uncle, as he was to every young beast at the abbey .. besides, he was only following orders. "No Whegg .. I know this is above your command. I don't hold it against you .. and I promise I did nothing .. is Rose alright?"

Whegg nodded. "She is recovering .. and I'm inclined to believe you. But all I can do is say a word on your behalf."

The rat motioned out the door, and Veil followed, sighing, "Thanks Whegg."

Whegg laid a paw on his shoulder. "Be strong."

><><

Fripple, Ivan, and Esther watched Whegg lead Veil out to where Martin sat .. along with Redfarl, Arvid, Keylar, and Bella.

Fripple bit her lip .. her friend looked utterly despondent. She heard Martin talking now, and in a tight voice. "Veil, I am, admittedly, disappointed. Perhaps I should have seen this coming, but I liked to think better of you. Why would you dare to try and kill my wife?"

Fripple clenched her paws .. her uncle sounded so judgmental .. like he was absolutely certain Veil was the poisoner. Redfarl's voice rang out. "With all respect Milord, are we sure Veil did this?"

Martin looked angry. "Are his paws not enough?"

Arvid sighed. "The evidence lies hard against him."

Bella may have been ancient, but she was highly respected. "Warrior, I do not feel Veil did this."

That was directed to Martin, who glared at the badger despite himself. "Who else would have done this? He stands before us with red paws, and yet you doubt his guilt?"

Bella frowned. "What does Veil say?"

The ferret shook his head. "Milady .. I would not do this! I was as horrified as you when I heard what happened .. and I don't know why my paws are red!"

Arvid raised and eyebrow, and even Redfarl looked skeptical. "How is that possible?"

Veil appealed to the squirrel queen. "Milady I swear I don't know! I did not touch Wolfbane .. I promise!"

Martin stood, wrathful. "You are a liar of the worst kind .. vermin!"

Fripple felt something boil in her heart, and she ran from her hiding place, bolting between her uncle and her best friend. "Veil is not a vermin, and he did nothing!! How can you accuse him of this??"

Her voice shattered the oppressiveness .. and had a way of making it even more oppressive. Martin glared at her as though seeing something he had seen before .. something he did not like. "Fripple, stay out of this."

Fripple flinched at how cold her uncle's voice was, for normally, they got on fairly well. But she didn't back down. "I will not! Veil is not a murderer!"

"Fripple is right sire." Ivan had joined her unbeknownst, and his steady brown gaze defied the high king.

His next, and steady statement surprised even Fripple. "You are wrong, Milord."

If somebeast had happened to drop a pin, it would have sounded like splintering glass. Veil was blinking in astonishment at this sudden turn, and Martin's brown eyes looked like thunderclouds. Bella broke the silence. "I understand your concern for your friend, but this is not your place. Kindly stand down."

Fripple glared at the badger. "This isn't right, and you know it! I won't .."

Ivan laid a paw on the mouse's shoulder, stating, "Do as she says."

Fripple wasn't terribly used to listening to orders. "But how can you .."

Ivan picked her up without the slightest show of effort, setting her down further from her uncle and Bella. "Do as she says."

Bella nodded to the cat. "Thank you Ivan, but you are both out of line, I am sorry to say. I realize Veil is your friend, but we must get to the bottom of this, and you are only making it worse."

The badger cast a meaningful glance at Martin, who looked utterly furious. The high king's voice was a grating sound. "Leave us, now."

Fripple opened her mouth to argue, but Ivan grabbed her paw, complying and taking his argumentative friend with him. When they reached the outer pillars of Redwall and the voices behind them commenced, Fripple yanked her paw away. "What are you doing? Why wouldn't you let me stop them?"

Aubretia was standing with Esther, Star, and Catkin, and she spoke. "According to my calculations ..."

Fripple wasn't in a good mood already. "Will you shut up! I don't care about your calculations, that is my friend they have, and they will kill him if we don't do something!"

Esther looked like she was about to cry, and Catkin hugged the ermine. "Fripple, you are not making Esther happy!"

Fripple glared at the otter. "I am telling the truth, and I will not stand for this nonsense! If my parents were here they'd stop this stupidity! We're getting out tonight, and we're taking Veil! We'll take him to Timbal and Sayna at Salamandastron, and they'll fix this whole mess!"

Esther rubbed her eyes. "Will they?"

Fripple stamped a footpaw. "Yes! They won't stand for this and they won't believe this lie! If they were here, Veil wouldn't be in this mess .. so we'll go to them!"

Chapter 4 Escapes and Escapades
The soft echo of sandals on marble was the only sound to be heard in the regal yet dimly lit hallway of a palace, one beautiful and elegant beyond many. The creature that occupied this place was just as lovely and stunning as it, clad in pure white, gold, and exotic jewels and furs.

She stopped on a high balcony that overlooked a vast city of beauty, one whose many lights glowed in the night like a thousand stars. Rich, curling brown hair spilled over the balcony as a soft voice echoed in the stillness. "Oh my city, my city I loved so. If father still lived I would not have lost you."

The rabbit that stood at the lofty rail did not seem imposing or terribly dignified, more like a lost and frightened child. "My city of a thousand lights .. have I lost you forever? Do you blame me for the evil that I cannot stop, yet never invited? I wish I could wander your streets and help your poor and sick again .. I hope they have not forgotten me."

"They would not forget a beast as noble as you, Milady."

The voice came from behind the rabbit, who didn't turn to answer. "They might, Zarya. You never know, what with the lies that run rampant now. From all that Kensly tells me .."

Zarya, a badger with oddly cut, layered black and white headfur, sighed. "Kensly does his best Lilly, but sometimes I think he makes things seem a little worse than they truly are."

Lilly shook her head. "Zarya, I know you try to keep positive about this. But the city is tearing itself apart out from under me, and I cannot stop it; I .. or should I say .. we are as good as prisoners."

Zarya suddenly scowled. "Oh yes. That Shroud Bloodpaws. Well I'd like to pound that one into the dust, let me tell you .. one of these days .."

Lilly held up her paws. "It's no use Zarya, Shroud rules this city now. Face it, the slave trade is all Southsward stands for anymore."

Zarya growled. "It shouldn't! When your father was alive .."

Lilly slumped across the rail, muttering, "But he's not. He's gone. And I can't rule in his place .. I've failed him."

The badger suddenly looked like she felt bad. "Lilly, it's going to be alright .."

The rabbit shook her head, whispering, "No. No Zarya .. this time it's not getting better."

><><

Night had fallen over Redwall, and Veil's case was still not settled. The ferret was locked in the cellar until morning, but his friends, though having cast suspicion upon themselves, were not under lock and key yet.

If anybeast had known of their plans, they might have been. But only they knew.

Ivan, Fripple, Catkin, Aubretia, and Star had gathered near the pond in the shadow of the wall, and Esther was presiding .. having created the greatest part of the plan. She was very determined .. but also stressed. "Ok, so .. I'm a little nervous about this one .. you know if one thing goes wrong we're finished. And of course Veil is .. so yea. Pay attention."

Ivan's voice was flat. "We are."

Esther nodded. "Umm .. ok! So, first off .. I'm going to steal the cellar keys."

Aubretia instantly began writing something down like her life depended on it. Esther indicated her bow and arrows, thin dagger and satchel of burglary tools. "So .. I'm ready, but you guys have got to get your stuff together, alright? While you do that I'll steal Veil his rapier, and meet you back here. Then I'll steal Veil! Does that sound good .. maybe?"

Ivan didn't seem so sure. "You'll 'steal' Veil by yourself?"

Catkin broke in. "Of course Ivan! Esther wants to do that cause she likes Veil very much, right Esther?"

The ermine nodded, before the reality of what Catkin was saying sank in properly, and she flushed a little pink. "No! I mean .. uh .. not like that and all .. and .. and .. let's just do this. I'm getting the keys .. you get everything else. And supplies! It'll be a while before we get to Salamandastron so .. yea. I'm going to get started."

She walked off quickly and a little stiffly, and Fripple rolled her eyes. "Well, let's get started too."

><><

Veil lay in one corner of the dark storage room he was confined in, trying to sleep. There were some blankets down here, but he couldn't get comfortable.

The ferret wondered what time of day it was .. for it seemed hours since he'd been locked down here. Perhaps they had decided his fate and someone would come to execute him shortly ...

The lock clicked softly, and Veil assumed his thoughts had come true. Did dying hurt terribly much?

However the voice that hailed him from the cellar's darkness was not that of an executioner. In fact it was laden with worry. "Veil? They didn't hurt you .. they didn't kill you yet .. did they?"

Veil's ears perked up. That was Esther! The ferret whispered back. "No, I'm alright so far. Why are you here though?"

Esther bumped into him as she stated simply, as if this was the most natural thing in the world, "I'm stealing you, of course. So .. let's go. Ben's asleep and if we're quiet he won't hear us. Oh yea .. and I stole your rapier for you."

Veil was a little dumbfounded as the cold and familiar steel of his beloved weapon was thrust into his paws, sheath, belt, and all. He followed Esther out, asking, "But I don't understand .. where are we going?"

Esther was holding tightly onto his paw as she nearly pulled him out, explaining quietly. "Oh, we're going to run away, and we're taking you with us .. I mean .. what else could we do? Don't worry, Aubretia calculated the whole thing!"

Veil stopped dead. "King Martin's daughter is helping you .. me .. us?"

They stood in the kitchen now, and Veil could see Esther's surprised look in the dim light from the ovens. "Um .. yes. Why wouldn't she be? You don't judge her for her .. uh .. crazy calculations and stuff, so I guess she wants to help you. Isn't that natural?"

Veil allowed Esther to pull him along again, but asked, "Who else is coming, then?"

Esther listed off the names without breaking pace as she made her way across the Great Hall. "Well .. there's me, and you, Aubretia, Fripple, Catkin, Star, and Ivan. They're getting supplies and all and they'll meet us by the pond .. so we need to hurry ok?"

Veil heightened his pace as they made their way out the main doors and onto the lawns. "And .. how are we getting out?"

Esther didn't pause. "East wall gate .. I mean .. that's the simplest."

Veil nodded, but he had another question. "And .. where are we going?"

Esther pulled him into the shadow of the wall, stating, "Well .. we thought Salamandastron, but I'm open to ideas, you know. Where are they anyway?"

Fripple walked up, all her many weapons present, as well as a gunnysack. "Here. I brought some food and blankets."

Veil buckled on his rapier as Aubretia staggered up, satchel full of quill pens and inkwells, accompanied by a bag of formidable volumes. Two throwing knives were stuck in the mouse maid's belt as an afterthought. Fripple rolled her eyes.

Ivan was next, with his mace, ball and chain, hat, boots, satchel, and a sack of supplies. Catkin came running up after him, with an exceedingly lumpy and large bag slung over one shoulder. She had a pillow under one arm, and a blanket. Upon seeing Fripple's look, she defended herself. "A good nights sleep makes me happy."

Fripple was about to roll her eyes again, when Mystiquestar hurried up, a pair of carrot-filled saddle bags slung over her back. She stretched her neck out, neatly snagging a carrot with her teeth and crunching it. "I'm ready! I hope there will be good things to eat at Salamandastron!"

