User blog:SaynaSLuke/The Warriors Begining



''The mighty Lord who owns the blade,

''And acquaintance of old,

''Will war long with the Lord self-made,

''Where sun turns sea to gold.

''The warrior maid with golden fur,

''Will come and help them fight.

''And even when strife is no more,

''Lingers sorrow black as night.

''Whoever hears and heeds this cry,

''To march off into war,

''The question is; Who will die?

''Whose blood will stain this shore?

Note
This is the first book in a trilogy called The Unsung Heroes

Book 1: The Warrior's Beginning (in progress, rewritten version of Martin the Warrior (book)

Book 2: Four Warriors Cometh (not started, rewritten version of Mossflower)

Book 3: The Prophesy Fulfilled (not started, rewritten version of The Legend of Luke

To my readers:
There are a few things you might want to know about this story, just so it doesn't come as a shock. This is a rewritten version of Martin the Warrior (book) It has horses in it, and a few rather fantastical things also. (not to mention, when I say this is rewritten, I mean, rewritten. I have totally disregarded BJ's plan for the story, and made my own. It does contain fragments of the original plot, but it has changed a lot.) Still, I think some of you might find this interesting. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Best wishes -Sayna

Sometimes you have to wonder how it could of happened. How it might of happened. How it should of happened. Sometimes you have to ask, Why did this happen? Should this have happened? Did this have to happen? Lend your ears to me for a time, all you creatures who dare to dream, and hear a untold tale of grand old Redwall history. A tale of a forgotten warrior, forgotten happenings, and forgotten truths. Though you have probably heard of Martin the warrior, I doubt you have heard his tale told like this -Sayna S. Luke

Main Characters
Sundew: (aka Sally) daughter of Urran Voh. Golden brown mouse maid with jet black eyes.

Laterose: Same as in Martin the Warrior (book).

Martin:Same as in Martin the Warrior (book), only now he has golden brown fur >:D

Groddil: Silver fox, same as in Lord Brocktree (book).

Raven: (aka Erwin) black ermine with one with paw and striking blue eyes.

Gruven: plain brown mouse, with the makings of a warrior.

Important Characters
Keyla: otter, same as in Martin the Warrior (book)

Wildfire: bay pinto Arabian stallion, Martin's best friend.

Badrang: Same as in Martin the Warrior (book).

Tramun Clogg: Same as in Martin the Warrior (book).

Vilu Daskar: Same as in The Legend of Luke, but older and with more injuries. (peg-leg, hook-paw, all in all rather twisted up)

Note that many of the original characters have undergone revision, some more then others, as you will see.

Prologue
A little hedgehog crouched next to his mother in a tiny, ramshackle cottage, shivering against the cold. The two creatures were a picture of dejection, skinny and dirty, obviously very poor. The young one looked up at his parent, whispering,

"Mommy isn't there anything to eat?"

The hog wife shook her head sadly. "No dear. You know I haven't hardly been able to provide for us since your father died."

The child murmured, "Tell me a story mother, please. One about how Mossflower used to be."

The hog wife got a far away look in her eyes, and began.

"Once upon a time, Mossflower was free. There were no vermin to rule us, instead there were five wise leaders. Barkstripe the badger, Lord Blacktail the squirrel king, Skipper of otters, Martin, king of Kotir, And Lady Lepus the rabbit chieftain. Our land was happy and prosperous, and no creature suffered want. One summer, King Martins Queen, Sunflower, gave birth to a son. Martin threw a grand feast to celebrate, and invited all his subjects and fellow rulers. Every creature went, from peasant to noble. Then Verdauga struck! He killed Martin, Sunflower, Barkstripe, and so many more. However, Legend says that Lepus and the young prince, who was called Luke, escaped. Now Mossflower waits, silently in oppression, for the warrior prince and princess who will defeat Verdauga, and restore peace to our land."

The little hog babe pressed closer to his mother whimpering, "When will they come mother, when?"

The hog wife stroked her babes head spikes, whispering, "someday my son, someday."

Her eyes hardened. "And when they do, those vermin will pay for your fathers life. Mark my words, they'll curse the day they took Mossflower!" The snow storm howled ruthlessly outside the dwelling, but it couldn't extinguish the small spark of hope that still burned within.

Chapter 1 Maid of Noonvale
Sundew was the eldest daughter of Urran Voh, chieftain of Noonvale. She had golden brown fur, golden head fur, and eyes like chips of jetstone. She was considered by most an unusual maid, rather quiet, very serious, and not quite right in the head. For Sundew was a dreamer, and the population of Noonvale were not. Sadly, this young mouse who had so much potential, was hard put to make use of it. She was a cripple, forever confined to the prison of her chair.

This was the way most of the creatures of Noonvale looked at her, but Sundews few friends saw a very different side portrayed. By them she was called Sally, and was always full of exciting schemes and clever ideas. To be truthful, Sally didn't smile much even for them, but her friends had learned to read her sparkling black eyes. These few playmates of Sally's were, Late Rose, her sister, Brome, her brother, Gruven, a brown mouse with a taste for adventure, and Ghostdancer, a dark gray filly.

From Sally's point of view, Noonvale was a boring town full of stale, unimaginative old creatures. Sure, the location and cottages were pretty and peaceful, but Sally wanted adventure, not beauty. To her Noonvale was a dusty old gossip strewn place badly in need of excitement.

Urran Voh had never known what to do with Sundew. She was terrible at knitting, sewing, cooking, graces, and all other maidenly pursuits. The only thing she seemed to be able to do was draw, and take care of animals.

Yes, Sundew was a mystery. To her father, to her friends, and even to herself.

Chapter 2 Just a Normal Day
Sally stretched in the pre-dawn light, and opened her eyes. From her bed she could see out her window, which offered a grand view of Noonvale's town square. She sighed. She could see her fathers goat, Tulip, calmly munching grass by the fountain, the squares centerpiece. Sally sat up in bed and hurriedly got out of her night clothes, grabbed her dress of the head board, and pulled it on. Disregarding petticoats, bonnets, and shoes, Sally slid into her waiting chair and wheeled herself outside. Tulip was her responsibility, and her father would be furious to know the goat had got loose.

"Tulip! Tulip you nut! How did you get out this time?"

The goat answered Sally with a friendly

"Maa,"

before heading toward the stable, signifying it was milking time. The mouse rolled her eyes and followed Tulip as quickly as possible.

"Need some help with that?" A voice called.

Sally shook her head. "I can get there myself, Gruven."

Gruven shrugged. "OK, but I can get you there faster."

Sally relented, knowing Gruven's sturdy twelve year old arms were stronger then her already tired ten year old ones.

"OK."

Gruven seized the back of the wheel chair and pushed it toward Urran Voh's stable. "Why are you always trying to do everything yourself?"

Sally shrugged. "I'm tired of being called a failure."

Gruven snorted. "Who calls you a failure? Not me!"

Sally sighed. "Well I guess they don't say it, but I can tell they think it. You may not think I'm a failure Gruven, but you pity me. No don't say a word. I can sense it when you look at me."

She looked down. "I'm tired of being pitied and scorned, tired of this chair, tired of boring old Noonvale. I want an adventure! Something exciting!"

Gruven sighed. "Not like there's any chance of that here."

When they got to the barn, Tulip was waiting in her pen. Gruven fed the goat, and Sally begun milking. With nothing else to do, Gruven leaned against the back wall of the adjoining stall, which belonged to Urran Voh's horse, Lightingflash.

"I wonder where old Flash and Ghostdancer are this morning?"

Sally looked up. "Oh they just went to graze on the north ridge."

Gruven yawned. "Well I hope they h. . YIKES!"

Sally craned her neck to see Gruven over Tulips back. "What's wrong?"

He shrugged "Oh this wall stones loose. It just startled me."

He pulled the rock inward a little. "Hey it's hollow, and . . . WOW! Sally, come look at this!

Chapter 3 The Sword
Sally quickly wheeled her chair over to where Gruven was standing, staring into the wall stone he had pulled loose. She peeked into the hollow stone, suddenly understanding Gruven's amazement. There laid a sword of unmatched beauty, a sword kings would have fought for. It's hilt was gold plaited, with a sapphire in its pommel and one on either side of the cross tree. Its blade was mouse sized, and perfectly balanced, but strangest of all was the name engraved on the hilt.

