User blog:SaynaSLuke/The Veil is Torn



By Sayna

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.

Author's Note
Well, here we are. The final book of 'Accused' .. let's see what happens, shall we? ;) I've left my poor chararacters in such a mess, really, I wish I could just be nice to them for a little, but I'm afraid their quest isn't done yet.

Time in Southsward is about up, so it's time to see what Xzanthia's really been up to. It ain't gonna be pretty.

If you haven't read the prequel, Dream Seekers, I'd advise you do .. this won't make a lot of sense otherwise ;)

So anyways. I dedicate this to the faithful readers who have stuck with me for five books now, and the ones who have joined in as the time has passed. Thanks guys <3 :)

Also to Lus, and her addition to 'Accused', the Lenn subplot ;) We'll be seeing more of it soon ..

To my parents, and of course Brian Jacques. May he live on through his stories, I only dream of one day becoming as good an author :)

Also I'll post the links of some fitting music :)

Chapter 27 Broken Lives
The night wind blew softly over Redwall, ruffling the black headfur of a young brown rat sitting on the steps leading to the door of Great Hall. His agile paws ran across the stick of pine he was whittling, but they did their work by habit only.

Filip was staring up at the moon, overrun by wispy clouds. Its cold white light lit the abbey lawns, but the young rat was oblivious to beauty. He glanced down at his work, though his gray gaze did not register what he stared upon.

He did not like Roseanna, or Trimp, or Redwall in general. He wished his parents would spend more time with him, but ever since this change ... they'd been worried more about Ash.

Because Ash wasn't getting better, she was still quiet and dull eyed .. listless. She could speak, but it was a flat, uncaring voice, as if she did not properly know what she was saying.

Filip scowled. Roseanna hadn't figured out anything that could help Ash, and deep down, Filip was worried about his sister.

Of course Roseanna wouldn't find anything, what could he expect? No, if something was going to be done to get this mess fixed, he'd have to do it.

But where to start? That was the biggest question.

Suddenly there was a crack, and the little hawk he was whittling split in two beneath his ill-guided knife. Filip scowled, dropping the shattered pieces. Why couldn't he just pay attention to what he was doing?

It was things like this that made them call him worthless .. he always drifted off into some day dream, and ruined whatever he was working on.

The rat heaved himself onto his paws, thinking of going to bed. No, let him get another piece of wood first, lest he have to do it in the day while eyes were on him. Filip walked through the stand of thick grass in front of the main doors, heading toward the pond.

It was dark here, for the walltops cast long shadows. Filip cast about for any fallen piece of pine or oak, but there seemed to be nothing. The rat sighed, about to turn back, but he heard something that made him freeze.

"I'm telling you Tyre, I don't like it! Some of them are forming alliances, my goal is to keep them separate!"

The voice was Xzanthia's .. though not the soft voice she always used in the day. It came from the parapet above him, and Filip quickly ducked under it, crouching near some bushes.

Another voice answered, one Filip hadn't heard before. "It is as I said. You are too rash. Haven't I said you'd need help?"

"Oh don't play I told you so, just advise me, advisor."

"Hmm .. well, as it is the larger part of them is divded, we just need to conquer."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Well, don't be such an upstart smart-aleck, didn't Nightshade teach you anything about northern tribes of vermin?"

There was a pause, and then Xzanthia spoke again, voice thoughtful. "Hmm .. yes she did. But they are rabble, the lot of them .. primitive. I'd have to give them something of value."

"You have the abbey at your disposal, pick what hurts the most."

"What hurts the most. Hmm .." Xzanthia paused, before continuing, and Filip could just imagine the grin on her face. "I like the sound of that, Tyre."

><><

Fripple awoke slowly, not sure where she was or what had really happened. She could remember fighting Cedric .. and then Mizzah had been there .. but other than that there was darkness.

She was lying in a beautifully decorated room, most of the light coming through the balcony's open doors, though it was fading light. The mouse sat up slowly, feeling a little sore, but feeling alive.

She limped carefully to the balcony, realizing instantly this must be the great palace .. how had she gotten here?

Suddenly a cheerful voice rang from behind her. "Fripple?"

The next thing she knew, somebeast was hugging her tightly. "Oh Fripple .. Oh I was so worried!"

Fripple struggled away from Catkin, asking, "What .. where am I? What happened? I .. is Cedric .. alive?"