Veil was nervous about congregating in the abbey grounds .. for he felt they would surely be caught. "Let's find out, shall we? I don't like staying here so long."

Fripple nodded. "Come on .. let's get out."

She made off for the gate and Veil followed her, the others in suit. Fripple opened the gate, but she, Veil, and Ivan were the last ones out. As Veil pulled the gate shut behind them, the three exchanged glances.

That one, echoing click seemed to end their happy childhood forever.

><><

The western flatlands were larger than Fripple had imagined, and her paws were dragging .. they had to have been about this whole adventure at least a few hours. Ivan had ended up putting Aubretia on Star's back, as the young mouse was lagging the worst, due to her books. She was making calculations now. "According to my calculations, as soon as we reach the woods, we can stop for the rest of the morning, until sunrise."

Veil sighed, a bag of provisions over one shoulder. "That'll be another thirty minutes."

Fripple groaned. "That's wonderful."

Star's head was down, and she was panting like she'd run a race. "Ohhh I need .. food .. more food .. I'm .. going to .. drop .. pretty soon here .. "

Each pause consisted of the horse tearing up a mouthful of the long prairie grass. Ivan was droll, as always. "If we let her go first, think she'll carve a path for us?"

Veil realized something. "Oh no .. that's not funny! Star, stop that please .. you'll leave a trail!"

The horse looked crestfallen. "But how will I survive?! I'm going to dry up and blow away, I just know it!"

Fripple coughed, finding it impossible to imagine something as plump as Star blowing anywhere. Esther broke in. "No, you're not, ok? You'll be fine .. just try it for a while?"

Star sighed, seeing the looks her friends were giving her. "Oh .. alright. But if I drop dead of starvation, it'll be your fault!"

Ivan walked past. "I'll take the risk."

Fripple rolled her eyes. "Let's concentrate on getting there."

Esther paused, looking back. "I .. sure hope this works. What if they never take us back? What if .. even our parents .. hate us now?"

Veil slowly shook his head. "I don't .. know. You .. you can all go back now, if you want. You don't have to do this for me .. I'm not worth it."

Catkin stared at him a moment, before hugging him tightly. "Oh no! That wouldn't make you happy! And you can't say you're not worth it, cause we know you are .. right everyone?"

Esther nodded, "Well of course!"

Fripple crossed her arms. "You're my friend Veil, you're worth it."

Ivan gave Catkin a look. "My brother will always be worth it .. and you might want to let go of him now. I think he's uncomfortable with that."

The otter released her hug, and Veil looked slightly less stiff. "Thanks .. all of you."

Star trotted past, Aubretia holding on for dear life. The horse neighed back to them, "Hurry .. up you guys .. we're almost to the woods. And food!"

Veil sighed. "I hope we make it through this in one piece .. I really do."

><><

Despite protests, Veil insisted they go into the woods a ways before making camp. When he was satisfied, camp was blankets on the ground in a clearing. Star fell asleep straight away.

Veil lay on his blanket as Ivan gave him a look, one that made it clear the ferret should sleep at least awhile. Veil might have argued, but the stress he'd been through was tiring .. and he thought he would at least close his eyes for a bit.

Sleep was calling, but Veil promised himself he wouldn't. He'd open his eyes presently .. just a few minutes .. just a few ..

The ferret lost that thought in the darkness of rest for a few moments, and he knew nothing.

Until he heard the voice.

"Veil .."

The ferret stirred, mumbling, "Shall I guard for a while Ivan ..?"

The voice was not akin to Ivan's though, and Veil realized this as it spoke again. "Veil. Open your eyes, son."

Veil slowly did so, to realize it was not dark, but light. And a wonderful, surreal light at that. For Ignasa stood before the ferret, blue eyes smiling. "Are you awake now?"

Veil trembled, falling back to the ground. "Milord .. I think I am .."

Lord Ignasa laid his muzzle on the ferret's shoulder, voice gentle. "In my land, you are."

Veil looked up, confused. "Am I .. dead?"

Ignasa shook his head. "My son, you are dreaming. And I called you here for a few reasons. One is that you needed to see me .. you needed to know I care, and that I am with you."

The ferret dropped his gaze, voice sorrowful. "Why .. what did I do to deserve this, Milord?"

The Lord of Light sighed. "You did nothing to deserve the charges against you, I promise this, my son."

Ignasa looked sad, and sympathetic. "But you are needed Veil, you hold a secret. Every veil holds a secret. I allowed this to happen, because I need you to listen to me .. you are called. Will you accept the task I have for you?"

Veil was surprised. This was not what he had been expecting, not at all. And yet as he met Ignasa's steady gaze he knew his answer. "Lord Ignasa .. I will try. I am not a hero .. but I will try."

Ignasa smiled. "That is all I ask of you, is that you try. I can make anybeast a hero. Now listen to me, and heed my words .. your destiny lies not at the great mountain of the west."

The puma blinked, whispering, "The city of a thousand lights holds your future .. a city of the sea, sand, and the greatest of rivers. You will find trials, you will find joy .. and you will find many secrets .. so many secrets the world forgot."

Ignasa touched Veil's forehead with his nose, stating, "Some secrets should never be forgotten. Find your past and in it your future, Veil ... and remember. Every veil holds a secret all their own."

Veil blinked, closing his eyes as there was a flash of white light, and then darkness.

But not for long.

The ferret sat bolt upright, clapping a paw to his head as the land of the living slowly returned to him .. or perhaps he returned to it. He heard himself groan, mumbling, "The city of a thousand lights .. the city of a thousand lights .."

Ivan's voice broke in. "What?"

Veil stared dumbly at his brother for a moment, before whispering, "Ignasa .. I saw Lord Ignasa. He said I hold a secret .. and that I must not go to the mountain, but the city of a thousand lights."

"And he said I was called .. to be a hero." The ferret added, mouth a little dry.

The morning was just dawning, and a low mist lay over the chilly woodlands. Fripple was rubbing her eyes. "Lord Ignasa .. where?"

Veil stared at her. "I saw him in my dream .. Fripple .. where is the city of a thousand lights? Do you know?"

Aubretia was onto the question in a heartbeat. "The city of a thousand lights?"

She yawned, shoving her paws into her bag, rummaging around, and finally pulling out a thick, silver bound volume. "I was reading this last, and I do recall something speaking of the city of a thousand lights."

Veil gave the item a look, able to read the title ... Cities of Trade. The ferret wasn't greatly surprised .. Aubretia mowed through books that would bore the greatest scholar. She was speaking now, triumphant. "Aha! Here we are! It says here; Southsward, a great city of the far south. It is known for its vastness and wealth, its caravans, and its seaports. Jerbilrats are its founders, and make up at least a fourth of the population, though both woodlanders and vermin are prevalent as well. At night the city is never dark, because of the lanterns that decorate every street of precedence .. this beautiful phenomenon lends the glorious city its second name; The city of a thousand lights."

Veil didn't summon his next statement as such, it just came out. "That's where we have to go. Southsward."

He thought about this a moment, before adding, "It's where I have to go, that is."

Fripple stood. "Oh, I'm coming with you, and you can't stop me. But do we know how to get there?"

She gave Aubretia a pointed look, and her cousin cleared her throat. "Well .. according to my previous research, it's to the south .. and across the great desert. Of course .. it would have been advantageous if I had brought my book of maps ..."

Fripple groaned. "We were going on a journey, library. Couldn't you think to bring maps??"

Aubretia looked slightly offended. "I wasn't reading it at the moment."

Fripple glared at Aubretia a moment, before picking up her water jug from where she had set it by her rumpled blanket. Ivan raised an eyebrow. "Belting her over the head won't help, just so you know."

Fripple huffed. "I'm not doing any such thing .. though it's terribly tempting. I'm going to get water to cook breakfast with."

The golden mouse walked off, and Veil sighed. At least he knew where to go. But how to get there?

For a beast of seventeen who'd not been three days march from his home .. that seemed almost impossible.

><><

Fripple made her way towards a brook she knew of, a tributary of the Moss. The morning was chilly, as most spring mornings were, and the air had a lovely bit of frost in it. Fripple might have begun to enjoy it's cold freedom .. had not Aubretia followed her, making enough noise that a deaf toad could hear her.

Her cousin didn't turn around, just ordered, "Go away!"

Aubretia didn't listen. "According to my previous research, the great desert is treacherous, large, easy to become lost in and .."

Fripple wheeled about, glaring, "And you're telling me this because?"

Aubretia pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I'm simply stating the facts."

Fripple continued on her way. "I already guessed them."

Aubretia followed her cousin down the brook's gentle bank, asking, "How positively amazing .. and yet you never read about it?"

Fripple carelessly filled her water gourd, stating, "Some things don't take reading."

Aubretia frowned. "According to my calculations, you won't have need of all that .."

Fripple simmered. "Oh shut up, I think I can figure out how much water I need, you four-eyed walking library .."

Things might have gotten nasty, but a cheerful, easy going voice with a foreign accent rang out from somewhere behind the two. "I say, good morning!"

Fripple jumped, whirling about and drawing her saber in a second. However she lowered the weapon when she saw who had spoken .. the strangest creature she had ever seen. He was a mouse, but had the longest fur Fripple had laid eyes on; bright, reddish fur that faded to stark black points. While he was quite enough to summon astounded amazement, his predicament increased the effect tenfold.

He was caught in a trap by one foot, dangling in the most undignified position; with headfur long enough to rival most. However he seemed totally nonchalant about the whole thing, by the grin he was wearing. Fripple raised an eyebrow, stating simply, "You seem to be stuck."

The mouse crossed his arms, something that looked completely funny upside-down. "Oh no. I'm fine .. in fact it's quite relaxing."

Aubretia was taking notes, and she nudged Fripple, stating worriedly, "According to all my calculations, he is not fine at all!"

Fripple rolled her eyes. "You forgot to account for a liar in that equation."

The mouse looked a bit offended, almost scolding. "Liar? Liar? I am quite on the contrary, a noble and truthful beast."

Fripple glared at him. "Then you may as well admit you need help, no matter if it comes from a maid or otherwise."

The mouse was a little put out. "Oh don't you worry, I never need help. I'll get out of this when I want to, not a moment before."

Fripple slung her water jug over her shoulder. "Fine. You must like fighting Doomwytes empty pawed .. cause that looks like one of their traps. They may come check it presently .. but if boxing twenty some carrion birds upside-down is your idea of fun, I'll leave you to it. Let's go Aubretia."

The younger mouse shook her head. "But Fripple, I've calculated this! The Doomwytes will eat him alive in a little over five minutes! I'm not sure if they take the skeleton with them though, and that's leaving a gap in the equation ..."

The mouse broke in. "Now wait a second .. could we come to an arrangement on this ..?"

Fripple wheeled around. "If you want my help, you'll have to ask."

The mouse sighed, huffed .. and finally offered his paw. "I suppose .. but it won't happen again."

Fripple gave the paw a glance, before drawing a throwing knife, flipping it into the air and throwing it with lighting speed. The mouse yelped, crumpling to the ground below the tree in an ungainly heap of fur. Fripple walked by him, retrieving her knife, as she stated, "There. You're down."

He sat up, a long lock of hair falling over one eye as he pulled the rope off his foot. "There are better ways of freeing a handsome beast like me, you know."