SAYNA.

Sally picked up the sword, and it felt as though she had found a long-lost friend. She polished the blade on her skirt, admiring how it glinted in the early morning sun light. Somehow, she knew she had been born to wield a sword, and this weapon had been made for her.

"I call to order this meeting of the Warriors of Noonvale." Sally stated.

She sat in the club house she and her friends had built. Rose, Gruven, and Brome sat on the floor, while Ghostdancer stuck her head through the window.

Sally held up the sword. "This morning, me and Gruven found this in Lightingflash's stall."

Dancer piped up. "But how could you find that in my dads stall? He'd have cut himself on it!"

Sally snorted. "Not in his bedding silly, in a wall stone!"

"Oh." Dancer stated, as if it made perfect sense for a sword to be IN a wall stone.

Sally continued. "Anyway, I say we should keep it."

Before anymore could be said, however, a rustling from outside betrayed a intruder!

Gruven opened the door a crack, whispering, "There's a big snake out there! It's coming strait for us!"

Sally grabbed the sword. "Open the door."

"But Sally. . ." Gruven protested.

Sally's eyes held a wild red light. "Open that door NOW!"

Gruven had never seen his friend like this. He quickly did as he was bid.

Sally could hear a voice in the back of her mind, whispering,

 'Strike the one who would kill your friends, strike now!' 

The door was flung open, Sally LEAPED TO HER FEET, bounded across the room, and brought a swift cut down on the snakes neck.

Gruven broke the stunned silence. "Sally, you're standing!"

Sally swayed and grabbed the playhouse door for balance as Dancer sniffed the beheaded snake. She took a step back.

"This was an adder!"

Sally took one shaking step before her legs buckled and she fell. She determinedly got to her paws, but fell again. The mouse maid growled and seized a fallen limb, and using it as a walking stick, she managed to stay on her feet.

"We need to bury this thing before somebody sees it."

That night, there was much rejoicing in Urran Voh's home. The mouse frowned as he watched his daughter. While he had not heard about the adder, or the sword, something told him sally had a greater destiny then Noonvale.

Chapter 4 The Magician Returns
Sally sat alone on a ridge over looking Noonvale. She polished her glistening weapon and once again stroked the mysterious name engraved on the hilt. SAYNA. Sally scratched her ear. What did it mean? It almost seemed familiar, as if from a dream, or a dream of a dream. One thing Sally knew, however, she was made to carry this sword. The weapon felt as though it was an inseparable part of her.

Sally stood up carefully, still getting used to standing. She pretended to face an imaginary foe, swinging hard to the right. The weight of the sword caused her to spin around three times and sit down hard, making her loose her grip on the hilt. The sword flew across a short expanse and hit a tree, then fell to the ground. Sally was about to scramble up and grab it, when a evil chuckle rang from the woodland. Almost out of nowhere, a dull black fox appeared. He picked up the weapon and examined it.

"Ho Ho me pretty. This will serve me well. It's a pity you won't live to use it, but never fear, old Ferran will!"

Sally began to slide backwards, but the one called Ferran moved like lightning. One second he was forty paces away, and the next he was he was standing over her, pinning her down with a footpaw. Sally shuddered, looking into the pale eyes of one so evil. Her obvious fear delighted the fox. He threw back his head and laughed.

"Har Har! So your afraid mousy! An well you should be."

He lowered his cutlass. "Why does he think you're so special? you're just another miserable coward, like they all are. Well I ain't here to question my master, just to serve him."

He raised his weapon. "Tis Hellgates for you mousy."

Suddenly a silver fox leapt out of the bushes and brought his cutlass up to deflect Ferrans death blow. The clash was so loud it nearly deafened Sally, and both foxes lost their weapons.

Ferran snarled, "Groddil! You traitorous scum! I thought you'd long since gone to Hellgates! But still it shouldn't be to hard to make sure of that!"

The one called Groddil snarled back. "Ferran, you evil, cruel beast! Killing the defenseless! And you might be surprised how well I fight!"

Ferran sneered "Ha brother! Since when did you fight for the helpless? And besides, you're a cripple! What could you do to me?"

Groddil did not give his brother the satisfaction of an answer. He lunged at Ferran and sank is teeth into the black foxes shoulder. Both creatures went down in a jumbled heap of bristling fur and snapping fangs.

Suddenly Ferran managed to disengage himself, leaving large chunks of black fur in Groddils claws. Sally slowly got to her paws, astonished by what she had seen. She ran over to the silver fox, who was staunching the flow of blood from a gash that ran from his nose tip to just under his left eye. Sally ripped a piece of cloth from the hem of her skirt and offered it to him. The fox took it and blotted his wound, before stating,

"So you want to learn sword fighting lass?"

Sally's mouth dropped open. "How did you know that?"

Groddil shrugged. "That was the general idea I got, watching you swing your sword around."

Sally raised an eyebrow. "You were here all along?"

"Yes, I should come to your defense earlier, but ... Well I'm sorry." The fox apologized.

Sally picked up her fallen sword. "It's OK I guess."

The fox closed his eyes and leaned up against a tree, before stumbling over to some bushes and pulling a walking stick from them. Groddil heaved himself onto his paws with a groan.

"Not as young as I once was."

Sally noticed with a start that Groddil was badly deformed. His back was hunched over, one of his back legs was twisted underneath him, and his left forepaw was crabbed.

The fox smiled. "Yes I know. Not the most good looking am I?"

Sally shook her head. "I didn't mean it like that ... What happened to you?"

Groddil grimaced. "It's called 'Don't play with wildcats unless you want to get scratched' but anyway, you want to learn sword fighting?"

Sally nodded eagerly. "Then meet me here tomorrow. We'll make a swords beast of you, never fear. Just one thing. Please don't tell anyone about me."

Sally nodded. "I won't." She promised, before hurrying off.

Groddil stared after her and whispered, "Whoever would have thought I'd find her here."

Sally came the next day, and the next, and the next, until meeting Groddil became a routine. The fox taught her well, and by the time the winter wind blew, she was showing great promise in fencing, knife throwing, and archery. Sally looked up to Groddil and thought of him not only as her mentor, but her friend as well. Little did she know just how valuable the silver fox was.

Chapter 5 An Oath of Vengeance
The winter wind howled viciously around a lone traveler. She squinted her eyes against it, and kept going. While she was an ermine, she was glossy black all over, and her coat never turned to brown in summer. Her blue eyes stood out starkly against her almost iridescent black fur, as did her one white forepaw. She pressed on doggedly, but finally the storm forced her to take shelter in the many rocks on Fort Marshanks shore.

She reached into her satchel and removed a wooden bowl as well as some herbs. The creature mashed the leaves and mixed them with some water to create a dark substance. She plunged her white forepaw in it, smiling with satisfaction as the fur turned black.

"I am coming Badrang. I am coming and this time you can't stop me. This time I am ready. This time, you will pay."

Badrang stood on the wall top enjoying the winter sun on his sleek white fur. He was a true ermine, possessing a white coat and black tail tip in winter, and a honey brown coat in summer. Badrang hated his summer coat so much, he had his former seer Muckfur, create a mixture of herbs to keep it white permanently. Much as he hated to admit he needed anyone, Badrang was at a loss as to what to do without Muckfur, who had fallen ill and died recently.

This was the state of mind the tyrant was in as he watched the lone figure make its way to his fort. It was small, graceful, and almost familiar ... Badrang shook his head. No that was impossible.

Hisk came running up the wall steps. "Lord somebeast's approaching!"

Badrang rolled his eyes "Do you think this is news to me? Get back to your post this instant you nitwit!!"

Hisk was confused. "But sire, what about .."

Badrang shot his captain a look that would freeze the heart of a brave beast, something Hisk was not.

"Do as you're told. I'll see to our guest."

Badrang watched the traveler come toward him. The creature was wearing a hooded cloak, and her voice was soft, almost silky.

"Are you Lord Badrang, tyrant of the north coasts?"

Badrang was pleased by her flattery, but did not show it. "I am. Who are you stranger?"

She removed her hood to reveal piercing blue eyes. "I am Raven, a traveling seer."