"Oh I think it's so nice you would think of him first." Catkin smiled, suddenly sobering. "You know he's an absolute wreck Fripple .. he blames himself, and it's very upsetting, I've never seen Cedric like this. Please cheer him up for us, cause you're the only one who can!"

Fripple blinked. "He blames himself because he was hexed?"

"Yes, that's it. He thinks you'll never forgive him." Catkin paused. "You will forgive him, won't you?"

"I .. well .. I don't see it's even his fault. It's my fault, and I deserve what I got .. but .. I will speak with him." Fripple sighed.

She suddenly noticed what beautiful attire Catkin was wearing. "Wait, what's going on?"

The otter smiled. "Oh, Lady Lilly's very happy for what we did to help Southsward. She's throwing a party to celebrate tonight .. you know it's been almost four days, and Veil is so sad .. his mother .. she died, and Esther blames herself, and Veil's just depressed, and poor little Esmund .. Oh Fripple, it's such a mess."

Fripple blinked. "Oh .. yes, it sounds like it .. I better go see them."

Catkin grabbed her arm. "Go like that? You can't, It's a good thing I dropped in to see if you were awake, you would have gone in your nightgown!"

"Oh." Fripple cast a glance at her attire.

Catkin set her in a chair in front of the room's dresser, picking a brush up off it. "Well hold still, I like doing hair!"

Fripple didn't move as Catkin pulled and brushed her long hair, she was staring at her reflection, taken aback. For a still healing scar ran between her eyes, across the length of her face. "That's not coming off, is it."

Fripple was careful to touch the wound gently.

"Well .. you do have some of the Flowers of Icetor .. perhaps it won't last forever." Catkin tried to be hopeful.

"It doesn't matter." Fripple sighed. "And yet .. Oh, I am an idiot, to even care what he thinks. No, it doesn't matter."

Catkin paused in her intricate braiding. "You care what he thinks?"

"No! No, I do not. Not one bit, he can think just what he likes. Maybe this will get him to .. leave me alone." Fripple finished her statement with a sigh.

Catkin did not seem convinced, as she pulled Fripple to her feet, opening a nearby closet and pulling out a white dress with a sky blue over-piece, one that flowed out behind with a cape-like quality. "Here, isn't this pretty?"

Fripple was droll. "Yes, prettier than me. But very well. I need to talk with my friends .. it sounds like they need me."

Catkin helped her pull on the dress, straightening it. "There, I think you look beautiful. Put the sandals on, won't you?"

Fripple did so absently. Catkin held the mouse's arms in turn, slipping a silver cuff on each one. Fripple looked at herself a moment in the mirror, sighing, "Thanks Catkin."

She slipped out into the hall, looking around. "This way." Catkin led her down the corridor, into another, and finally to a double staircase leading down into a marble tiled hall filled with lanterns and creatures.

Catkin peered over the railing. "I'll help you look for him .. oh there he is, see? With Mizzah and Errik! Come on!"

The otter dragged her friend down one set of stairs, though Fripple was more reluctant. They got to the bottom of the stairs, when Catkin about ran into Vinwyte. "Oh, Vinwyte! There you are, I didn't see you .."

Fripple discreetly loosed her paw from the distracted otter's grasp, turning and looking in the direction Cedric was. He was still there, talking with his uncle and Errik .. and something made her walk forward.

She stopped behind them a ways, and it was actually Mizzah who saw her first. "Oh, Fripple! I didn't see you child, are you feeling better?"

Fripple nodded slowly, meeting his gaze. "Yes, much .. I could fight again."

"Well hopefully you won't have to." The jerbilrat patted her shoulder. "And I suppose you want to talk with Cedric?"

"Yes .. I suppose. I heard he wanted to talk to me?" Fripple couldn't help but let this come out as a question.

Mizzah nodded. "Yes, I'm certain he does .. Errik lad, why don't you come with me?"

The slender fox did as was suggested, and Fripple did have to admit Cedric looked downcast. He met her gaze momentarily, before blurting, "Princess, I'm sorry .. I'm so sorry .."

Fripple shrugged. "Why?"

Cedric looked, honestly, a little blank. "Because I hurt you Princess, I almost .. killed you."