Fripple gave him a look. "Oh I don't know. Where are you from, you don't look like a Mossflowerian."

He didn't, with silver tone armbands and neckband; accompanied by a stained white kilt that didn't bother to go over one shoulder, and a green belt that looped over itself once. Aubretia answered before the beast in question could. "According to my previous readings, he is clad in the dress of the great southern kingdoms; these consisting of desert tribes, Southsward ..."

The mouse stood, brushing himself off. "Now there's a smart little girl for you .. why yes, since you guessed it. I used to be of Southsward."

Fripple jumped on this. "Then you've been there?!"

The mouse laughed. "I was raised there."

Thinking only of what Veil had said, Fripple exclaimed, "Then you could take us there!"

The mouse did look surprised at this. "Now wait .. hold up. First off, no, I don't take anybeast anywhere. Second .. what's a pretty little woodlander like you want with Southsward?"

Fripple gave him a long look. "Firstly, I am not a 'pretty little woodlander', I am Fripple the Blade, princess of Mossflower. Secondly, I and my friends must get to Southsward .. my friend knows more about that. And thirdly .. we can pay you."

The mouse looked sly. "Princess. Princess? Hmm .. I've never met a princess until now. So, Princess, where are these friends of yours? Perhaps I'd like to meet them."

Fripple glared. "The name, is Fripple. And perhaps I'll take you to them."

The mouse grinned. "You've got some spirit, now don't you? Well, lead the way Princess. And by the way, in case you were wondering .. the name is Cedric. Cedric the Mercenary."

><><

By the time Fripple got back, Veil was glad to see her. Catkin had woken up and was threating to make breakfast .. something no one was excited about, seeing as she laced everything with hotroot.

However the ferret wasn't expecting to see a strange mouse with Fripple .. one that seemed to be irritating her to no end, by the look on her face. Aubretia came behind them, long skirt held off the ground.

Veil paused in his attempt to dissuade Catkin from utilizing her hotroot, asking, "Fripple .. who's that?"

Fripple's voice was disgusted as she answered, "That, as you rightly put it, is Cedric. He's from Southsward."

Veil blinked. "Southsward?"

Cedric broke in. "Princess, there are nicer ways of introducing a beast than that."

Fripple turned on him. "Will you quit it with the Princess thing? I have a name!"

Veil interrupted. "You're from Southsward? Can you .. tell us the way?"

Cedric was amiable. "Sure, that's not a problem. Straight south, across the desert, and make sure you hit all the oasis while you're at it."

Catkin broke in. "Desert? But water makes me happy!"

Cedric gave her a rather odd look, finally stating, "Princess here asked if I could take you down to Southsward, and looking around I think I can see why .. the great desert isn't safe for greenhorns. I don't think you'd last two days, if you don't mind me saying."

Fripple was getting seriously irritated, and she vented it by stomping a paw. "My name is Fripple!"

Cedric winked at her unashamedly. "Whatever you say Princess. And what was that you were saying about paying me?"

Fripple was giving Cedric her best death glare, and she finally wheeled around to face Veil. "A word? With Ivan?"

The ferret nodded, and Fripple glanced back at Cedric, voice a half growl. "And you stay out of this."

The mouse crossed his arms, giving her a very good look of innocent surprise. Fripple's eyes glittered with danger, before she stomped off to join her friends. Veil raised an eyebrow. "And you .. found him where?"

Fripple was matter of fact. "A Doomwyte trap .. you know those birds still hang around in hiding .. though they always steer clear of Redwall."

Ivan gave Cedric .. who was watching the three from a distance .. a look. "Is that how you normally meet new creatures?"

Fripple sighed. "Oh I don't know. But he sure is giving me a headache ... Veil .. do you get the feeling going to Southsward might be a little .. rash?"

Veil understood .. after all, this whole misadventure had been rash from the start. What with little planning, only a few supplies, and only a vague idea of how to get to Salamandastron .. and now the dream of one creature threw a sudden change into already faulty circumstances. "I .. yea. It is .. but Ignasa .. I saw him. I felt he wanted me to go .. I still feel it. But I'll say again .. you don't have to come with me. None of you do."

Fripple crossed her arms. "I am coming. I've said it before and I'll say it again .. I won't go back on this, I've made my choice. If you feel we should go to Southsward, than we will go to Southsward .. I trust you."

Ivan nodded, stating simply, "And did you find it odd that the very morning after Veil has this dream, Fripple finds a Southswardian caught in a Doomwyte trap? I've never met a beast from Southsward in all my eighteen seasons, and suddenly, one just happens along. Do you get the feeling Ignasa's giving us a clue?"

Fripple sighed begrudgingly. "Oh .. yes .. yes I do. But I sure wish he'd sent us something besides an irritating mop!"

Veil gave the mouse a glance, to realize he was talking with Esther. "Maybe he's not so bad Fripple, even if he likes to tease you."

The mouse maid groaned. "I should have never said I was the princess of Mossflower, I see that now."

Ivan shrugged. "Live and learn."

Veil sighed. "What do you two think .. should we pay him to take us?"

Ivan unsheathed a claw, scratching his chin. "Honestly, what do you think?"

Fripple rubbed a paw across her face. "As much as I hate to think it, he seems to have been sent to us. I suppose Ignasa can use mops for good .. in one way or another."

Veil closed his eyes, feeling for an answer more then anything. But there wasn't a real distinct answer, and he shook his head. "We could try it .. don't pay him first, pay him after he gets us there. I don't entirely trust him."

Fripple nodded. "Ohh you and me both!"

Ivan shrugged. "Should we ask the others?"

Fripple nodded. "I suppose, it's only fair. But you know good and well they won't be bothered by it .. a good dose of common sense and insight, that's what they need."

That second there was an exclamation, and Veil turned to see Cedric snatching his neckband from Esther, who didn't look terribly sorry. The ferret was surprised to see that a faded yet obvious scar ran across Cedric's collar bone .. and the mouse didn't seem pleased the one time injury could be seen. He buckled his jewelry back on in a heartbeat, asking in a hurt voice, "What's that about, huh? I didn't come to be stolen from!"

Fripple rolled her eyes. "Uh oh."

Veil stepped in. "Hey! Esther don't do that .. he's a guest! That's not how you treat a guest, he doesn't even know you!"

Esther looked sorry now that Veil was in on it. "Well .. it looked interesting! Shiny and all and .. and .. Oh .. fine. I won't take it if you don't want me to."

Ivan nodded. "We'd rather you not."

Cedric was a little put out by the neckband incident, and was giving all three vermin a very suspicious look. "Princess, do you trust these guys?"

Fripple sniffed. "Yes. Very much so. Now look .. we decided we want you to lead us, and we'll pay you."

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Ok, let's see the color of your money."

Veil looked at Ivan, asking, "Did you bring any?"

Ivan shrugged, but Fripple sighed. "I did. About two hundred sheckles."

Cedric was surprised at this. "You are loaded Princess .. I suppose a princess would be."

Ivan was droll. "It's not that. She's a miser. She hasn't spent hardly anything in .. what?"

Fripple kept a straight face. "About six years. There was that time I bought that knife off that one traveler .. and I can't remember another time since .."

She looked up. "But we're off topic. How about I pay you fifty."

Cedric was a bargainer to be reckoned with "A hundred and fifty, and I'll consider it."

Fripple stared at him. "Are you kidding? I could buy a horse for less .. I'd do seventy, no higher."

Ivan broke in, seeing Cedric wasn't going for it. "And how about some of us give you a trinket .. like this."

The cat held up a heavy golden ring set with an emerald. Cedric was interested. "Hmm .. what else have you got?"

Catkin had been listening, and she held up her pearl necklace. "Would this make you happy?"

Cedric nodded amiably, stating, "Well .. this deal's getting more promising. I think I'm considering it."

Veil nodded. "And we'll pay you when we get there."

Cedric frowned, giving the ferret a look. "You don't trust me, do you?"

Fripple shook her head. "And why would we?"

Cedric huffed. "I see no reason to try this with no money whatsoever .. what if you stiff me?"

Fripple was exasperated, Veil could tell. She reached up, unclasping her pure gold necklace that looked like a clump of feathers. She reached out, emphatically dropping it into Cedric's paw. "Does that interest you?"

Cedric gave her a long, mistrustful look, before inspecting the jewelry. "Hmm .. a fine piece .. very fine. I've not seen many to equal it."

Fripple sighed. "My grandfather made it for me, he was a beast who knew fine metal working."

Veil winced at this .. Vurg had made that for Fripple .. the last gift he had given her. The ferret once again felt unworthy of what his friends were giving up for him, but Cedric nodded. "I see that. Alright, I'll give it a try Princess .. provided Swipe here keeps her paws off my things."

Esther glared at him despite herself, and Veil sighed. This was going to be interesting, if nothing else.

Chapter 5 Light in a Shadow
Soft echoes whispered through the rock passages that marked a kingdom of evil .. one that never saw the light of day. The shadows of one corridor were deeper then most, broken only by a feeble lantern that did little to light the grotto it hung in.

It cast a little light on shimmering, loose, and unruly silver headfur .. headfur that spilled unchecked into it's owners eyes. She was looking at a piece of wood she was dexterously witling, although her ears were perked, listening for signs of any comers.

She was a young rat maiden, dressed in the garb of a seer, although she did not fit the type, for her light blue eyes were soft and worried. Soft paw steps in the adjoining hall caused her to hide her work behind her back defensively.

However when the comer, a slender, chocolate and white cat stepped into the light, the rat relaxed. "Oh Skadu .. it's only you."

Skadu was dressed as her rat companion, and she sighed. "Yea, 't's me. I ran inta Bluefen today. She asked 'ow ya was, an' I told her you was fine .. though I s'ppose that's a sort of lie."

Kinta shrugged, returning to her work as Skadu called softly, "Zenith, I'm back!"

There was a rustle from the shadows, and the sound of halting pawsteps before a young, black vixen stepped into the light. She had dull green eyes and red points, but the most characteristic thing about her was the fact that her left leg twisted uselessly beneath her, and she walked with a staff. Her ears swiveled forward and her whiskers twitched, before she nodded. "I could hear you. How is Bluefen?"

Skadu shrugged. "Same as the rest a us .. a slave."

Zenith sighed worriedly "Is Nightshade coming?"

Skadu shook her head. "Don't think so, an' it's best when she don't."

Kinta picked up a piece of wood that perfectly matched the one she had been working on. "You can say that again. Her apprentice Xzanthia was knighted almost two seasons ago .. yet we have yet to master the basics of magic .. she's disgusted with us."

Skadu nodded. "We've gotta get out .. I'm tellin' ya. We've trained longer than Xzanthia by seasons, an' yet she's already a Shadow Fighter!"

Zenith shuddered. "She hates me the most .. she wants me dead, I swear!"

Skadu put an arm on the fox's scrawny shoulders. "You'll be alright .. we'll protect ya, I promise."

Zenith shook her head. "I've been a dead weight to her for as many seasons as you .. or actually more! The only reason she hasn't killed us all yet is because she busy with this whole takeover .. you just watch .. it won't last forever. I will not learn her power .. and without it I am useless."

Kinta shook her head. "You are not .."