Badrang smiled inwardly. A seer was just what he needed. "Then you will join my horde and travel no longer."

Raven held out her right forepaw. Badrang shook the paw, relieved that it was not white. Never the less, he would keep his sights on Raven. He wheeled away, his blue cape swirling behind as he motioned her to follow.

Raven narrowed her eyes. That had been easy, almost too easy. The black ermine resolved to keep a wary eye while in Fort Marshank.

Chapter 6 Raven at Work
Raven sat in the barracks, contemplating her next move. Badrang thought she was a seer, well that had been her intention, but it could get her into trouble. She had never actually had any connections or voices that allowed her to read omens or see the future. This was entirely up to her wit and slyness. She just hoped she could bluff as well as she could scheme. Still, it shouldn't be to hard, if Badrang was as stupid as she remembered.

Raven had taken a scout around Marshank the first day she got there, and it was pretty obvious to her that if she wanted to accomplish anything, she would have to get rid of Scalrag, Badrangs sniveling spy. She carefully pulled a vial from her cloak and poured its contents into a jug of ale. Raven proceeded to set the jug on Scalrags bunk before smiling grimly.

"That poison has been extremely useful to me. You'll go out like a light Scalrag."

The ermine had just made it back to her bunk, when a rat called Grimjaw walked in.

"His Mightiness wants ter see ya in 'is longhouse."

Raven stared at the speaker aloofly. "Very well rat."

As she left, Grimjaw spied the jug on Scalrag's bed. The rat grinned slyly.

"Ho ho Scalrag old matey, ya shouldn't be leaving things around."

Grimjaw snuck from the barracks with the deadly jug of ale in his paws, sniggering at his cleverness.

Chapter 7 The Story
"Once, in Mossflower, which is a great southern land, their lived a great warrior, a mouse called Martin. He was king of southwest Mossflower, and lived in a beautiful palace called Kotir. The land was peaceful, and Martin ruled his subjects well. However, he and his queen, Sunflower, were not happy, for fate had withheld from them what they longed for most. A child. Finally, one summer, Martin and Sunflowers greatest wish was fulfilled, and they were granted a son, who they named Luke. Now one night, when Prince Luke was only a week old, death struck Mossflower. A cat and his minions attacked. They plundered. They slaughtered. They burned. The woodlanders who were left alive, scattered or summited. Martin and his wife were killed, but the legend says that somehow, Luke was saved."

Groddil looked up, pausing his tale.

Sally begged, "Tell me the rest! About the warrior prince and princess."

Groddil nodded. "Fair enough. Mossflower has remained in oppression ever since. But it has been said that someday, four great warriors will defeat the cat. There is a prophesy that goes like this;

The mighty prince carries a sword,

For to defeat the self-made lord.

In the northlands, born of pain,

There he'll leave a flame.

The mighty princess carries a blade,

She is a warrior born not made,

Whose eyes are like night and head fur is gold,

Same as foretold as in days of old.

A mighty warrior from northlands came,

Danger in his very name.

Unmatched in battle, unmatched in war,

Well known from Mossflower to northern shore.

The last warrior is not without power,

Though she is called after a flower,

When hope is no more, when others will fall,

She will save them all."

Groddil smiled. "The last part of the prophesy makes little sense. It goes like this:

And the warrior princess shall live and fight for them over a thousand seasons, making sure no vermin ever rules Mossflower again."

Sally looked wistful. "I wish the warrior princess was real. I wish I was her."

Groddil scratched his scruffy gray beard. "Oh she's real Sally, mark my words."

Chapter 8 Groddils Confession
Sally sipped her steaming mint tea. It was frosty cold outside, but it was nice and warm in Groddil's snug burrow.

Sally studied her mentor as she drank her tea. The fox was on in seasons, and his fur was silver. Whether the color resulted from age, or if it was from birth, sally could not tell. Groddils eyes were fluid, piercing yellow, contrasting drastically with his shimmering coat.

In truth, Groddil was a contradiction. He was a fox, a vermin. Yet he refused his kinds evil ways. Goodbeast's wouldn't trust him, which was why he spent his days as a hermit, farming his land and teaching Sally the arts of war.

Groddil interrupted Sally's reverie.

"What's on your mind, eh lass?"

Sally asked the question that had been nagging at the back of her mind. "Groddil, are you a magician?"

Groddil shrugged. "Depends on what you think a magician is."

Sally frowned. "Well you know, can you tell fortunes, see the future, or read dreams?"

She paused, "Groddil, I know we haven't talked about your past, but let's face it, you're like family to me, and .. well .."

Groddil look down and scuffed a paw on the floor, then spoke. "Yes, you're right. You may resent me after you hear my story, but you deserve to know the truth."

The fox sighed. "It all started a long time ago, when a silver fox was born last in a litter of five. All my life I was bullied and pushed, so in an attempt to make friends, I fell to practicing paw reading.

At first I made it all up, but slowly I began to just .. well .. know. Looking back, I realize how creepy that feeling truly was, but I was young and I reveled in the power I believed I commanded.

When I was fourteen seasons old, a vicious wildcat called Ungatt Trunn captured me and my family. To save myself, I told the cat I could read omens. Being a superstitious creature, the warlord killed all my kin except my elusive brother, Ferran.

The cat crippled me so I couldn't run, and took me with him, making me his magician, or slave, to be more realistic.

When I was eighteen seasons old, Ungatt Trunn attacked the mountain of Salamandastron. He picked a good time too, for the badger and his hares were old. The fortress was in evil paws within a fortnight, but the badger and nearly a score of ancient hares were nowhere to be found.

The mighty one forced me and other vermin to search for them, and after many useless days of looking, we were forced to make a report.

My master was furious I had not fulfilled my orders, and he had a rat called Ripfang flog me."

Groddil winced at the memory, and paused for a time, as if unsure whether to continue. Then he began again.

"There were many struggles for the fire mountain, but I'll never forget the one in which I met Stargazer. That horse is one in ten million Sally. He had compassion on me, a fox, and helped me escape my evil master, throwing away everything he had to do so.

Even though I was free, I had to return. Had to see which side won. The woodlanders did. As I was leaving, I found my master's broken, but living body washed up on the shore.

He begged me to help him. My mind ran through all the things he had done, all the things he had made me do. I felt a burning anger wash over me as I remembered how I had ordered the death of the old badger lord, under his command.

I pushed him into the water, watching as he disappeared beneath the waves. I was half crazy with gilt and sorrow for my wicked deeds, so I chanted what Ungatt Trunn had taken so much pride in. His list of praises."

Groddil got a faraway look in his eyes, chanting in a singsong voice,

"These are the days of Ungatt Trunn.

The fearsome beast,

Oh mighty one.

He who makes the stars fall!

Conqueror, Earth-shaker,

Son of King Mortspear, brother to Verdauga!

Lord of all the blue hordes, who are as many as the leaves of autumn!

Oh all powerful Ungatt Trunn!

The fox looked down. "I wandered until I found this place, and hid from .."

He paused, and Sally thought she heard a hint of fear in Groddil's voice.

"Hid from my past."

Chapter 9 Slave to a Tyrant
He wasn't much to look at, but he might have been, who could tell? Maybe if his fur had been clean, instead of battered and filthy. Maybe if he had worn good clothes instead of his torn, stained rags.

A lot of things might have been different about him, if he wasn't a slave.

Badrang's slave.

His name was Martin, though not many knew that.

He had handsome brown eyes that offset the rest of him. They looked like they should have belonged to a noble prince, not a slave.

At that very moment, Martin was loading stones onto a cart with some other slaves. The young mouse winced as the heavy rock he was carrying pinned his paw to the cart as he set it down.

"Kayla!" He hissed through clenched teeth, hoping Captain Hisk did not hear.

Kayla, a young male otter, set his stone down on the cart and pried the rock off Martin's paw.

Martin nodded his thanks as he caressed the wounded paw. "Thanks Kayla."

The otter hurried his friend back to the rock pile. "Don't let em know you've been wounded mate. Can you work with that paw?"

Martin grimaced as he picked up another stone. "I'll live."

"Well you know Badrang's crew don't show favors ta wounded slaves. Don't let on you've been hurt." Kayla warned.

A shadow danced in Martin's eyes. "I know too well. Don't worry about me Kayla."