"I almost killed you. What is the difference, you planned none of it. It's my fault you were hexed .. I never bothered to talk to you about Ignasa, I guess I .. just didn't really want to ruin .. everything. But I should have, because that's what a friend does, if they care."

"We're .. still friends?" Cedric was hesitant.

Fripple nodded. "Yes, if you .. still care, after I almost killed you."

"Yes .. I .. of course I do!" Cedric was quick to answer. "You did that out of self-defense, I couldn't ever blame you. And you did tell me about Ignasa .. that night I took you to see Errik the first time, I just .. I didn't listen."

"I don't blame you. At least .. you seem to have learned from it." Fripple sighed. "If one of us is to blame, the both of us are."

Cedric slowly looked down, as he pulled something from his belt. "I think this belongs to you, Princess."

Fripple slowly held up the object. "My necklace? But I paid you with that."

"You don't pay a friend to stay. You taught me that much .. thank you."

He bit his lip, suddenly blurting, "And Princess .. I feel like I .. sort of .. ruined everything."

"I've never seen you so unsure before. I forgive you .. don't you believe me?" Fripple raised an eyebrow.

There was silence for a moment, before Cedric looked up. "Are you angry about .. what I did?"

Fripple suddenly realized what he was talking about, and she sighed. "Oh, that? No. Why would that matter to me? Once it stops hurting, I'll probably forget it's even there. Until I look in a mirror, but I don't do that often. It'll probably bother you more than me."

"It doesn't bother me .. except the fact that I did it. I feel like I .. ruined your looks Princess."

Fripple paused, finally sighing. "Well, I wasn't pretty to begin with. I'm a warrior."

Cedric obviously felt bad that his statement had been taken the wrong way. "No, it's not like that .. I think you're .. maybe not cute, but beautiful. I just wondered what .. you thought about it."

"You really must be insane Cedric .. but I knew that anyway. I'm glad I didn't .. kill you."

Cedric sighed, almost in relief. "And vise versa, Princess."

><><

Veil knew Lilly was showing her appreciation to them and their friends by throwing a party for them .. and really, all of Southsward. Still, that didn't make him feel like going.

He'd come down at the rabbit queen's request, but had quickly distanced himself from all the others, slipping out into the palace's courtyard. He sat beside the pool now, watching the fountain blankly.

The events of the last few days were simply a blur. When he and Ivan had reached Lady Lilly and most of her guards, defending the tunnels and the wounded from what was left of Swartt's horde, Ivan had shown them their dead leader's weapon and necklace.

Some had fled, a few had kept fighting and been killed, but about thirty had fallen to their knees and proclaimed Veil their king. So now he had a horde.

They were under lock, key, and guard, but he was still trying to decide what to do with them. In fact he was trying to decide what to do with the rest of his life. He felt like he'd lived a hundred life times.

Obviously, he had to care for Esmund, for Bluefen had wished it and the child had no relation save him. But as to where he would go or what he would do ..

"Veil?"

He turned to see Esther slowly making her way down the steps into the courtyard, leaving the glow of the lanterns in favor of the afterglow of the sunset and the rising moon. Her eyes were downcast, and Veil wondered what she was going to say .. they hadn't gotten a chance to talk since the battle.

The ermine stopped a few feet away, seeming to want to say something, but too afraid. Veil realized she looked almost gaunt, and he spoke up. "Are you feeling .. any better?"

Esther paused, then sighed. "Yes .. and no. I'm still weak .. I guess, but that's .. to be expected. But that's not the real problem .."

Veil waited, and she suddenly continued. "I remember it all, Veil .. everything. Everything I did .. and .. I never thought .. I could be .. hexed."

Veil sighed, moving over some and motioning she should sit. The ermine did, though she kept her gaze averted. "I will never steal again .. because my life was stolen, and I know what it feels like. Are you .. very angry with me?"

"There's no point in it." Veil's voice was dull. "We all make mistakes, and we all learn from them."

Esther nodded. "I learned .. Oh I learned. I was so terrified when he took me .. I asked Ignasa to forgive me .. and I think he did. Thank you .. for saving me .. even after I would have killed you."

Veil heaved a sigh. "I didn't save you. Bluefen did."

"And Veil .. I still feel like that .. is my fault too." Esther looked away. "I'm so sorry."

"Esther .. we've all got a lot of wounds. Both emotional and physical, and I think we're all partly to blame. But that was not your fault, my mother .. knew what she was doing. I'm not really sure she ever intended to come back .. she acted like she wasn't even upset, like she knew it would be her end."