Zenith looked down. "Kinta, I am crippled and I am blind. What use have I to anybeast, and what beast would want me to read their omens, even if I could?"

Skadu sighed. "You're our friend, an' we care about ya, ok? We're gonna be fine. I've been here the longest an' I'm gonna see us through."

Kinta fiddled with a length of loose chain, comparing it with her pieces of wood. "If only we all had your hope .. I'd just like to see the sun again."

><><

Those tunnels were home to many a beast, and many a beast who did not wish to be there. One of these had made herself one with shadows it seemed, for she used them to hide whenever she went anywhere .. mostly because she did not wish to be found.

She had her reasons, and very valid ones at that.

Some might have just hid .. but she would not. The creature stood at a small window, one that admitted only the light of flickering torches from yet another dark room.

The place she spied upon showed the signs of wealth, in a way. It was decorated with tapestries and draperies that attempted to disguise what it really was.

However there was no disguising it's occupants for what they really were, at least to their unknown watcher. The one that seemed the most at home in this netherworld was a ferret, tall and golden furred.

The sight of him evoked a snarl from the shadow beast who spied on the proceedings, but it was a silent snarl.

The watcher's small ears perked forward, concentrating on the conversation of the ferret and a black dog fox.

"The city is nearly under our power .. and by the end of summer it will be. Then we can get rid of that stupid rabbit queen once and for all!"

It was the fox speaking and the ferret didn't seem pleased about it. Or perhaps it was the other creature's mere presence. "Don't forget it was I who took out her guards and deceived her loyal supporters .. without me she'd still be stomping on your job Shroud!"

Shroud grumbled. "You Sixclaws like to brag, don't you?"

Swartt sneered. "You Bloodpaws aren't guiltless of it .. what's your dear little boy up to now, huh Shroud?"

Shroud sneered. "Jealous? At least I have a son .. that's worth something. You threw yours away."

Swartt's paw danced on his cutlass hilt. "Shut up! I will make up for it, you just watch. I didn't need that useless pile of fur, I'm glad he's dead! And that brat of yours isn't much to be proud of. How many baby mice did he kill today?"

Shroud's eyes glittered. "Be careful Sixclaw, be very careful. You rule the underworld; I rule the land the sun touches. Which is greater in the end?"

Swartt grumbled, huffing. "This was the only reason you came? To taunt me. I suppose you haven't anything else to do."

Shroud replied, but the listener had heard enough .. far too much. She backed away, mouth set in a grim and bitter line, before sweeping off through a darkened corridor. She was stiff .. she had heard this sort of talk many a time, yet it never failed to wound her deeper than ever.

For that son Swartt spoke of was her son too .. her son she had lost nearly eleven seasons ago. Bluefen's eyes glimmered spitefully. She should have fought harder, even if it killed her. She should have fled.

But she had done neither, and her Veil was gone forever. The ferret did not like to think of that time .. there were too many losses.

She sighed, turning her thoughts to the future. She had learned. The hard way perhaps, but she had learned.

She might still be chained to Swartt, and she was broken, but she would not fall. She would never fall. And if she did .. she would take Swartt down with her.

For she had a spark, one small spark of hope that she protected and loved .. one spark she would train to be a fire. That spark was her joy in her dark life .. it almost seemed her Veil had returned.

He had not, of course, for that could never be. But as she slipped into the dank rooms and grottos she was forced to call home, she dried all tears that had threatened to spill. Her spark must not see her cry.

And that beast was not shy in coming, as he leapt at her with excitement. "Mother! Mother you're back!"

Bluefen swept the cream and light gold creature up, hugging him. "Yes Esmund, I am back."

The only other creature Bluefen cared for spoke up from where he was scratching something or other on a flat piece of rock. "He's been no end of trouble marm, running about and messing up everything."

Bluefen frowned. "Esmund, don't bother Byron .. and don't leave these rooms!"

Esmund was not unduly sorry. "But I didn't! An' I was only playing!"

Bluefen sighed, setting the child down. "Alright. But Byron is here to look out for you while I'm gone."

Byron, a young black creature that seamed an ungainly molding of rat and mouse, looked interested. "What did you learn marm?"

Bluefen shook her head bitterly. "Only that they think the city will fall in full by the end of summer."

Byron said no more .. after all, there wasn't much to be said, and Bluefen's next statement was enough. "Something has to happen .. before they kill us all."

><><

Morning fell over Redwall with all the grace of early spring .. but a shadow lingered over the grounds. Groddil felt it heavily, and the fox shuddered.

Spring felt as cold as winter to his heart, and he knew where he had to go .. to his one reliable friend. The sliver fox knocked on her door, the sound echoing in the stillness. "Bella .. I must speak with you."

There was the creak of a rocking chair, and Bella's voice returned to him. "Come in .. the door's not locked and I'm feeling too stiff to open it."

Groddil shoved the door open, stating only a few words .. but they were sufficient. "The birds have flown."

Bella sighed. "So they ran. I thought they might. Veil, Fripple, and Ivan at least, I assume."

Groddil nodded. "Star, Esther, Catkin, and Aubretia as well."

The badger looked deeply troubled. "If only there had been a way for me to prove Veil innocent .. you know good and well it is he the prophesy speaks of .. the veil that will set us free!"

Groddil shook his head. "It was not him, I know it was not. He is a son of Ignasa .. and Martin had no true proof!"

Bella was grim. "Martin is not himself .. there is something terribly wrong with him .. and yet it has masked itself from me, as to what it is."

Groddil bit his lip. "I have prayed, and the only thing I see is six claws .. which proves to me that Veil .. or perhaps his family .. holds the key to our problem. And what our problem is .. if only I knew! Knowing your enemy is the first key to victory .. a hidden enemy is the very worst kind."

Bella sighed. "Indeed. And if it can blind the very followers of Ignasa .. Groddil my friend, these may be Redwall's darkest days."

Groddil nodded. "I'm afraid so. And while we know Malimore is the cause of any evil .. there is always somebeast under him. So our task is to find and stop that beast .. the pawn that I believe is inside our very walls."

><><

The morning was quite enjoyable for the travelers .. except for one thing. They really knew nothing about traveling.

Even Veil, Ivan, and Fripple, who had enough sense to guess what to do, were getting a few surprises.

And their guide had an irritating sense of humor. He had promptly christened them each something he felt fit them .. and this was grinding on Fripple's nerves.

Cedric walked past Star, who was devouring a patch of clover instead of moving. "Princess, is Munch always like this?"

Fripple huffed, refusing to answer. Cedric turned to the horse, frowning. "How can you expect to get anywhere, if you're eating all the time?"

Star didn't pay a lot of attention. "Clover's nice!"

Cedric sighed. "Sure, course it is. Until we get chased by something, then what? How fast can you run?"

Star was horrified. "Run? Oh I don't run .. that's exhausting!"

Cedric snorted. "Munch, you're a horse. Horses run. It's one of the laws of nature."

The pinto cocked an ear, but said nothing. Cedric gave Fripple a glance. "Princess, you just let her do this?"

Fripple grumbled. "Keeping Star from eating is like keeping you from irritating me."

Cedric pounced on this despite himself. "Irritating you? I'm not irritating, I'm simply getting to know you!"

"By irritating me." Fripple finished.

Cedric winked at her. "Your problem is your mindset Princess, you've told yourself I'm irritating you. If you think about it, I think you'll see you're very lucky to be irritated by a hot guy like me."

Fripple stared at him a moment, before her lip curled. "You think I like you or something stupid like that??"

Cedric shrugged. "Most girls do."

Fripple snarled. "And you expect me, to be as stupid as 'normal' girls? Huh, I'd sooner drop dead than act like that! It may be all fine and good for them, but I am me .. and I happen to be weird! You have a problem with that?"

She was glaring him down, as if daring him to say he did. Veil and Ivan had stopped by now, and the cat nudged the ferret, winking slowly and deliberately .. not at all concerned.

Cedric reacted to Fripple's glare with a grin. "I have never seen such a reaction as yours Princess. But it's fascinating. Cute even."

If Cedric had bothered to look at the others, he would have noticed they were all staring at him. But he didn't bother, and so he didn't get the hint.

Fripple's blue eyes sparkled like fire, and she drew her sabre. Cedric looked even more interested. "What a reaction .. Princess, what am I supposed to do with your weapon?"

The mouse maid growled. "You will duel me for that .. on my honor as a warrior, I will have satisfaction!"

Cedric was not hurried in drawing his own weapon, a simple, double bladed spear. "Satisfaction? Now Princess, I wouldn't want to hurt a sweet little mouse like you .."

The sabre whipped less than a foot from his nose. "On guard!"

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "You're serious. You've got to be kidding."

Esther shook her head. "Umm .. you might want to do as she says cause she sure means it!"

Ivan nodded. "I'd defend myself, if I were you."

Cedric looked back at Fripple, waiting impatiently. He seemed to think about it for a moment, before he smiled. "If that's what you want, Princess .."

Fripple jabbed her sabre at him. "Oh, I want it!"

The mouse's smile never failed as he pulled the spear off his back in a deft movement. "I'll go easy on you."

Fripple leapt at him, slamming the flat of her sabre against his spear, wrenching it from his unsuspecting grasp. "Seriously? You've insulted me; the least you can do is give me a fair fight!"

Cedric had such a look of shock on his face it was amusing, as he retrieved his spear. The mouse's yellow green eyes suddenly glittered with a bit of fierceness. "If that's the way you're gonna be .. you asked for it Princess!"

Catkin held up a paw, voice hurried. "Oh I don't think ..."

Esther shoved her as the clash of steel rang out. "Hey .. let 'em be Catkin! Think about it .. when has Fripple ever got this worked up over anybeast? I mean .. yea, she's real defensive and all but think about it!"

Catkin glanced at the two mice, going at each other with determination. "Erm ... I don't know. But that can't make them very happy!"

Esther looked at Aubretia, writing observations down in her parchment notepad. "But I think it does Catkin .. What if .. no seriously, think about this .. what if Fripple likes him?"

Catkin looked blank, before wincing at the clash of nearby steel. Esther rolled her eyes. "Oh .. never mind. It's probably nothing anyways .. after all Fripple doesn't like anyone .. you know, not like that."

Catkin still looked blank. However Ivan looked mildly interested with the duel, Veil looked half worried and half impatient, and Star just devoured some grass while she watched.

Fripple was in her element, especially as it became obvious Cedric was not unskilled. The mouse was concentrating on disarming his opponent .. or perhaps, more realistically, saving himself from disarmament. The mouse suddenly swung his spear pole at Fripple, causing her to duck, overbalance, and fall flat on her back.

Cedric nodded to her cheekily. "Nice try Princeeeeesss .."

Fripple whipped her tail around his legs, yanking while scrambling to her feet. "Ah-ha!"

The mouse held her sabre close to Cedric's nose .. too close for comfort. "I believe I won .. because in a real fight, you'd be dead right now."

Cedric blinked, before regaining his composure and pushing her blade away. "Well then I'm lucky it's not a real fight, no?"

Fripple swiped her blade away from his paw. "Indeed."

Veil broke in. "Can we carry on, by chance? Shouldn't we cover some considerable ground before nightfall?"