Kayla allowed himself a rare smile as his friend walked off. Martin had always been a fighter.

><><

"Raven!"

The black ermine scurried into Badrang's presence. "Yes my Lord?"

Badrang stared moodily at his seer. She was hiding something, he knew it. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure out what. So he snapped bad-temperedly,

"Well, do your job! Don't just stare at me, read the future!"

Raven nodded, sitting cross-legged in front of her Lord's throne. She pulled out a pouch of shells and bones, shaking it and scattering it's contents across the floor.

The black ermine had read the suspicion in Badrangs gaze, and she knew she'd better make this good. As she was staring at the mess on the floor, trying to think of a good answer, something very odd happened.

Badrang glared at Raven as she stared at her omens, but suddenly she looked up, glassy-eyed. She began speaking in a soft, unattached voice.

''"The mighty Lord who owns the blade,

''And acquaintance of old,

''Will war with the Lord self-made,

''Where sun turns sea to gold.

''The warrior maid with golden fur,

''Will come to help them fight.

''And even when strife is no more,

''Lingers sorrow black as night.

''Who ever hears and heeds the cry,

''To march off into war,

''The question is; who will die,

Whose blood will stain this shore?" 

A silence fell across the room, terrible and foreboding. Badrang broke it.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Raven looked up, her eyes back to normal. "I know not my Lord."

She was vastly relived she had come up with something, although the rhyme made as much sense to her as to Badrang.

Badrang was not in the mood for games. "You said it! How can you not know?"

Raven cringed. "Sire, my voices said it, not I. Perhaps it will be made clear to me in later days."

Badrang stared murderously at Raven, but it occurred to him that he would never know the riddle's meaning if he killed the seer.

"It better, Raven. It better."

Chapter 10 A Few Seasons Hence
Seasons pass, as seasons do, and at Fort Marshank, tensions were high.

Raven was seated in the barracks, dyeing her paw black once more. All this time she had not allowed the fur to grow out white, lest Badrang should guess her true identity.

She had never discovered the meaning of the strange riddle, and Badrang was not pleased.

Raven shook her head as she disposed of the dye. She didn't even know how or why the riddle had come into her thoughts. It was as if some other beast had spoke through her, and so she had lied that it was her 'voices'

As if she had any. She was no seer, but she was an actor.

A good one.

><><

Martin sat beside his dear friend, a bay pinto horse called Wildfire. The two were nigh inseparable, for they were the same age and had been captured by Badrang near the same time.

The horse and the mouse made for an odd pair to look at, but never the less, there could not be two better friends.

Wildfire sighed. "Badrang's been more cantankerous then usual recently."

Martin just nodded, staring at the sun as it vanished behind the stark walls of Fort Marshank.

Wildfire could tell something was on his friends mind. "What is it?"

Martin shook his head. "All this. How long can we hold out?"

The horse tried to put a brighter side on things. "Hold out? Well we have done a good job of it so far!"

Martin looked away. "Don't lie Wildfire. What about the old ones? What about your mother? Hisk works her far to hard, and it's quite obvious."

Wildfire winced as he thought of Redcloud, and how Hisk whipped her constantly.

Martin continued. "Face it, we're dying. The old ones first, and we'll be next. What about Kayla? He pushes himself far past his limits to help the others, it's killing him!"

The mouse looked down. "Something's got to be done Wildfire. Badrang whips and starves the life out of us, then rants because we don't work harder."

Wildfire glanced at his scarred flank. "Yea, I know. All to well."

The horse looked curious. "So .. What's got to be done?"

Martin stared up at the stars coming out in the darkening sky. "I don't know. But something's got to change."

><><

Far off in Noonvale, Sally was thinking the same thing.

She was fifteen seasons old now, and skilled in the art of fighting, for Groddil had taught her well. However, no one, not even Rose or Gruven knew of her hidden skill, nor of Groddil.

Sally was tired of hiding everything that mattered to her.

But she had too.

Yes, something had to change.

Something.

Chapter 11 A Change of Scenery
Sally hitched Dancer to Urran Voh's cart while Rose and Brome loaded sacks of barley onto it.

"But why can't I come?" Brome whined.

Rose grabbed the grain sack he was dropping and placed it on the cart. "Because you're too little, that's why."

"I'm not too little!" Brome pouted. "I'm nine seasons old, almost ten!"

Rose rolled her eyes. "That's the point."

Seeing her brother's crestfallen look, she ruffled his head fur. "Cheer up Brome! We're only going to Evenglade, you've been there before."

Brome grumbled bad-temperedly, "Yes, but I want to go again! You and Sally always get to do fun stuff, and I get left out!"

Rose laughed. "Well I wouldn't call selling father's barley exactly fun. Last time we didn't have to many takers."

Sally walked around the cart to her siblings, snorting, "Yea, and you know why? It's cause his prices are to high."

Rose tried to be hopeful. "Well it's too early for barley this season, so we may have better luck."

Arreah came out of the cottage carrying a large basket.

"I've packed you two some meals, and they should hold you over for two days, with snacks in-between."

Urran smiled. "You spoil them to much dear."

He handed Sally a small bag of coins. "Now, Sundew, you, Rose, and Ghostdancer stay at the inn at Evenglade tonight, and I'll expect you back by sunset tomorrow."

Sally and Rose climbed into the drivers seat, calling, "Goodbye Father! Bye Mother! Bye Brome!"

"Be back by sunset tomorrow!" Urran ordered once more.

"Get enough sleep!" Arreah advised.

Brome just stuck his lip out in a pout.

><><

As soon as Noonvale was out of sight, Sally promptly leaned over and shoved a barley sack off her three knives, bow, arrows, and sword.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Really Sally? All those weapons? We're only going to Evenglade!"

Dancer laughed. "Try telling Sally to go anywhere without her weapons. I think they're an inseparable part of her."

Sally smiled as she stuck a knife in her belt, pulled the sack back over her armory, and leaned back in the seat.

"You're right about that Dancer."

Chapter 12 The Tyrant and his Slave
It was early morning at Fort Marshank, and as usual, the slaves were already hard at work.

Badrang was inspecting them and their labor, something they hated.

The ermine was atop Wildfire, loftily observing the work. The horse plodded through the slave yards, casting sorrowful glances around him.

Now he understood why Martin said they were dying. As Badrang's personal horse, it was not his duty to work with the other slaves.

He had it relatively easy, compared to this.

At that second, things went awry.

A young squirrel tripped over a rock on the ground, sprawling directly between Wildfire's front hooves. In an effort not to trample the poor creature, the horse jerked back, nearly throwing Badrang in the proses.

The squirrel picked himself up and scurried away, unhurt. However Badrang began thrashing Wildfire, furious.

><><

Martin was carrying stone when he heard the commotion. He got in sight of Badrang and Wildfire just as the ermine dug his spurs deep into his horses sides. Wildfire instinctively shied away from the pain, causing Badrang's spurs to tear a long rip in his hide, almost to his back.

Wildfire gave an anguished whinny as this new injury was added to his collection of cuts and bruises.

Martin couldn't stand it anymore. He flung himself at Badrang, seizing the ermine's leg and hauling him off the horse.

The young mouse grabbed Badrang's whip and begin trashing him with no mercy. The tyrant reacted by kicking out and managed to catch Martin in the jaw with a spur. This resulted in Martin going head over heels backwards, but the mouse flung himself back into the fray, only to be hauled off by Hisk and Scalrag.

Badrang got up, pure hatred on his features. His voice was cold as ice.

"Hisk, Scalrag, tie this insolent slave on the stakes. We'll see how hard he can fight seagulls!"

Martin managed to get his muzzle free of Hisk's paw. "Brave thing to do, letting a bunch of gulls do the dirty work you're afraid to carry out!"

Badrang slapped a paw across Martin's face. "Shut your mouth slave, or I'll do it for you!"

Martin sneered back, "Strike me when I can not fight coward! Because if I ever get loose, I'll show you how a coward dies!"

Badrang stiffened momentarily, remembering the sound lashing this defiant slave had succeeded in giving him just moments ago. The tyrant winced as his wounds began to sting in earnest.

"Get this idiot out of my sight so I don't kill him. I'll enjoy watching him suffer later."