Veil looked up at the stars. "And .. it's not what I thought it would be at all. But .. it's alright. She never knew love .. I think she wanted to find out what it was like. And she has now, it's alright. Though I'll always wish I could have known her better. What she was really like. But someday .. someday I guess I will."

He put his head in his paws, watching as the tile swam before his vision. "I'm just not sure what to do anymore. We went down here for a dream, and this is how it turned out .."

He felt a gentle paw on his shoulder. "I know what you mean .. and .. what do you think has happened at Redwall?"

"Oh .. I don't know." Veil had been thinking a lot on the very subject, just not willing to voice it. "But I can't go back."

There was a little scurry of paws, and Veil found Esmund looking up at him. "Veil .. can I stay out here with you?"

The little wearet still looked sad, and Veil picked him up with a sigh. "Yes."

Esmund leaned against Veil's shoulder, stating, "Mother used to tell me 'bout the stars, I remember. Can she see them too?"

Veil found himself stroking his little brother's headfur. "Mother is with Ignasa now .. if she wants to see the stars, I'm sure she can. Maybe she's looking down on them."

"Can she .. see us?"

Veil paused at the little wearet's innocent question, and Esther answered. "I don't know, Esmund, maybe. But when my grandmother went to Ignasa, my mother and father told me that perhaps she could still see us. Still ... if you follow Ignasa, you'll meet her in the Lands Beyond."

Esmund sighed. "Someday, like Veil said. But .. it's so far away and .. I miss her!"

Esther nodded sadly. "We all wish it hadn't happened .. but at least you know she's safe .. and free."

"Besides, mother wanted us to live. She told me so .. she wants us to keep going without her .. and she'd be sad if we gave up." Veil admitted this fact with a sigh.

Esmund sat in silence for awhile, before nodding. "Yes .. but .. I don't know where I'm going to stay now!"

Veil paused, before sighing, "Well, I guess you'll stay with me .. wherever I will go."

"I think we'll all come with you Veil .. to the very ends of the earth."

He met Esther's gaze, and smiled weakly, but genuinely. "Yes .. you did that once. I couldn't think you would leave me .. even if you should."

Esther's green gaze sparkled with something odd, and she blurted, "I could never leave you to wander alone .. all by yourself .. it .. it wouldn't be right."

Veil blinked at her, slowly smiling again, momentarily. "I .. thank you."

For some reason Veil couldn't look away, and for a moment, he felt almost .. happy again. But then that moment ended.

"Veil? Can I talk with you now?"

It was Bryony, and Veil knew she'd been wanting to talk to him for several days now, he just hadn't wanted to face her. He didn't know what he'd find, though he did know Bryony and Glow had traveled from Redwall to find him.

"Alright Bryony, yes. I haven't felt like talking to anyone .. but I guess. Why did you follow me .. us?"

Bryony fiddled with the sash of her elegant dress, blurting, "That's just the thing Veil! I found .. I found gloves in the garden. Stained with Wolfbane. And then I heard Xzanthia say she was a Shadow Fighter, and .. she framed me, and Martin believed her! I had to run, just like you!"

Veil blinked at her. "You?"

"Bryony, you ... everybeast .. always liked you. They might not have all liked Veil, or Fripple, or me .. but you were fine!" Esther was just as surprised as Veil.

"Yes I know! It's those monocles, just like you thought .. but it's also Xzanthia. She hexed Ash, and I saw her do it! Mayberry follows her around and seems totally blinded .. Martin's getting worse and worse." Bryony looked sad and afraid at the same time.

Esther started. "Ash is hexed?"

Bryony nodded regretfully, as Veil broke in, hesitantly. "What are you really saying Bryony?"

"We need you! Redwall .. and all of Mossflower!" Bryony pulled out a battered piece of parchment, showing it to Veil. "This, I found it in Brockhall .. and that's Bella's handwriting. It's a prophesy Veil, and it's about you!"

The ferret said nothing, just scanned the paper awhile. He did not disagree with what was obvious, but he simply asked, "How can I ever even try to fulfill something like this? I am an outcast, they want to execute me for something I never did."

Esther sounded slightly wounded. "I'm not sure Martin really .. deserves a hero, after what he did."