Cedric brushed himself off. "Well I was simply complementing Princess here, and the thing is, she doesn't take compliments well."

Veil sighed. "You also go about it the wrong way, and I think she'd like you to leave her alone .."

Fripple swished her sabre. "Oh I'm quite ready for him, if he want's another defeat!"

Veil nodded. "As I said. Now let's get going again."

Cedric walked past Veil. "As you say; highness."

><><

Xzanthia slipped from the abbey, furious. She doubted anybeast would even notice her, and she was correct .. none did.

The wearet made her way into the shadows of the woods, before letting loose an owl call. She held forth her gloved paw, repeating the sound several times before she was rewarded by the swooping sound of wings.

Tyre alighted on her forearm, and she held it steady, despite his size. The bat raised and eyebrow. "And you called because ..?"

Xzanthia stamped a paw, voice angry. "Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on things?"

Tyre didn't bother with flinching. "Yes, and I have. Your point is?"

Xzanthia glared at him, yelling, "You let that son of Sixclaw get away, you fool!"

The bat scolded her. "What did your mentor tell you about tantrums? They are you greatest falling."

Xzanthia snarled. "Oh don't play Nightshade; I didn't even want to bring you, but Swartt made me. He doesn't think I can do this!"

The wearet dropped her arm, causing Tyre the flutter up to a nearby tree branch, where he watched his companion rant with seasoned tolerance. "They don't think I can do this, none of them do! Even you don't! Well I'll show you! All of you! A beast doesn't have to be old to be dangerous .. and villains don't have to be male! I don't care what you think, I can do it!"

She stomped a paw. "I will be the greatest warlady of all time!"

Tyre was sarcastic. "Not if you don't learn to control your temper, you won't. That's why I'm here to .."

"Protect and advise me I know." Xzanthia finished for him, in a rather disrespectful replica of his voice.

Before Tyre could counter, she fell back to her first train of thought .. albeit a bit calmer this time. "But that stupid ferret has gotten away from me .. those woodlanders are so slow in their executions! Why can't they just kill a beast and be done with it?"

Tyre rolled his eyes. "Because they play by a different set of morals than we do. Did you learn anything in your training on understanding the mind of a woodlander?"

Xzanthia huffed. "Well they're so stupid they don't bear thinking about, but yes, of course I did."

She sneered. "But I was so close .. so close to revenge .."

Tyre sighed. "You and that revenge issue .. can't we just do our job for a change?"

Xzanthia smoldered. "Oh, we will do that. But I will kill every male of the Sixclaw line, you just see if I don't .. and don't you dare try and stop me with your irritating logic!"

The bat opened his mouth to argue, but then shut it in disgust. "What would the point be in that? You've got your mind made up, so I may as well leave you to it. More practically, are the monocles working?"

Xzanthia wasn't done with her bad mood just yet, so she sounded snooty. "Of course they are. That dumb mouse thing, Bryony, was the one who found them .. after you hid them in that tree. And why would anybeast suspect a nice mouse who's lived there all her life? She doesn't even know what I'm up to. And never fear Tyre .. I have the feeling we could have some inside help pretty soon."

Tyre raised an eyebrow, but Xzanthia beat him to it. "Oh just watch .. I've got this one figured out myself .. and I didn't need your help."

><><

Martin was not in a good humor, not in the least. Part of him realized how temperamental he was being, but he liked to place the blame on the fact Rose had almost been poisoned, and by a vermin .. a vermin he had let stay.

Perhaps the truth was, he felt responsible.

If he had just seen Veil for what he really was .. a liar and a murderer .. this wouldn't have happened. Once again, Rose had nearly died .. and it was his fault. It had always been his fault.

Would it always be? For the rest of their lives, would he keep making mistakes like this?

And now .. now! To top it all off, his own daughter had vanished .. on the same day Veil and some others ran away!

What would he tell Rose when she awoke? That Aubretia had run off with the very creature who had tried to kill her mother?

The golden king paced the length of the gatehouse, starting as his eldest son came in. "Oh father, there you are. Roseanna and I have asked everybeast .. but .."

Martin buried his face in his paws. "No .. no Luke .. she's gone. I know it .. and with a murderer! I'll never see her again .. never!"

Luke looked down, saying no more. Martin sighed. "I don't blame you son .. but what was she thinking? How could she do this to her mother and I? She is a princess .. she is valuable .. who knows what he'll do with her! Hold her for ransom .. anything!"

Luke shrugged. "I doubt he'll even be back .. he'd be a fool to do so."

Martin groaned. "I know, I know .. are the search parties back?"

Roseanna came through the doorway, shoving red fur out of her eyes. "Yea, they're back dad .. and least Gonff's. And they didn't find anything .. not even a trail."

Martin rubbed the cool gold rim of his monocle, and action that was becoming quickly involuntary. "Keep an eye out for any clues as to where they might have gone .. and tell me what the other searchers find when they return."

Luke nodded. "Of course .. come on Roseanna."

The two left, and Martin shook his head. This day was getting worse by the minute! His gaze fell upon the monocle he was rubbing without fail, and he paused.

He liked the object, and it's cool solidness in his paws. Martin held it to his eye, something he found himself doing more and more. The world just didn't look .. the same without it. It didn't look right anymore unless through the glass of the monocle.

It was fortunate he had the chance to acquire it.

Chapter 6 Life's an Adventure!
The sun set slowly over the travelers, and the beginnings of southern Mossflower. Veil was seriously wondering how hard it could possibly be to cross the great desert .. and if one could do it with a map.

Cedric was becoming a little irritating even to the tolerant ferret .. that mouse was one of the proudest beasts Veil had ever met. And he just wouldn't shut up about it.

Fripple had taken to walking between Veil and Ivan, due to the fact she knew Cedric was suspicious of both ferret and wildcat. Instead, the mouse flirted with Catkin, Esther, Aubretia, and even Mystiquestar .. and Veil highly suspected that Esther was the only one who understood at all.

Even she was starting to look tired of the whole situation as the sun began to set. Catkin and the others just looked tired.

As dusk settled in, Veil sighed. "Well .. perhaps we should call it a day. We've gotten a ways .. and we'd better just get used to this."

Star flopped down where she stood. Aubretia took some calculations, before stating, "According to my calculations, this would be a good campsite right here. There is dry wood nearby, and I'm sure we could light a fire .. we're far enough from Redwall."

Veil thought about it, before nodding. "A small one at least."

Cedric raised and eyebrow. "What does it matter? You'd think you were trying to hide or something."

Fripple glared at him. "That is our business .. Mop. Stay out of it!"

Cedric put on a look of mock horror. "Mop! Mop? Oh wait Princess .. I think I know what you really mean .. Most Ostentatious Person!"

Fripple smoldered. "No. Most Obnoxious Person!"

Catkin frowned. "Fripple, that is not very nice! That can't make Cedric very happy."

Fripple glared at the otter. "I'm not concerned with making him happy!"

Cedric just looked smug, something he was very good at. Veil sighed, before digging in his satchel for a tinder box as Ivan and Esther piled some wood together for the fire. Fripple stalked over to join them, growling, "Oooh he makes me so mad!"

Veil gave his best advice. "I think he wants a reaction .. ignore him if you can."

Fripple nodded. "I'm doing my best."

Ivan gave her a look. "Oh I can see that."

The mouse flopped down on a nearby log. "Alright, alright .. but I think he goes out of his way to annoy me!!"

Esther shrugged. "He likes you I guess. Care to help me make supper .. maybe?"

Fripple made a face. "I guess. It's better than putting up with the mop."

Aubretia was standing nearby, and she was confused. "Fripple. According to all my calculations he is not truly a mop .."

Fripple grumbled. "He looks like a mop .. but I'll admit he's not half as useful as one."

Cedric jumped in at this point, offended. "Excuse me? I am quite useful."

Fripple glowered at him. "For what, mopping the camp? You certainly have enough hair."

Cedric's voice was scolding. "Princess, how can you think of using a hot guy like me to mop anything?"

Aubretia paused scratching something down. "I don't understand at all .. you keep saying you are hot. Do you mean to say you are overheated?"

Cedric blinked, before laughing. "No, no, no Bookworm, you've totally got the wrong idea. When I say 'hot' I mean incredibly handsome."

Fripple made a gagging noise, and Aubretia looked even more bewildered. "According to my calculations and previous research, the temperature of something has little to do with it being handsome. I do believe you are very confused."

Cedric sighed. "No Bookworm, it's you who's confused .."

Aubretia broke in a little sharply, not fancying her intellect being countered. "Then pray enlighten me."

Cedric was a little exasperated. "Hot means good looking, handsome, cute .. however you put it!"

Aubretia did not look impressed. "Have you ever bothered to read a dictionary?"

Veil couldn't help an odd desire to laugh, despite how irritating Cedric was being. The mouse sighed. "Oh forget it Bookworm .. I couldn't expect a thirteen season old to understand."

By this time the group had gathered near the fire, even Esther, who was working on supper. Aubretia drew herself to her full height .. not very tall .. and sniffed. "I understand one thing very well, and that is that you do not know how to speak properly."

Catkin broke in. "Now stop it, both of you. You are not making each other very happy!"

She looked rather concerned. "But Cedric, I'm worried about you .. are you overheated now?"

Cedric sighed. "You chicks have got this all wrong .. I'm hot. Not 'overheated'. And yes, of course I am hot right now .. I was born that way!"

Aubretia scratched something down, asking, "Would you always be hot .. no matter the circumstances?"

Cedric rolled his eyes, a little irritated that neither Catkin nor Aubretia seemed to comprehend what he was trying to communicate. "Bookworm, I'd be hot even if I fell off a cliff."

Catkin poked Fripple, whispering, "Goodness .. Fripple .. I feel dreadfully sorry for him, being so overheated all the time. It must be a terrible condition to live with!"

Fripple nodded sagely, and Catkin continued. "Fripple .. do you think if I poured some water on him, if that would cool him down a bit .. would it make him happy?"

Fripple thought for a moment, before agreeing. "You know Catkin, I think it might. You could always try and see."

The otter nodded with total serious determination, before hurrying off. Aubretia was giving Cedric a dreadfully odd look. "I'd better calculate this .. how tall is the cliff?"

Cedric shrugged. "It wouldn't matter either way Bookworm."

Aubretia scratched away at her notepad a moment, before stating, "Actually, according to my calculations, the action of you falling would be so fast there would be some wind resistance, which I believe would make you slightly less hot."

Cedric looked smug. "Wouldn't change one thing."

Aubretia stared at her equations. "This defies calculations! What if the cliff is exactly five thousand seven hundred and thirty four feet high?"

Cedric shrugged. "It couldn't effect me."

Fripple looked about as droll as Ivan. "Better put a lake at the bottom .."

Cedric looked at her with sudden approval, that morphed into resignation as she finished her sentence. "With a shoal of two thousand piranhas in it."

Cedric gave her a look. "And what is that for Princess?"

Fripple looked smug. "I'm just wondering if you'd look hot as a skeleton."

Cedric drew himself to his full height, rather tall for a mouse. "I would. I'll have you know, Princess ..."

His words transformed into a sort of gasping glub as Catkin dumped a full bucket of cold river water on his head. The otter looked genuinely concerned. "Are you hot now?"