As Hisk and Scalrag drug Martin off, two beautiful blue eyes watched them. Their owner smiled.

This could be useful.

Chapter 13 Call of Fate
Rose, Sally, and Dancer were not having much luck. They had reached Evenglade, only to discover someone else selling barley, and cheaper.

"This is hopeless." Sally sighed.

Rose had to agree. "Yea."

"Wasn't there another town, a smaller one, near here?" She asked.

Sally nodded. "Yes, it's called Winterdell. But it's a good distance from here."

Dancer looked quizzical. "Can we make it before dark?"

Sally shrugged. "I think so. I've never been there, but I've seen it on father's map. We can make it there before dark, but we can't get back here."

"Is there an inn?" Rose asked.

Sally laughed, "How should I know? I haven't been there, and maps don't say such things."

"Oh." Rose sighed.

Sally looked at the barley and thought of her father's disapproval. "Still, I think we'd better."

As Dancer started out, Rose asked, "But what will we do if there isn't an inn?"

Sally shrugged. "We'll live."

Rose wasn't so sure.

><><

Badrang stared at the form of Martin, tied between two ropes on Marshank's wall. The tyrant rubbed his stinging shoulder where his slave had managed to lash him heavily. Suddenly he whirled around, yelling,

"Hisk!"

Hisk came running. "Yes my Lord?"

Badrang's eyes glittered cruelly. "Take that mouse down to Gurrad, but tell him to go easy. Make sure he knows he is not to kill him. I still want a good show, but I think that slave needs a little .. more then seagulls."

Hisk bowed. "Your wish is my command."

><><

Raven frowned as Martin was drug into the bowls of Fort Marshank.

This posed a serious difficulty.

Gurrad was Badrang's torturer, his hangman. The black ermine knew that the slave would be helpless and possibly dead when Gurrad got through with him.

Raven twitched her lip. Hopefully the slave would survive.

He looked as though he could be very useful.

><><

Wildfire choked down a sob as Martin was drug away. He knew that Gurrad would do a good job of torturing his friend.

The horse closed his eyes. His best friend was to be tortured, and he couldn't do a thing. He felt so helpless.

"I'm sorry son." A soft voice murmured.

Wildfire just shook his head miserably.

Redcloud nuzzled her child's shoulder. "Be brave for Martin. He would want it."

><><

"We're lost, that's obvious." Sally moaned.

Rose sniffed. "Now what?"

Dancer had lost the road, and apart from the soft glow of the coach lamp, all was black.

"We make camp." Sally sighed.

She unhitched Dancer, and made a bed of barley sacks in the back of the cart.

Rose snuggled down in the bed remarking, "It's a good thing we didn't sell the barley, because it's pretty comfortable."

"That's nice." Sally remarked before blowing out the lamp.

Rose sat bolt upright. "Don't do that!"

"Why ever not?" Sally asked.

"Because I can't see!" Rose wailed.

Sally was unsympathetic. "You're not supposed to. You're supposed to go to sleep."

Long after her sister had fallen asleep, Rose sat up, staring into the darkness. Every sound was unfamiliar and scary. She desperately wished they were safe at home.

But she wasn't the only one to wish they were somewhere else that night.

Chapter 14 Crossroads
Martin hung limply from his bonds, half-conscious. The lashes Gurrad had given him stung painfully, and Scalrag had tied him so tightly his paws had gone numb.

He weakly looked up, murmuring, "Is it true the only way a goodbeast leaves this place is through death?"

He slumped down, his strength gone.

Suddenly a voice whispered, "Hold still mouse, I'm going to get you out of this."

Martin stared at his rescuer through blurry eyes. "R .. Raven?"

The black ermine cut through the ropes, then helped rub the life back into Martin's numbed limbs. He muttered, "But .. but I don't understand .."

Raven handed him a flask of water and some bread. "Now get out of here mouse, before Badrang catches you."

Martin took a drink, murmuring, "Thank you!"

Raven flicked her long black hair over her shoulder. "I have my reasons. Now get out."

><><

Raven slunk back into Fort Marshank unnoticed.

She sighed. It was a pity Gurrad had lashed the mouse so much, for he was too weak to be of any use.

Still, it was better to have him die outside the fortress then at Badrang's paw. At least the tyrant would not have the enjoyment of watching the gulls tear him apart.

><><

Sally slowly awoke to realize she was sleeping in the back of the cart, far away from home. She yawned, poking the lumpy bundle beside her.

"Wake up Rose! Time to get going."

Rose's head was thrust from under the blanket.

"Wake up??? I've been awake all night! There was something crashing around out there! It was big, loud, and scary and I was sure we were going to be eaten alive!!"

Dancer came trotting up. "It was me."

"It was not you!" Rose argued.

Sally left her friends to their ridicules argument and went to survey the traces. When she reached them, she groaned. She had left them on the ground, and now they were wet with dew. The mouse maid sighed, grabbed a rag, and began drying the harness.

When she was finally done, Dancer backed into the shafts and Sally harnessed her.

The mouse proceeded to climb into the drivers seat with Rose, and look up at the sun. Only, the sun wasn't there to look at. In it's place was a large, dark cloud bank.

"Which way?" Dancer asked.

"Ummmm .." Sally gulped.

Rose looked shocked. "You mean you don't know???"

"I can't do it with out the sun to guide me." Sally admitted.

"Oh no!" Rose gasped, the beginnings of hysteria on her voice.

Sally sighed. If her sister got hysterical, nothing would get done.

Thankfully, Rose didn't have time too.

A giant flash of lighting rent the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.

Dancer reared up until she almost fell backwards. Rose tumbled into the back of the cart as the front wheels were lifted from the ground, and Sally hung on with all her might.

Dancer came down and took off running as fast as her legs could take her. The momentum catapulted Sally off the drivers seat and into the back of the cart with Rose.

"Dancer stop!" Sally cried, but the horse was oblivious to anything besides her fear and her instinct to run.

Sally looked over at Rose, who was laying flat on the floor.

"It's ok!" She tried to reassure her sister. "Dancer will wear out and have to stop!"

><><

However, Dancer was not lacking in speed or stamina, and it took a long while for her to slow down.

When she finally did, she was apologetic. "I'm sorry guys, I don't know what came over me."

Rose was not paying attention. "What's that?"

Sally followed her sister's line of vision, until she saw the cause of Rose's interest. Several large black birds were circling in the sky some distance away.

"I don't know." Sally remarked, adding, "Let's find out."

><><

It took longer then Sally had thought to come even remotely close to the place the birds were, for they were far off.

As they neared the spot, Sally could smell salt on the breeze, and it puzzled her. She had never been to an ocean before, or she would have recognized the salt smell and the screeching of gulls.

The woods were thinning out, and Rose yelled, "Hey look at that!"

Sally saw the bundle of fur and rags as well, and her heart sank. She kicked the barley sack off her sword, grabbed it, and ran toward the creature.

She reached the prone unfortunate at the same time the vultures did. Sally drew her sword and lashed out at the nearest bird, cutting it's wing. The bird let out a loud squawk, frightening it's companions.

Sally seized the sword in her teeth, and grabbed the unconscious creature's tunic. She begin to drag the mouse across the distance between her and the cart, which was far to long.

Dancer saw the danger first, and broke into a gallop, trying to reach her friend before the vultures did, something that seemed impossible.

Rose grabbed Sally's bow, which was little more then a toy. She didn't know how to aim, how to hold a bow, or even how to notch an arrow, but somehow she managed to put the arrow on right and fire!

The arrow flew dangerously near to Sally and the mouse she was dragging, but miraculously took down a vulture instead of them!

This gave Sally enough time to get herself and the mouse into the cart.

The mouse maid collapsed on a sack of barley, gasping, "Get us out of here Dancer!"

Chapter 15 Complications
"Well, now what?" Rose ventured to ask after they had left the sea shore behind. Sally had unhitched Dancer, and they were all resting after their harrowing experience.

The mouse they had rescued was faring poorly. He had never awoke, and although she didn't like to say so she didn't think he ever would. At least not without proper care, something Sally couldn't give him.

The mouse shook her head in answer to her sister's question. "I don't know Rose. I just don't know."

Rose looked hopeful, "Well if we could take him back to Noonvale, I'm sure mother could .."