She paused. "Though .. I miss my parents. And Mossflower .. are Rupert and Estella ok?"

"They are, last I knew. Viewed with suspicion, though I can't promise anything anymore." Bryony was reluctant.

She sighed. "They look down on the vermin now, and they don't trust them .. oh, not everyone, but a lot of beasts. Trimp and Beau, Rose, and a few others seem reluctant to accuse them, but they also don't do hardly anything. It's like there's this evil spell over everything! Veil .. won't you come back, please? We need you .."

The mouse paused. "We don't deserve you. I don't, after I did nothing to stand up for you, but .. we need you .. or anybeast! We just need somebeast who's brave, strong, and close enough to Ignasa .. to save us."

"One beast? I don't think one beast can reverse that ... I mean .. it sounds like they would fail .. just saying." Esther sighed.

Veil looked away. "Ignasa can save you .. call out to him. I cannot. I cannot save anything .. not my mother, not my friends .. nothing. And .. I do not want to go back, to face them."

"So you'll just let them win?" Bryony sounded almost accusing. "All your freinds .. all the beasts who raised you .. they will die if you do nothing!"

"It's not that simple!" Veil almost snapped. "You can't understand Bryony, I trusted them. I looked up to them. I wanted to be just like Martin, that brave, honest, and noble. But I was wrong .. he turned on me, they all did. I would have to fight them .. I might kill somebeast in anger, and then I really would be a murderer. I can't trust them, and I can't trust myself."

Bryony crossed her arms. "Veil, we need you. I came all the way across the desert to find you, I searched the catacombs to save you .. and I did it because I know you're brave and selfless enough to help us! Please, somebeast has to!"

Veil didn't look up, but he finally stood, towering over Bryony a moment, before stating, "I'm sorry Bryony, I really am. But I'm not that beast .. find a creature more worthy."

The ferret stalked across the courtyard, tail swishing behind him. Bryony looked desperate. Esther stood up, holding out a paw. "No .. don't. Just wait. You didn't see .. everything he's had to, so let him be."

"Talk to him! Esther, please! Redwall is dying, everything we cared about .. it's being destroyed .. and .. I just know he can stop it."

Esther blinked at the mouse, slowly sighing. "Well .. I don't think he'll listen to me .. I haven't really earned his trust."

She sighed almost as soon as she said this, seeing Bryony's pleading eyes. "I could ... try. I guess. Maybe it would do some good."

><><

In the palace, the mood was more cheerful. Ivan however, did not feel as happy as the glittering lanterns about him.

The cat was leaning against a pillar, in it's shadow. He was watching Catkin drag Vinwyte out onto the dance floor at that moment, and the sight brought a slight smile to his face.

Aubretia and Byron stood a ways away, looking over one of Aubretia's ridiculously large tomes with .. honest interest it seemed. Star was sampling the banquet, Fripple and Cedric stood talking in the shadow of a different pillar.

Lady Lilly was speaking with Zarya, Sunflash, and Skarlath near the stairs, while Kensly was talking to Zenith, Glow, and the young mouse that had come with Mizzah .. Lenn, he thought it was.

Suddenly there was a soft touch on his arm, and he jumped a little. The dark brown and white cat, Skadu, stood behind him, and she spoke quickly. "Sorry ta bother ya, but did I 'urt ya awful bad?"

"Hmm? I ... you hurt me? When did you do that?" Ivan honestly couldn't remember what she was talking about.

Skadu scratched her head. "In da catacombs .. I thought ya was a guard and I scratched ya. Don't ya remember? I just wanted ta say I was sorry an' I didn't mean ta do it."

Ivan suddenly realized what she meant. "Oh, that? I'd .. forgotten."

"It's still there." Skadu pointed this out matter-of-factly, quickly adding, "Not that .. I wanted that or somethin' .. but .. it just is."

Ivan shrugged. "Yea. It's fine though."

The two were silent for a few moments, watching the other creatures around them. Ivan wouldn't have continued the conversation, but Skadu did. "So .. I'm sorta wonderin' .. where'd ya come from really? Cause good wildcats ain't somethin' ya see every day."

"I .." Ivan paused. "I don't know if I'm really good."

"Ya ain't?" Skadu raised an eyebrow.

Ivan shrugged. "True followers of Ignasa can't be hexed, but I was. I'm .. confused now. I thought I knew what I was and where I stood, but I thought wrong."