Cedric looked like a drowned rat, with his long fur soaked .. and he didn't look pleased about it. Aubretia echoed Catkin. "Yes, are you?"

The mouse huffed, deciding not to answer. Veil looked relieved, as though he'd had quite enough of hearing about Cedric's looks. Esther broke the silence. "Supper's ready! I just warmed up some leftover flan from Redwall cause we have some left, you know."

Fripple sat next to Veil and Ivan, and the wildcat looked mildly contemplative. "Veil, Fripple. You think our guide needs taken down a notch?"

Veil sighed. "I hate to say it, but I think it's the case."

Fripple nodded vigorously. "Oh yes he does .. will you prank him Ivan?"

Ivan took a bite of his flan, chewing thoughtfully. "Perhaps Princess, perhaps."

Fripple glared at him for a moment, before she broke down and laughed. "Alright droll one, I'll hold you to that promise."

><><

The night was never dark in Southsward .. at least the wealthier streets. However every city has it's areas of poverty, and these places were festooned with the darkest of shadows.

A shadowy corner of a rundown tavern was dark, and in it was a beast .. perhaps not entirely sober, but certainly still in his right mind. The creature was nothing special, just a dingy brown weasel with dingy brown eyes .. but those eyes were full of many emotions.

The creature slammed a chalice of wine down on the table he sat at, muttering to himself. "He'd give me power eh? He'd make me as mighty as him eh?"

The weasel was slightly tipsy, and he spat on the floor. "That liar Sixclaw .. that spawn of 'Ellgates .. I'd like ta send him there!"

He sat alone, and his eyes were calculating as he took a sip of the wine. "The liar .. I gave up freedom fer nothing!"

The weasel gave his drink a look, before finishing what was left in one swallow, shoving himself to his feet and stalking out the door. However he hadn't gone very far before he bumped into another beast, sending them both sprawling.

The other, a plump, decidedly unimposing silver rat, said what he thought. "I knew I'd find you here .. I just knew it! Swartt isn't going ta be happy you were up here Scound .. he sure ain't .."

Scound sneered. "Oooh the boss sent ol' Slugy ta git me, I'm scared outa me mind!"

The rat shook his fist. "Ya better be! Ya know what could happen if'n we get discovered before the city is ours .."

Scound rolled his eye. "Slugwort, come off it you ugly mug. They'll all know if'n ya yell it any louder."

Slugwort stood, brushing himself off. "Well ya just better git yerself back!"

Scound leapt up, towering over the rat. "Or what? Or ye'll gripe ta the boss? Yu idiot .. I'll give yer one fer dat!"

Slugwort backed up. "Scound, yer drunk. Ya know better den ta try an' stay up here .."

Scound growled. "Aye an' if'n I go back ta that grave, what do I git? More lowdown jobs fer scum like you?"

Slugwort was insulted. "I am .."

Scound cut him off. "Oh yes yes I know. Yer the boss's yes beast .. ya coward. One of these days .."

The silver rat looked slightly nervous, but he knew how to worry Scound. "Ya better not try it, or I'll tell Sixclaw on ya! Ya know he's fond of boiling beasts in oil .."

Scound was a little more subdued. "You .. you just be careful Slugslime .. be very careful .. the boss don't know everything."

The weasel wheeled off, stalking away. Slugwort huffed, before turning and going the opposite direction.

Scound cast a glance behind him after a moment, growling when he saw Slugwort had gone. These fools that thought he was a subservient pawn .. one day, he'd show them!

><><

The night was quiet and tranquil in a certain little forest glen in which the embers of a small fire smoldered. Aubretia, Catkin, and Star were asleep already, and Cedric was too. Ivan however, was not.

Veil gave his adopted brother a look. "Ivan .. don't do anything too crazy, please?"

Ivan was nonchalant. "I won't."

The ferret nodded. "Look, I know our guide is .. insufferable. But we do need him, I think."

Fripple nodded from where she sat on her blanket. "Perhaps. But he won't shut up unless we let him know we're serious .. and you don't want him to go on and on about how amazingly 'hot' he is .. ugg."

Veil sighed. "No .. I don't. Which is why I'm not arguing more with you two."

The ferret paused. "But what are you going to do?"

Ivan didn't crack a smile. "Nettles work every time."

Veil groaned. "I just have the feeling you two are about to make a big mistake, that's all I've got to say."

Ivan shrugged, unrepentantly and obviously not going back on his decision. Veil gave up. "I am going to bed."

His adopted brother shrugged again, before giving Fripple a look that meant he did not need her help. The mouse sighed. "Alright, I'll go to bed too."

She flopped down on her blanket, casting a glance over at Cedric, sleeping under a tree a few yards away .. and snoring. She suddenly felt a bit of unconditional pity. Ok, so the mouse was seriously stuck up. But was this the best way to really get through to him?

She reconciled herself as Ivan finished with the nettles, took hold of the water pail and headed for the nearby river they were following south. Cedric wouldn't listen to reason .. and it could really be hard to get a word in edgewise sometimes.

Yes, he deserved this.

And besides .. a little part of her just wanted to get him back for almost defeating her in their duel this morning.

The mouse didn't hear Ivan return before she saw his gray tabby paws stalk by her vantage point. The tree Cedric was under did have some low branches, but Fripple was amazed at how Ivan could climb it with a bucket of water and not spill any.

The mouse sat up slightly, and she saw Veil was looking knowingly at her.

They were not mistaken in their suspicions, as Ivan dumped the pail full of water directly on Cedric's head .. while remaining entirely sober.

The tranquility of the night was shattered as Cedric gasped, flailed, and regretted it with a yell of pain as he came in contact with the nettles. Veil sighed.

Cedric leapt up like a singed rat, for Ivan had not been stingy with the stinging leaves. The mouse didn't bother with pausing, just made a mad dash for the nearby river and jumped in, evidenced by the splash.

Fripple was trying hard not to burst out laughing, even though part of her felt they were being unfair. After all, Cedric looked terribly funny when he was wet .. and he had asked for it.

However Catkin, just waking up, did not find Cedric's splashing and yelping funny at all .. quite on the contrary. The otter blinked sleep from her eyes, sitting bolt upright and listening with great concern. Her expression morphed into horror as she came to a conclusion .. albeit the wrong one. "You guys, somebeast's drowning! That's awful!"

Fripple tried to explain, but was choking on her laughter and wasn't fast enough. Catkin bolted for the river, and said drowning beast.

Veil jumped to his feet. "We'd better get down there ... there's a deep part and she'll dive in it .. with him! But Cedric's not an otter!"

Fripple stopped laughing, suddenly realizing Veil was all too correct. In attempt to stop the inevitable, she hollered, "Oh no Catkin, don't!"

It was too late. There was a splash, and a split second before a terrified howl rang out .. ending with an odd glub.

Veil and Fripple got to the river's edge first, Esther, Ivan, and Aubretia close behind ... Star was still trying to wake up properly. The river was still except for a few ripples, and Fripple dared voice a question. "How .. long can an otter stay under?"

Veil glared at her and Ivan. "I told you this was a bad idea!"

Fripple was feeling bad .. and guilty .. and Ivan even looked a little remorseful. Esther spoke up timidly. "I .. don't think I could hold my breath as long as they've been underwater .. I mean .. you know. I hope Cedric can .."

Aubretia looked up from her notepad. "According to my calculations the longest a normal beast could stay alive without breathing is .."

Catkin exploded from the river in a shower of water, holding up a limp, coughing Cedric. "I saved him everyone!!"

Veil was staring at her, shaking his head. "Really?"

Fripple was concerned, feeling rather responsible. "Catkin you .. better set him down. I don't think he can breathe very well like that."

The otter realized the state Cedric was in, and plopped him on the shore. "Heavens! You're lucky I came along .. one more moment and you'd have been a goner .. what a narrow escape! Well, we can all be happy you're alive."

Cedric didn't answer, he couldn't. Catkin blinked at the look Veil was giving her. "What?"

Veil sighed. "You had to dive with him? He's not an otter Catkin, he can't hold his breath as long as you."

The otter maid thought about this a second, before realization hit her. "Oh my ... Oh Cedric I am sorry .. Veil's right .. I almost drowned you didn't I?"

Cedric looked up at her, green eyes dull and voice raspy. "I .. thought .. a giant .. snake grabbed me .. that .. was you??"

Catkin was horrified. "There's a snake in there?! But snakes don't make me happy!!"

Cedric stared at her a moment, before collapsing wearily and mumbling, "Anybeast care to help me .. I just about died. I'd like .. to sleep .."

He paused, coughed, and looked up again. "Where'd .. that awful .. stinging water come .. from .. who .. did that?"

Ivan was stoic. "Actually, those were stinging nettles. And a pail of normal water."

Cedric coughed. "You .. did it?"

Ivan shrugged. "Perhaps."

><><

Redwall's stones turned from night-washed gray to their natural rosy hue as the sun blessed them once again with it's dawning. A figure stood on the walltops, facing the sunrise. He seemed frozen at first, but looked around as a voice hailed him. "Martin matey .. Rose woke up. Columbine sent me to get you."

The king wheeled about, eager. "She did? Is she alright?"

Gonff shrugged. "Weak, but that's to be expected. You'll have to ask Columbine if you want to know more .."

The mousethief stopped as he realized he was talking to the morning breeze; Martin being nearly halfway across the lawns.

The mouse was all but unaware of his friend as he ran toward the abbey .. when he reached the infirmary door he was panting a little. Martin paused, before shoving the door open about in the same moment Columbine was opening it.

The black mousewife raised an eyebrow. "Ah, there you are sire. My Gonff got you, I assume?"

Martin nodded. "He did."

Columbine called over her shoulder, "Rose, he's here!"

Martin walked in to see Rose was sitting up, looking pale, but alive. She blinked up at him, before smiling. "Martin .."

He pulled a chair next to her bed, picking up her paws. "Rose .. are you alright?"

She coughed, wincing. "Martin .. what happened? I can't remember much .. just drinking something and then .. then nothing."

Martin bit his lip. "Somebeast tried to poison you .. Columbine saved you."

Rose blinked, finally asking, "But .. who?"

Martin couldn't help his scowl. "It was Veil .. that dirty ferret! I should have known from the start."

Rose stared at him. "Veil .. no! Veil wouldn't, Martin .. how do you know this?"

The warrior felt an initial prick of irritation that Rose doubted him. But he realized she didn't know all the proceedings. "Rose .. he used Wolfbane .. and you know Wolfbane stains red. He disappeared the night you were poisoned, and the next morning his paws were red .. blood red. It couldn't have been any other beast."

There was silence for a few moments, before Rose whispered, "Did you kill him?"

Martin saw how sad Rose looked, and he was almost glad the ferret had ran. However he mentally slapped himself the next second. This wasn't about feelings, this was about justice. "He .. escaped. With some of the young beasts who were close to him .. Ivan, Fripple, Esther, Catkin, Star, and ..."

The warrior paused, and Rose prodded him. "And?"

Martin hung his head. "And .. Aubretia."

Rose's grip on his paws tightened. "Our daughter? But .. Oh Martin .. she doesn't know anything about living in the wild .. well .. at least the others are with her .."