Sally looked away. "Rose I've got to tell you this. The fact is, I've got no idea where we are, or where Noonvale is. We can't get home. Face it Rose, We're really lost. Really and truly."

"Oh." Was all Rose could think to say.

They sat silent for a bit, each thinking their own thoughts.

Suddenly a soft, unfamiliar voice rang from the woodlands. "I do not know where Noonvale is good travelers, but it may be that my mother does."

All three whirled around to see a short yet beautiful mare. She looked about fifteen seasons, but her manner was far older. She was the strangest horse Sally had ever seen. She was pure white with crystal blue eyes, but oddest of all, her pupils were deep, sparkling indigo, not black as they should have been.

The horse smiled. "My name is Luna. Now waste no time, for I know thou have an injured friend, who is in need of help. My mother is a healer."

She watched Sally struggling to lift the mouse onto Dancer for a minute, before laughing softly. "Thou must put him on me, one who is not so tall."

Sally managed to accomplish this, and Luna smiled down at her. "Thou will ride me too friend, to see he does not fall off."

Sally nodded, climbing onto Luna's back and steadying the mouse there.

"Now leave the cart, for no harm shall befall it." Luna ordered, before heading off into the woods.

><><

Sally could feel that Luna walked very oddly. Every step had a tiny pause before the hoof touched the ground, and this puzzled Sally greatly. Still she didn't have much time to contemplate this, for they came in sight of a quaint little cottage made in the hollow trunk of a very large tree.

Dancer looked at Luna, puzzled. "I thought you said you were taking us to your mother."

Luna stared blankly at Dancer for a minute, before laughing her pretty laugh. "Oh I see! You think my mother is a horse. Well I suppose my real one must have been, but I have no memory of her."

She looked sad for a minute, before smiling again. "No, my mother's name is Polleekin. She is a mole."

Sally wasn't sure what to think of a mole adopting a horse, but she didn't really have time to think about it. A homely old mole wife trundled from the cottage.

"Luna the next time thy be a runnen off thy moit tell me first! Oi've been a worryin about thou young horse!"

Luna sighed. "Mother, I'm not a baby anymore. I didn't go far, but I did manage to find these travelers. They have a friend who's in need of some urgent help."

She looked worriedly at the mouse as Sally gently drug him off the horse's back.

Polleekin instantly flew into action, helping Sally carry the mouse indoors, ordering, "Now Luna, thy keep the gray horse company, whoile Oi see what's to be done with this here young'un."

Chapter 16 New Friends
"A most strange tale young'un, but then Oi've seen apleny of strange things in moi days." Polleekin declared after hearing Sally's story.

She sat by the bed she had laid the mouse on, carefully bandaging his wounds. Rose sat beside the mole wife, looking worried.

"Oh will he be alright Polleekin?"

The mole patted Rose's paw. "Now there, there missy Rose. He'll be foine. This uns a strong creature, an that's for sure."

Sally smiled nervously. "I'm going down to see Dancer and Luna if you don't mind."

As she left, Polleekin observed, "Missy Sally ain't for sitten around sick rooms Oi'm a guessin."

Rose sighed. "Yes, my sister likes to be outside under the sky and not in a house."

She paused, adding, "And she doesn't like anything to do with healing. I have the feeling she feels pretty useless, and that's something she really hates. Mother tried to teach her healing, but it was no good. Sally just couldn't figure it out."

She walked over to the window, smiling down at Sally telling Luna about their adventures.

"She likes telling stories though."

Polleekin nodded. "Oi know this missy Rose. Now mioght you help me?"

><><

The day passed slowly and peacefully. Sally stayed outside until Polleekin asked her to help with dinner, and then she obliged the mole wife.

Rose watched over the mouse, who was sleeping quietly, while Sally helped set the table.

She carried a glass of warm milk over to her sister. "Here Rose. Polleekin wants you to see if he'll drink that."

Rose smiled. "Alright. How's Dancer?"

Sally grinned. "Fine. She's getting along with Luna really well. They're friends already."

Polleekin's voice came from the kitchen. "Oi'm pleased with that. Luna's been a needin some friends."

The conversation was interrupted by the mouse, who blinked his eyes open as Polleekin entered the room.

"Oi see our young sleeper awakes." The mole wife commented.

"Where am I? Who are you?" The mouse groaned. "I thought I was as good as dead."

Rose handed him the milk, explaining, "I'm Laterose, but just call me Rose. This is my sister Sally, and our friend Polleekin. You're in her house."

The mouse looked confused. "But how .. I don't understand ..."

Sally was about to begin telling the story of the rescue, but Rose kicked her footpaw. "Never mind all that right now, you need to sleep. We'll tell you in the morning."

She took the empty glass. "What's your name?"

The mouse closed his eyes murmuring, "My name is Martin."

Chapter 18 Meanwhile ...
Urran stood at his front door, staring into the growing dusk, watching for his daughters and Ghostdancer. However, no cart appeared.

Night fell, and with it, Urran's hope. It took him a while to realize that his children wouldn't get back that night.

Arreah came out of the house, looking worried. "Dear, you must come to bed. Sundew's a responsible young mouse, and she won't let anything happen to Rose or Dancer. You'll see."

Urran nodded, stiffly shutting the door against the cool night air. Brome fiddled with the crotched covering on a chair, asking, "Aren't they back yet?"

Urran shook his head. "They'll be back in the morning Brome. Now run along to bed."

Brome scowled and began climbing the stairs to his room, before asking, "But what if they aren't back in the morning? What if they got captured, or lost, or ate up or something?"

Urran pointed a stern paw at his son's room. "Bed!"

Brome stuck his lip out and drug his feet all the way to his room.

As he pulled on his bed clothes, he imagined what it would be like to get lost, captured, or ate up.

None off these things seemed like calamities to his young mind. They seemed like magnificent, wonderful adventures, and he was very jealous to think that his sisters could have got captured or ate up without him.

He could envision Sally coming home and telling about getting ate up or something as equally exciting.

Then he, Brome, would have to sit and listen to that, and not have anything to tell.

As the young mouse crawled into bed, he made up his mind, that before Sally, Rose, and Dancer returned, he would have had an adventure just as exciting as theirs.

><><

Urran made himself a cup of tea to drink before bed, and his wife did the supper dishes. She looked at him, mild concern on her face.

"Dear, do you think .. Brome may have something? About the fact they may be lost?"

Urran took a sip of his tea. "Hmm I don't know. I doubt it though. They most likely didn't sell the barely until it was to late to get home tonight, and they stayed at the inn."

Arreah rung her paws. "Oh I do hope they didn't get caught in that dreadful storm early today."

Urran shook his head. "I'm sure they were snug and warm in the Evenglade inn dear. Sundew would never sell barley in a storm like that."

Arreah still looked worried, so Urran smiled, "I'll tell you what dear. If they aren't back by next morning, I'll ride down to Evenglade and inquire about them."

Arreah looked relieved, but she still fussed. "Well what if they aren't there?"

Urran put his empty tea cup in the sink, laughing, "Then I'll ride all the way to Winterdell if necessary. However, I'll most likely meet them on the rode before I even get to Evenglade."

Arreah smiled half-heartedly, before looking out the window one last time. "I do hope they're safe, wherever they are."

And they were. At least for time being.

Chapter 19 Moving On
Sally awoke slowly as the gray light of dawn spilled through her window. She stretched, got up and pulled on her dress. It was good to be away from home for awhile, although Sally had no idea where Noonvale was.

She slipped downstairs and began helping Polleekin get breakfast. She nodded to Martin, sleeping on the mole wife's couch. "So how's our new friend this morning?"

"Burr he'm be a lookin much better now. Oi'm a thinken he'll be on his paws afor long." Polleekin answered, setting some dishes on the table.

Sally bit her lip. "Polleekin, do you know where Noonvale is?"

The mole wife shook her head. "Oi'm afeared not missy."

Sally sighed. Polleekin's small black eyes searched Sally's face intently. "Oi do know something that moight be a helpin you though."

Sally looked hopeful. "What?"

Polleekin motioned to some birch-bark paper on a nearby shelf. "Now you'm roight down what Oi say, cause Oi'm a thinken you'll be needen it later."