There was silence for a few more minutes, and Skadu spoke again. "So .. how do ya know?"

"That's .. what I don't know." Ivan explained.

"Oh."

Skadu seemed to understand this, before adding, "And I know what ya mean cause .. I don't really know either. I guess there's more to it than just joining the woodlanders?"

"Yea. I lived with them my whole life, but I guess I'm not. It has to do with Ignasa .. I'd ask Veil what he thinks, but .. he doesn't really want to talk." Ivan fell silent once again.

"Oh."

There was silence again. Neither cat spoke for a while, before Skadu asked, "So ... why were you standing here alone?"

"I don't talk much." Ivan explained simply. "They all have friends, new and old, they would rather spend time with. But that's ok. I like having time to think, and I know they mean nothing by it."

"Oh right .. yea, me too! Well, I guess I like ta talk, but I don't really 'ave anybeast ta talk ta, ya know?" Skadu put in.

Ivan shrugged. "You're talking to me."

Skadu paused. "Oh .. yea, I am. But .. ya know. Do ya .. want ta do somethin'? Like explore the palace? I've found it's got this real high tower an I like high places. Makes ya feel free."

Ivan paused, before standing up straight again, for he'd been leaning on the pillar. "Alright, I'll come if you want to show me. I like them too .. think it's part of being a cat."

><><

Veil stalked stiffly away .. he didn't want to face anybeast. He couldn't go back! Did he look like a hero? He was an outcast, let Bryony find somebeast else to save the abbey.

He felt a pang of guilt, but he shoved it away. No. He had lost his mother, come close to loosing his friends, and he wasn't going to lead them back into danger.

Besides .. after all that had happened, why should a vermin risk his neck to save them? Let them fall upon other woodlanders for their help, since those were other goodbeasts.

The ferret strode softly into the palace, aiming to slip up to his room .. just to get away from everybeast. He didn't want to talk anymore, he wanted to think.

However it seemed he rarely ever got his wishes, and this time was no exception. For as he slipped through the open door, he heard Lilly announcing something. At first he paid no attention, but as he slipped into the shadows of the pillars, he realized who she was speaking of.

"Without these beasts, Southsward might have been lost. Their faith and loyalty saved our city, if young Aubretia hadn't been as brave as she is, we would have never found the Morning Song."

Veil looked in the direction of the noise, seeing Lilly lay a paw on the little golden mouse's shoulder, and smiling. She motioned to Vinwyte and Catkin. "These two helped defend the wounded and aided my guards in driving Swartt's horde back .. I wish to give them these as my thanks, after all, they helped find them."

The two otters took what they'd been given, looking amazed .. Veil couldn't see quite what it was from where he stood.

Lilly continued, and the ferret's heart only sank. "I cannot thank all the beasts I would like to, sadly, but there is one I can. Were it not for his bravery and loyalty to the ones he cares for, Swartt might still be alive. But he is dead, thank Ignasa, and he will never cast his shadow upon our land, or any land. A toast to Veil Sixclaw, for his courage and honor he showed in risking his life for a people not even his own."

Veil pressed against the pillar, feeling his heart sink.

He risked his life for a people not even his own.

Perhaps it was true. Perhaps he had risked his life for Southsward without ever meaning to. But whether he'd meant to or not ... it didn't change the hard fact.

He'd helped to free foreigners, but he wouldn't set aside his anger and aid the creatures of his own country.

I can't!

But even as he thought this, the guilt yelled back.

''You have to! You know what's wrong, you can help them.''

Veil leaned against the cool stone pillar, thoughts swimming.

They betrayed me!

But his guilt was a cruel, obstinate thing.

''And would you do the same? Would you be as low as they?''

Veil growled inwardly, in confusion and frustration. He swept away from Lilly's voice, he didn't want to hear what a great beast he was.

He was really a coward.

The ferret slipped unnoticed up the stairs, for the crowd was paying attention to Lilly. Veil made it to his room, before falling onto his bed and staring almost wildly at the ceiling. That guilt would never leave until he did what it wished ... but the task it wished!

Ignasa, show me what to do!

><><

"I am telling you Roseanna, I saw her!" Filip was not in the mood to be ignored. "It was Xzanthia, and she plans on destroying the abbey!"

Roseanna stared at him. "Xzanthia? That helpless little thing?"