Martin was shocked at Rose's concerns. "Rose, she's with a murderer .. never mind the woods."

Rose looked scared, but she murmured, "Veil .. but Veil was Groddil's apprentice .. he was training as a Prophet!"

Martin sighed. "Looks .. can be deceiving Rose, we've seen. I didn't like to think Veil did it .. but he did, and that's the ugly truth. We're trying to get Aubretia and the others back .. I promise."

Rose shook her head. "And .. then you will execute Veil .. what about the others?"

Martin was grim. "They'll be under suspicion, that's for sure. Some are just deceived by him .. but I couldn't say for all."

Rose was worried. "Martin .. dear .. are you alright? There's something .. different about you."

Martin's eyes softened. "I'm just worried about you .. you should probably sleep."

She closed her eyes. "I am a little tired .."

Martin sighed. "Then sleep .. I'll be here if you need me."

><><

Morning over the travelers was cheerful .. unfortunately .. quite a bit more cheerful then the beasts it graced.

Cedric was still disgusted with the fact Ivan have pulled a prank on him and Catkin had nearly drowned him .. after terrorizing him with the mistaken thought she was a giant snake. It kept the irrepressible mouse quiet .. but his silence was moody.

Catkin was feeling bad .. and eating hotroot. Fripple wasn't about to apologize .. after all, she hadn't done anything .. as such. And besides .. he did deserve it.

Esther just made breakfast. Fripple decided to help, for what it was worth.

Cedric was gone a long while, trying to fully rid himself of the effects of Ivan's prank .. so long Veil began to wonder if he was even coming back, or if he'd given up on them. However the thought of seventy sheckles must have been too strong to resist, for he came back presently, looking halfway dry and tired.

He stared around at the group, before stating, "Alright, look. I'm not gonna take you anywhere if you try and kill me like this on a regular basis .. I have my health to look after, you know."

Veil opened his mouth to answer as Cedric continued. "Heck, I think I'd rather starve in poverty than run into those awful stinging plants .. or be half drowned by a massive snake!"

He shot the two miscreants looks at the appropriate moment. Catkin deflated. Ivan did nothing.

Catkin was contemplative, before grabbing a plate of Esther's pancakes and offering them to the mouse. "Would these make you happy?"

Esther swiped them back. "Not the whole plate!"

She took a couple off, dumped them on a different dish, and handed them to Cedric. "Here you go!"

Cedric sat down, nibbling suspiciously at first, before digging in. The group ate in silence for a while, until their guide was done eating. His good mood was slowly returning. "Why thank you Swipe .. at least somebeast around here appreciates their guide."

Veil was determined to get the truth out of him. "Cedric .. we shouldn't have done what we did, and I think we all are sorry .. we certainly didn't want to drown you. Catkin was .. confused."

Cedric shrugged, licking his plate. "Well she certainly confused me .. she is strong. Sunshine, if anybeast calls you defenseless, I'll whack 'em for you, k?"

Catkin frowned. "But that wouldn't make them happy .. so please don't."

Cedric gave her an odd look, as Veil asked, "You're .. coming with us?"

The mouse frowned. "Yes, I'll give you another chance .. mostly cause I have nowhere to go and I need the money. But if you do something like that to me again .. well I don't know. I wasn't really planning on going back to Southsward .. at least for a while."

Fripple raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Cedric paused, a tiny shadow in his yellow green eyes, before he shrugged. "Hey, a guy wants to see the world now and then. And you talked to me Princess .. we're getting somewhere!"

Fripple scowled. "Don't read into it. But let me ask you, why would you take us all the way back .. if you wanted to leave?"

Cedric shrugged. "It's no great mystery Princess .. I'm practically broke. Seventy sheckles would set me up for a good while."

He looked stern. "But I'm not going to do it if I'm going to be in danger of dying in the process. I value my life over money."

Fripple sighed. "Look it got out of paw ok? We don't want you dead, what would it avail us?"

Cedric stood. "Not much .. I seriously doubt you lot could get across the desert alone .. in fact I guarantee you couldn't. And besides .. why would you want to kill off such an incredibly handsome and charming person as myself?"

Fripple whipped her wooden cooking spoon beneath his nose, making him jump. "We don't want to kill you at all. But the reason we encouraged Ivan to use the nettles is cause of your insufferable arrogance!"

Cedric blinked at her a couple of seconds, before pushing the spoon away with an air of innocence. "Insufferable .. Insufferable? Arrogant? Me? I have never been called such Princess."

Fripple was blunt. "Then you were lied to."

Veil was working hard to keep a straight face, and he was slightly jealous of Ivan's easy stoic demeanor at the present moment. Cedric looked, honestly, a little blank.

Aubretia broke the silence. "According to my calculations, we should be on our way."

Cedric recovered himself, winking at her, "Right you are Bookworm .. time's wasting."

><><

It was awhile before they actually got to moving, and Cedric did not seem pleased with their pace, especially as the day wore on. Ivan, Veil, Esther, and Fripple kept up pretty well, and Catkin wasn't too bad at it.

However Aubretia and Star were lagging, the former dropping things or tripping over her skirt, the later always grazing.

Cedric seemed increasingly irritated with the horse, and it came to a head when they stopped for a bite to eat around noon. Star staggered up, panting, "Whew .. I am .. not used to this .. food! Can we eat now?"

Cedric tapped a bare paw on the ground, stating, "No, you can't .. Munch .. I want to see you run."

Star had such a look of horror on it evoked a tiny giggle from Esther. "But .. I can't run! I haven't in seasons!"

Cedric pointed to a thin spot in the treas. "Well come on .. it won't kill you to try."

Star looked grumpy, but Veil broke in. "Star .. maybe he's right. We don't know what we'll be faced with."

Star groaned before she gave in. "Oh .. fine. But if I die of overexertion, it's going to be your fault!"

Cedric crossed his arms. "Come, come Munch .. show us your paces."

He walked over to where the trees were thinner, stating, "Walk around me .. just walk. That won't hurt you."

Star looked decidedly grumpy, but complied. Cedric nodded, clapping his paws together. "Alright, good. Trot!"

Star huffed, picking up her heels and trotting around the mouse, beneath his watchful eye. He did not seem unpleased. "Remarkable pattern .. I've not seen finer. Good. Lope!"

The horse was panting as she broke into a rather lumbering lope, and Cedric never flinched, no matter how close she came to him. After she'd gone around two times, he held up a paw. "Alright, good. Very good Munch .. you can stop now."

Star came to a halt, head low. "I .. am .. going .. to .. die .."

Cedric laughed. "No you're not Munch, trust me. So the thing is, you've got a beautiful gait, and you've got the build to positively fly. But I'm gonna put this to you plainly .. you're fat. That's your problem."

Star didn't have the energy to be insulted as Catkin broke in. "Cedric, that won't make her happy ...!"

Cedric shrugged. "Maybe not, but this is gonna make her less happy .. and that's the fact I'm training you Munch. You went around me twice in each gait. We're gonna do that again today. And every other day. By the time we get to Southsward you'll be runnin' with the best of 'em."

Star flopped dramatically to the ground as Cedric walked over to join the others. Veil raised an eyebrow. "I take it you've worked with horses."

Cedric nodded, "Course I did. I've trained horses, I've raced horses. I was a .."

He paused, before shrugging. "I was a charioteer, once."

Chapter 7 Shadow of Deceit
At Redwall, things seemed to fall back to normal .. for the escapers were not found, and life had to go on. Most never saw or sensed the falling cloud of darkness .. but a few did.

These did their best to cry out, but it was futile .. Martin and a few others weren't the only ones with monocles. For the ones that had them spoke fondly of them .. soon everybeast wanted one.

Soon nearly every beast had one.

Groddil and Bella weren't the only ones who kept their distance .. Gingivere and Sandingomm did too. They weren't in a good light already .. after all, they'd raised Veil .. a murderer.

When he was accused, they'd been stunned .. and hadn't really been able to do much. Then both their adopted and real son had run away .. and with the king's daughter. Being wildcats already, it didn't look good for them.

They'd been staying at Redwall for a time, but they had a comfortable manor out near the quarry. So it was that they took their daughters, Iris and Irene, and left .. it was better than staying in a place where they were under suspicion.

This was the topic of conversation for Bella and Groddil .. and Luna, for the blind prophetess felt the danger too.

The three were at the base of the wall, in the dim morning of the third day since Veil and his friends had run. Bella shook her head. "I don't blame Gingivere for getting his family out .. in fact .. I want to get out too."

Groddil looked surprised despite himself. "Leave? But this is our home!"

Luna flattened her ears. "It is not the place I've loved for seasons .. it's full of discord and suspicion; hatred and false accusations. We could stay and fight .. but is it really our fight?"

Bella nodded wisely. "That is the question my dear .. that is. Is it our duty as Prophets to fight this .. or is it our duty to find and aid a hero?"

Groddil's voice was quiet. "If it is .. what hero?"

The old badger shook her head. "Ah .. but that is another question. And I think I know .. our hero is the very one we have thrown out, the very one we have spitefully accused and tried to kill .. for nothing. Do you not know the prophesies? There was the one of the marks. There was the one that spoke of destroying the greeneyed alliance. Those were fulfilled. But there is another .. one that has long been my favorite. But if I recall correctly, the book is still in Brockhall."

Luna tossed her head. "Groddil and I could get it."

Bella shook her head. "No, I want to come."

She heaved herself onto her paws, sighing, "I'm not that old .."

Groddil frowned. "You'll never make it to Brockhall .. that's a thirty minute ride, and across the fords!"

Luna stepped in. "I'll carry her. The herd is out on the flatlands anyway .. and I'm sure Sparks and Glow are worried about me. I just had to see you."

Bella gave in. "Alright, I suppose. No matter how old I get, I hope I'll always be able to ride."

><><

The Great Hall was still, caught in the moments between night and dawn. And it's lone occupant was just as dark as it .. if not far darker.

Xzanthia stood before the trunk of monocles, a slow smile forming on her face as she pulled out the last glimmering chain and eyepiece .. plain silver with a few swirls of etching on the rim. "Ah .. they took the finest ones. Shows they are just as greedy as us vermin, are they not?"

"They are."

The voice from behind cause Xzanthia to jump, and the monocle to clatter to the floor. Mayberry stood in a faint patch of colored light from a stained-glass window, watching with something odd in her eyes.

The wearet picked up the fallen monocle, brushing it off as Mayberry asked, "What are you really up to? You aren't like most of the vermin around here, and I don't believe you came here just to become 'good' .. as if any vermin could do that, it defies logic."

Xzanthia wasn't quite sure where Mayberry was headed, and it was dreadfully hard for her not to utilize her power and probe the otter's thoughts. She would have .. but her takeover wasn't complete and she could insight those Prophets against her should she use Malimore's strength. However the wearet knew how to work a conversation. "What do you mean by that? Your kind isn't perfect, after all."

Mayberry tossed her head. "Only because they don't bother trying to be perfect. They think Lord Ignasa will just love them as they are .. but I think you have to prove you're good enough."

Xzanthia pounced on this. "That makes sense .. why would Lord Ignasa want a beast who isn't perfect .. if he's perfect?"

Mayberry replied quickly. "He wouldn't. It doesn't stand to reason."