Sally wrote down Polleekin's strange words carefully, making sure she understood the mole wife's rustic speech. She then read the riddle back to Polleekin, to make sure she was correct.

"Set out from the place of peace,

For to find the place of war.

If thou seek the ruthless lord,

You must reach the eastern shore.

The path you tread is fearful,

Still, don't be afraid,

Beware of deceitful paths,

Seek light oh warrior maid!

From mountain top to valleys deep,

Never stop, only keep,

Sight of two headed slope,

And always hold onto hope.

Even when you reach your goal,

Your path will not end.

For reaching peace may take it's toll,

And you'll start over again.

Just like waves pound on the shore,

Ever changing, still the same.

Sometimes things happen,

And you're not to blame."

Sally looked up. "Is that right?"

Polleekin placed a caldron of porridge on the table. "Oi spect so missy. Don't ask Oi what it means, for Oi don't know. That be for you to foind out."

"Find out what?" Rose yawned as she sat down at the table.

"A riddle, and our only hope of getting home." Sally explained cheerfully.

She stood, handing Rose the parchment. "I'll go and see what Luna and Dancer are up to."

Rose scrutinized the writing carefully, complaining, "Sally, how do you expect me to read this?"

She hurriedly grabbed another piece of paper and copied Sally's handwriting off so other beasts could read it.

Sally shrugged. "Sorry."

She sat down at the table just as Polleekin came in with Martin, sitting him down next to Rose.

Rose sat up strait, handing Sally the parchment. "There. Now we can read it."

Sally scanned the writing. "Oh." She absently stuffed it in her satchel, before starting to eat Polleekin's porridge.

Martin ate like he had been through a ten season famine, and this seemed to please Polleekin greatly.

"Oi do say now, you'm have a gurt appetite zurr. What you'm been eating before you came here?"

"Almost nothing." Martin managed to say around a mouthful of porridge.

Rose looked shocked. "Didn't your mother feed you?"

Martin stopped eating for a moment. "I don't have a mother."

Sally cocked her head. "Where did you live before we found you then?"

Martin snorted. "Live? More like living death! I was Badrang's slave."

Polleekin interrupted. "You'm came from that vermin fort?"

Martin nodded. "Aye. and I've got to go back and help my friends!"

Sally looked at him oddly. "Without an army? If this Badrang is very powerful, you won't stand a chance."

Martin looked down. "I know. But I've got to try. Thank you for helping me, though."

Rose refilled his bowl, stating, "Well I guess you could come with us. I could have my father help you get an army."

Sally was about to say something about how Urran would never let himself get caught up in a war, but Martin was already replying. "Do you really think so?"

Rose smiled prettily. "I'm sure of it."

Sally opened her mouth to contradict this statement, but Polleekin was motioning to her. With a sigh, the mouse left her unfinished breakfast and followed Polleekin outside.

The mole wife looked a little sad as she handed Sally some provisions. "Oi know you'm be a leavin today, and moi Luna going with you."

Sally was not expecting this. "Uhh .."

It seemed that Martin would be traveling with them, and now Luna would as well.

Polleekin smiled. "Oi can't keep the choild with me forever. She needs to get out and see the world."

She looked over to where Luna and Dancer were grazing side by side. "An besoides, Luna'd be moighty sad when Dancer leaves, Oi can see that. Best she goes with you."

Sally nodded. "Ok. She can come but I don't see .."

Polleekin patted Sally's shoulder. "You'm look out for moi Luna missy, see that she comes home to Oi."

Sally felt the weight of this new responsibility rest on her shoulders, and she nodded. "I will Polleekin. I will. Although I'm sure Luna can look after herself."

Polleekin looked away. "Burr, she'm can do many things missy. But there are some things when she'll be needin help."

Before Sally could ask what she meant, the mole wife was trundling off to tell Luna her decision.

><><

Luna was overjoyed with Polleekin's consent that she go. She and Sally retrieved the cart, while Polleekin packed more provisions for the journey, and Martin, Rose, and Dancer muddled over the riddle.

The goodbye with Polleekin was sad, but they promised to return again.

The old mole wife shook her head sadly as the five travelers disappeared into the woods.

"Oi do hope Oi made the roight choice, but Oi'm a thinkin they'll be a needen Luna. Oi just hope she comes home."

Chapter 20 Brome Sees an Opportunity
The next morning, Brome was in a foul mood. He was trying to think of how he could have an adventure, and not discovering a way.

Brome hated not being able to do something, because he usually succeeded in getting whatever he wanted. The young mouse was rather spoilt, although he did not see himself as being such.

He played in the fountain in the town square, seeing how far he could skip pebbles. Brome was just about to skip a flat stone, when someone snatched it from his paw. Brome turned about to see Roderick, his sister's mortal enemy. The young mouse set up a howl as Roderick threw his nice, flat rock into the fountain, sneering,

"Ha, Sundew can't save you now! Not that she could anyway."

"M .. My sister is .. isn't a coward like .. you! If she w .. was here .. you .. you'd be .. be .. shredded!" Brome sobbed viciously.

Roderick laughed meanly. "But she isn't here is she?"

"No, but I am!" Gruven's voice rang from behind the bully.

"And I'll see that no one is mean to my best friend's little brother. You got that Roderick?"

The bullying mouse slunk off sullenly, as Gruven retrieved Brome's rock from the fountain. "there you are Brome."

Brome grinned happily, wiping the tears from his eyes. "Thanks Gruven!"

Gruven looked away. "You're welcome Brome."

Brome crawled across to Gruven. "You're worried about Sally?"

Gruven shrugged. "I suppose."

Brome laughed. "Oh you are! You are!!"

Gruven was spared more of this conversation by the arrival of a cart. Both mice looked on curiously as the wagon, pulled by a short black mare headed toward them.

Gruven shooed Brome off. "Well don't just sit there, go tell your mother!"

Brome hurried off as the badger driving the cart pulled her horse to a halt in front of Gruven.

She dismounted from her cart, followed by a hare. "Is this Noonvale young sir?"

Gruven nodded. "Aye, it is. Who are you?"

The badger smiled. "I'm Rowanoak, co-founder of The Rambling Rosehip players. This is my accomplice Ballaw De Quincewold. Just Ballaw."

Gruven raised an eyebrow. "Rambling Rosehip players?"

Ballaw bowed. "Traveling performers doncha know me lad. Roving circus, wandering actors, call us what ya will."

By this time Arreah had come out of her house. She dipped her head to Ballaw and Rowanoak. "I am pleased to meet you good beast's."

Rowanoak returned her gesture. "You are Arreah I presume? Your husband met us one the road to Evenglade earlier, and directed us here. He said his town might like to see our performances."

Arreah smiled. "Yes, I am Arreah. And I'm sure our townsfolk would enjoy a circus very much."

Ballaw took the black mares reins. "Where can we set up our jolly old tents and such?"

Arreah motioned to where they stood. "Right here in the square."

As the Rambling Rosehip Players began setting up their camp, Brome hurried up to Gruven. "Oh a circus! What fun!"

But even as he contemplated the enjoyment of a show, his fertile young mind was cooking up a plot ...

Chapter 21 The First Obstacle
Sally and her companions pitched camp as the sun set. They lit a fire and sat around it, talking about the next day.

"Sally, where is that riddle I copied for you?" Rose asked as she settled down between Martin and Luna.

Sally retrieved the crumpled paper from her satchel, handing it to Rose.

The mouse maid began reading.

"Set out from the place of peace,

For to find the place of war.

If thou seek the ruthless lord,

You must reach the eastern shore."

Rose frowned. "But who's the ruthless lord anyway?"

"I have the feeling," Martin stated as he poked the fire, "That his name is Badrang."

Rose shook her head. "We're seeking him?"

Sally peered around Luna's forelegs. "I guess."

Martin scratched his head. "Badrang does live on the eastern sea, but I know where his fort is. Why do we need these strange .. directions?"

Rose held up a paw. "Let's try and decipher the rest before jumping to conclusions."

She began reading again.

"The path you tread is fearful,

Still, don't be afraid.

Beware of deceitful paths,

Seek light oh warrior maid!"

She nodded. "I think this stanza is what we must do first. The riddle says not be afraid. Afraid of what?"

"Deceitful paths probably." Sally chipped in, peeking around Luna's legs once more.