She paused, realizing fully what Xzanthia had said. "You .. think so too?"

Xzanthia nodded, bringing conviction into her voice. "Of course I do .. because it's right, and you're right."

Mayberry was slowly letting her guard down, and it showed. "Nobeast's ever thought that about me."

Xzanthia looked sad, though inwardly triumphant. "They don't like you at all .. even though you're such a good creature!"

The otter maid crossed her arms. "They hate me."

Xzanthia smiled shyly, as she stated, "I don't .. I like you .. because you think like me."

Mayberry looked at her oddly, as the wearet held out the silver monocle. "It's not the nicest one .. but I'd like you to have it. You didn't get one at all .. and this one's still pretty."

Xzanthia smiled hopefully as Mayberry slowly reached out, taking her offering. The otter maid rubbed the silver rim, before putting it to her eye. She looked around, before letting the object drop into her palm. "I .. like it, actually. I think I'll keep it .. thank you."

Behind a sincere smile, Xzanthia's brown eyes gleamed in victory. "No Mayberry, thank you .. for listening to me."

The otter shrugged. "Maybe you're not so bad after all .. Xzanthia. I never said it, so .. welcome to Redwall."

Xzanthia smiled. "Thank you .. and I love it here. I really do."

><><

Veil woke slowly, feeling a little stiff from sleeping on the ground. He didn't open his eyes at first, in fact it was an odd crashing that made him do so.

The ferret sat bolt upright as Star burst from the undergrowth, sliding to a stop and nearly throwing her rider .. but Cedric hung on. Veil couldn't help having a bit of new respect for the mouse, and his apparent riding skills.

Star was panting, and Cedric slid of, staggering to a log by the dead fire and sitting down. "Ugg .. Munch .. good grief! We have got to work on those gaits of yours. You slide your hooves more than you pick them up .. Ahh! My back!"

Star huffed, before tearing up a bite of grass. Cedric sighed. "And how do you expect to get in shape if you eat all the time?"

The horse tossed her head. "It's not eating .. as such. It's more like .. tasting."

Cedric rolled his eyes as Veil walked to where he sat. "Can I ask you something?"

The mouse shrugged. "Have at it, your highness."

Veil sighed, deciding not to go after Cedric about the nickname he'd received. "How far until the desert?"

Cedric shrugged. "At the pace we make .. five days. If we moved faster, maybe three."

Veil raised an eyebrow. "And how long will it take us to cross?"

Cedric shrugged again. "That depends .. on a lot of things. Dust storms, dry springs, nomads .. a lot of things, as I said. There's a town right before .. and I advise you to get some supplies there."

Veil nodded. "Yea .. I think we will. Thanks. And .. thanks for taking us."

The mouse shrugged. "I'm doing it for the money. I don't have sentimental attachments."

><><

The soft call of a sparrow was all that could be heard in the morning stillness as Groddil, Luna, and Bella made their way toward the badgers old home. As they walked through the old garden behind it, now in semblance of order, but overgrowing with spring weeds, Bella sighed. "Ah, this old place .. I do love it so. I'm glad Timbal and Sayna will love it for me, long after my seasons are over."

Groddil nodded, before stating, "I wish they were here."

Luna tossed her head. "I as well. The four are not one when two are missing."

Bella's ears perked up. "The four are not one when two are missing ... that's it! Come on you two!"

She slid from Luna's back, using her staff to limp to the door of Brockhall. Her two companions caught up as she pulled an old key off her belt, inserting it in the lock and turning until there was a hollow, echoing click. The badger pushed the door open, limping down the short, initial staircase. "Just as I left it .. I have missed my dear home."

She nodded to Luna, as the horse stuck her head through the large doorway questioningly. "I think you can fit dear, you're quite small for a horse. Do mind the steps though."

The blind albino did her best, though she stumbled on the third and last stair, having to quickly compensate for it .. something the resulted in an loud clatter. Luna shook herself off as Bella called, "Well come on you two, we've got to go to the library."

The badger seemed to be feeling her liveliest, excited about what they might find. She opened the old door of the library, taking a moment to light the central lamp, something that featured at least a thousand dangling prisms, things that reflected and doubled the light like twinkling stars.

Bella seemed to know where to go as she hurried to a shelf near the back of the room. Her large paws were gentle as she shifted the ancient occupants of this mounted bookcase .. finally drawing out an old scroll .. something that looked as though it had weathered too much time to tell.

The badger gently unrolled the object on a nearby writing desk, and Groddil whispered, "It's written in the old script."

Bella nodded, before reading aloud.

"Four are not one when two are gone,

Echoes of evil shall rise.

Only a breath of morning song,

Could break this spell of lies.

A chosen one and chosen true,

Has a call to answer.

Far from home but not alone,

He has a home to fight for.

Echoes will ring, echoes will fly,

Sixclawed though he be.

A hated one will answer this cry,

What hides will set us free.

Concealed the truth of his past,

His father's fire within.

The truth he may find at last,

The echoes on the wind.

Though he flees the grip of death,

Paws red though white as snow.

He's called to fight til his last breath,

His heart through trials will go.

Through it all one can see,

Past this web of mystery.

The plan laid out in ancient time,

A veil shall set us free."

Bella paused as Groddil read over her shoulder. "Signed .. Spearlady Gorse."

His badger friend nodded. "My great grandmother .. many, many generations before me. This scroll has been in my family for hundreds of seasons. Have you any doubt that it speaks of our Veil?"

Luna shook her head. "None Bella, it's him. It's got to be."

Groddil's voice was odd. "Do not judge the veil yet ... the conqueror's seeker son must conquer his own path."

Luna looked up. "What?"

Groddil shook his head. "I heard it .. when I first saw Veil as a wounded child. After the battle at Salamandastron, with Lotor."

Bella shook her head. "The poor young one .. he's so young. Even now, he's hardly an adult. But he is the one .. I always knew he was special. I just always knew."

><><

Travel was hard, especially with the beasts Veil was in the company of. It wasn't like he didn't like his friends .. or feel deep gratitude for their sacrifices .. he just wasn't sure how he was going to get anywhere.

Of course .. all he knew was that he should go to Southsward. What he would do when he got there .. he had no idea. He simply figured Lord Ignasa would show him his next step.

But first he had to get there. And just getting there seemed half the fight.

At least it certainly seemed that way.

And there was Cedric. Veil didn't know what to think of the mouse at all. It was starting to grind on his nerves that he flirted with every maid in the group .. and Esther especially. For some reason, that was seriously irritating.

Veil shrugged inwardly. He didn't like it when Cedric bothered any of his friends .. after all, he cared about them, and what they thought and desired. They were his friends, and if he didn't care, what sort of friend would he be?

Still, there was something about Cedric bothering Esther that made Veil the angriest .. though he really couldn't say why. It was an unnamable emotion .. involuntary even.

But all he could do was try and tell Cedric not to irritate the maids, and the mouse retorted by asking if he was jealous or something as equally prideful and insane. He wasn't jealous at all .. that would be silly .. he just wanted to make sure his friends were ok. That was all.

However the thing was .. Cedric was like lichen on a rock. They couldn't get rid of him. And worse yet, they needed him to survive. However once they were through the desert, Veil would be happy to pay the mouse and send him on his way.

He could tell Fripple would be more than overjoyed.

Dusk was setting in .. it had been a long day. Veil had his eyes open for a plausible campsite, though clearings were fairly infrequent in this part of Mossflower.

Presently however, they came across a space where the trees were thinner, due one large tree overshadowing the ground .. a positive giant, and completely ancient. Ivan didn't hesitate, simply threw his haversack over one of the lower limbs, perhaps five feet off the ground. "I call this one."

Veil smiled a little, thinking of how his adopted brother had a fondness for sleeping in trees. Aubretia looked up from her notepad, stating, "According to my calculations, we are almost out of provisions and must forage for sustenance."

Veil was tired, but he nodded. "Let's split up. Aubretia, Catkin .. could you get us water from that stream? It's nearby, I'm sure .. I can almost hear it. Ivan and Fripple can go one way and look for provisions .. Esther, Star and I will go back a ways to where I thought I saw some wild turnips. And Cedric .. is it too much to ask, or could you chop some wood?"

The mouse sighed. "Yes, highness."

><><

Left alone, Cedric started to gather some fallen branches to chop for firewood. At first there were really no thoughts of mischief on his mind .. until he had the old axe in his paw to split the wood.

It may have been almost four days since Ivan had put nettles in his bed, but Cedric hadn't forgotten. He hadn't let the wildcat off the hook yet.

Looking first at the axe, and then at the tree limb Ivan had thrown his haversack over, Cedric was hit with an inspiration. It was a classic old trick .. chop something almost through so whoever stepped on it would fall. Cedric had seen how Ivan got into bed .. he pounced in, just like any cat would.

Simple, but he'd better hurry before the others got back. The mouse walked under the sizable tree branch, axe in paw. He felt the bark, before carefully pecking away at it with the cutting tool; not too forceful, yet forceful enough.

Cedric hadn't done something quite this immature for a while, but after all, stinging plants and near drowning deserved retaliation.

He'd gotten perhaps a third the way through the branch, when an insect dropped on the back of his neck. Cedric slapped it, before he felt another on his ear.

The mouse swiped the tiny creature away, irritated and about to go back to his deed, when Aubretia and Catkin's voices became audible on their way back from the stream, and Cedric hurried back to his pile of firewood, set the axe down, and picked some branches up before the two came into the clearing. Catkin was cheerful. "Oh you've gotten firewood? Thank you so much! Bring them over here, and I have Veil's tinder box. A nice fire always makes me happy, doesn't it do the same for you?"

><><

Dusk had melded softly into night by the time everybeast returned to camp, and it was even darker by the time supper was made and eaten. Veil wasn't enchanted by the food, a menagerie of woodland vegetation in the form of stew .. but it was better than nothing.

Conversation was mostly consisting of Catkin, trying to cheer everybeast up by talking.

The otter smiled at Cedric. "I'm so glad you're taking us, it does make us all happy .. and I'm terribly sorry for nearly drowning you .. I really am."

Cedric shook his head. "Eh .. it wasn't all your fault Sunshine."

He directed a look at Ivan, who shrugged, reaching for a third helping. Veil couldn't quite understand where the Wildcat put it all, but his brother was certainly a hearty eater.

The ferret stood, stretched .. and couldn't help a yawn. "Ahhgg .. I'm going to bed. It's been a long day .. and we've got to start out early."

Fripple nodded. "Me too .. I hate early mornings."

Veil threw his blanket down near the tree branch Ivan's satchel hung from, and Fripple took her place on the other side of the trunk, just out of sight. Veil lay down, letting his gaze shift to the dark, restless canopy of leaves above him.

He slowly started to drift off as the others took up different sleeping places nearby, and the sifting smoke of the fire drifted up into the shroud of leaves.

Ivan went to bed last, as always. The cat stretched, leapt to his feet, and stalked toward the tree trunk. He kicked of his boots, and pounced onto the tree limb with amazing strength.

That second everything went wrong .. for one moment there was nothing but an odd groaning noise, but in the next heartbeat, the sizeable branch broke with a terrible crack!

TBC~ Sayna I do write all my own stunts  23:09, July 12, 2015 (UTC)