"How can a path be deceitful?" Rose asked, puzzled.

Martin shook his head. "I don't know. But what about the part that says; 'Seek light oh warrior maid.' Who's the warrior maid?"

"Sally!" Rose and Dancer exclaimed at the same time.

Sally shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "I guess."

Martin shook his head. "But how is that possible? I've never heard of a maid being a warrior."

Sally got up, and walked over to the cart. "I can show you."

She pulled out one slim knife. "Watch."

Martin never saw the knife leave Sally's paw. One second it was laying loosely in her palm, the next there was a whistle followed by a thump. The knife stood quivering in a tree trunk twenty paces away.

Sally retrieved her weapon thoughtfully, hesitating a moment, before handing it to Martin. "Here, you might as well have this. I've got others, and we might get into some scrapes were we'll need more then one warrior."

><><

The quiet crackling of the fire filled the air as the travelers slowly dropped off to sleep.

Sally looked at Rose, expecting her to be wide awake and terrified like the last time they had to camp out, but to her surprise, her sister was sleeping peacefully. Sally didn't know what to think of this, but she dropped off before she could give the matter serious thought.

><><

The next morning, bright and early, the travelers were on their way again. It was midmorning before Sally noticed that the ground was growing damp and soft. She looked up into the tree tops to see fungus coated trunks and moss covered branches.

Sally had never been in a swamp before, so she did not know what to make of the odd plants and soil. As they kept going, the ground got damper and damper until Sally's bare footpaws were sinking in mud with every step.

Dancer was a little behind the others, pulling the cart, when the wheels sunk deep in a particularly deep spot of mud. The horse tried to pull her load out, but to her horror she realized it was sinking deeper!

Sally whirled around as Dancer yelped, "Help, get me off this thing! It's sinking!"

Sally ran to her friend as the cart settled down even deeper in the muck. The mouse pulled on Dancer's harness, but her efforts were futile. Mud splattered in her face as Dancer struggled against the sinking cart, and amazingly she managed to pull it out a fractional amount. But the next second it settled back down, sinking even deeper.

Dancer's eyes were pleading. "Sally, please! Just leave the cart! Get me off!"

Martin, Rose, and Luna had come running at the commotion, and Sally instructed, "Help me get the harness off!"

"But what about father's cart?" Rose asked, shocked.

"Oh blast father's cart!" Sally exclaimed as she tried to undo a harness buckle. "Would you rather lose Dancer?"

"I can't get it undone!" Martin exclaimed. "The harness is to taunt to unbuckle!"

Sally looked around for a split second before leaping on to the doomed cart.

Dancer struggled as this added weight made the cart sink deeper. Sally threw her bow and quiver at Rose. "Here, catch!"

Rose awkwardly did so as Sally grabbed her other knife, and drew her magnificent broadsword from beneath a barley sack.

She leapt from the rapidly sinking cart, yelling, "Get out of the way!"

Her friends leaped backwards as she brought a two pawed cut at where the harness connected to the cart, instantly severing Dancer's bonds.

Dancer jolted forward as the cart sank from view.

Chapter 22 Brome's Adventure Begins
Brome sat in his room, looking out at the Rambling Rosehip Player's camp. He grinned cheekily, satisfied that he had come up with a decent plan for an adventure. It had occurred to him what a stir he would cause when it was discovered he was gone, but that didn't really bother him. In fact it made the whole thing even better.

Brome's mother spoiled him. She was always willing to do almost anything for any one of her children, but Brome especially. He was her baby, and no matter how big he got, she would always view him as such.

Rose was Urran's pet, not Brome or Sally. Still, he seemed to favor Sally over his son. He never cut Brome any slack, never really cared to have any real interaction with him.

Rose petted Brome terribly. She played with him, did his chores for him, adored him with her entire being.

So being, Brome was indeed, badly spoiled. But even though Rose and Arreah loved him dearly, they never gave him what he really wanted. Excitement.

This was where Sally came in. Compared to the rest of her family she was incredibly strange. Still, she was Brome's favorite sister. She never petted him, never doted on him. She let him learn things the hard way, let him feel the consequences of his actions. However, she let him come with her when she explored the forest around Noonvale. These times were the happiest of Brome's life.

Brome scribbled some writing on a peace of parchment. He snuck into Sally's room and stuffed it under her pillow. Arreah had made the bed already, so nobody but Sally would know where he'd gone. When she got home, she would understand why Brome wasn't there to greet her.

But more then that, she would understand his need for adventure.

><><

The show commenced at midday, and Brome enjoyed every minute. This made him even more determined to carry out his plan.

While his mother thanked Rowanoak for putting on such a splendid performance, Brome crawled into the cart, and hid under some burlap sacks in a corner.

After the excitement of the show and the prospect of running away, Brome was tired out. He fell asleep almost instantly.

Chapter 23 Raven's Memory
Raven sat under the shadow of Marshank's wall, thinking.

Ever since she had helped the mouse escape, Badrang had his eyes on everyone, including her.

Especially her.

Raven buried her head in her paws, choking back a sob. She had to do this! She had to kill Badrang! For her family! For her husband, her children!

Raven tried to hold back the memories that flooded into her mind, threatening to swamp her. She sobbed as those hated memories drowned out the real world and threw her into that of yesteryear.

Once, Raven had been a kindbeast; before Badrang. She had a husband and children; before Badrang. She had a home, a place to call her own; before Badrang.

Smoke.

Heat.

Raven cried out as it all came back.

''Running from the burning house only to realize that her baby son was still inside, Seeing her husband murdered before her very eyes. Grabbing her young daughter's paw and running, agonizing pain as a knife sunk into her back. The feeling of falling, and then total darkness ...''

Raven trembled as she saw and felt those terrible memories as if the were happing again.

She sniffed. A kind otter had found her and brought her back from the brink of death, but Raven almost wished he had left her.

She drew a dagger from her belt, her only weapon, and held it in her paw, admiring it's deadly beauty. It was the selfsame knife Badrang had almost killed her with.

She stroked it's sharp blade, whispering,

"Just as this knife drew my blood at your paw Badrang, so shall it draw yours at mine."

Burning revenge smoldered in her blue eyes as she swore, "You will pay for this Badrang. You will pay."

Chapter 24 Luna to the Rescue!
The five travelers stared at the place the cart had been just moments ago.

"Well that went well. Thanks Sally." Dancer panted.

Rose took a few steps backwards, shocked at how the cart had vanished. Suddenly she felt a foreboding pull on her footpaws. She tried to pull them out, but they sunk deeper.

Her four friends jumped at her scream, wheeling around to see Rose up to her knees in mud. Martin ran to her, grabbing her paws and trying to pull her out, but almost falling in the swamp himself.

Rose almost pulled Martin in, with her frantic efforts to escape.

"Stop it you two! Hold still!" The two mice went completely still as Luna's voice rang out sharply.

The white horse took a fractional step towards them, feeling the ground as she did. She inched forward, ordering,

"Martin try to keep her from sinking any deeper. Sally, Dancer, stay where you are, and don't distract me!"

Sally and Dancer didn't dare move, or even hardly breath. They had no idea if the next move they made would send them into a mud hole too, so they stood frozen, watching helplessly as Luna slowly made her way across to Martin and Rose.

Rose whimpered as she sunk in up to her waist. Martin tried to pull her out, but his paws just slipped, resulting in Rose sinking deeper.

Luna had just about reached them when she stopped abruptly. "Martin, I can't go any farther, this is where the swamp begins."

Martin was frantic. "Well can you reach her, she's not that far away!"

Luna swiveled her ears nervously, and looked like she was about to say something, but Rose begged, "Please Luna! Please try!"

Luna carefully reached out with her muzzle, almost as if she was trying to feel Rose. Her nose brushed up against the back of the mouse maids dress, and she seized this in her teeth, pulling cautiously. This resulted in Rose being pulled out a little ways. Luna quickly grabbed her friends belt and yanked.

Rose sighed with relief as Luna set her down beside Sally, who, despite how muddy her sister was, hugged her. Martin stumbled over to them, gasping,

"That was a brave thing to do Luna."

The white horse sighed. "I only did what any other would have done."

TBC~ S a y n a th e W ar ri or  23:57, September 8, 2014 (UTC)