"She's no helpless little thing, she's a witch!"

Roseanna rolled her eyes. "Her? She's like .. eleven seasons old!"

Filip clenched his paws. "Roseanna, I'm telling you .. I heard her! She has an accomplice!"

"Who?"

Filip snarled. "I don't know, I didn't see them! They were on the parapet and I was under it."

Roseanna sighed. "You're going to have to prove this."

Filip couldn't believe it. She hadn't been able to come up with one clue, and he'd found out what the problem was ... but she wouldn't believe him!

"You don't trust me? If they'd found me who knows what they'd have done! I just risked my neck for you and you don't care?"

Roseanna huffed. "I think you might have been dreaming ..."

Filip stamped a paw. "Dreaming? You ... you're just as bad as your father! You're just like him! I don't have to stick my neck out there if you don't care .. and you know, I won't!"

"Filip, stop being an idiot!"

"Ha!" The rat yelled back. So that was the way she wanted to play eh? Well let her play it alone. He'd do this by himself.

"Burr, you'm have a gurt fight wif mizz Rozeanna zurr?"

Filip jumped, fur bristling. Roseanna wasn't behind him, but Foremole Dinny's son Togget was. Filip scowled. "Oh what do you want?"

Togget rubbed his snout. "Why I do be wantin' what you be, gettin' Redwall back to the way it were."

"Oh. Well Roseanna's no help ... and .. hey! How come you know about what we want?"

Togget smiled almost secretively. "Boi hokey, you'm must think you do be quiet! Oi did get 'e feelin' you'm could be needin' me."

Filip sighed. "We're fine, thanks."

"Oh don't you'm be fibbin, if you'm be foine, why you be fightin' in'e orchard? E' varmit could come an' hear you, so she could zurr."

"Roseanna won't believe me!" Filip defended himself.

Togget shook his velvety head. "Oi don't be carin' what she be believin', but boi e' Lands Beyond you'm do talk loud for bein' sneaky, so you'm do."

The mole rubbed some dirt off a digging claw. "Well now zurr, we'm should go find mizz Roseanna shouldn't we?"

Filip was stubborn. "I don't want to see Roseanna, she can boil her head. I'm going to talk to Trimp and Beau."

Togget sighed. "Oi suppose Oi do be comin with you'm then zurr."

><><

Trimp looked up from where she was rolling out the dough for some scones as Filip and Togget came in. The hedgehog paused. "Wull what's you two scamps doin' hanging about me kitchen eh? Hungry I suppose. Take a biscuit if ya like."

She pointed to a platter of honey coated morsels, and Togget took his with good will. Filip didn't feel like eating.

Trimp gave him a sharp look. "Master Filip, since when did you turn down nothing I gave ya ta eat?"

"Sorry." Filip mumbled. "I'm not hungry."

"Well this is serious young chappie, wot, wot? A lad like you goes off the jolly ol' nosebag, an all manner a bloomin' awful things is bound ta happen, wot?" Beau spoke while stuffing his own mouth with biscuit.

Trimp smacked his paw with her spoon. "Sir Beauclair! I offered it ta them, not you, you ol' walkin' feed-sack!"

Beau looked hurt. "Humph. Disreaguardin' an offisah young miss, two weeks fizzer, an extra week for smacking his poor ol' paw with a spoon. Young'uns these days, why on the patrol you'd be facin' the stocks so ya would .."

Trimp was nonplussed. "Mmhmm. Now young Filip, tell us what the trouble is, why don't you?"

Filip thought for a moment, and he felt his normal scowl return. "It's Roseanna! Last night I saw .."

Togget was licking honey from his claws, but he still poked Filip. The rat sighed, looking around carefully, before speaking in a softer tone. "I was out late last night, and I overheard Xzanthia on the parapet. She has an accomplice, though I never saw who it was. But she said she didn't like any of us forming alliances, she said she was trying to keep us separate."

"A jolly ol divide an conquer move is it? Well we'll give her what for, shall we?" Beau was ready to be on the move.

Trimp shook her head. "Beau, I hate to say this, but that'd be about the dumbest thing we could do."

Filip caught her meaning. "Right, we can't just get rid of Xzanthia, more than half of Redwall thinks she's a perfect little angel .. in fact .. I think we're about the only ones who don't. See how stupid this is?"

Beau nodded, sticking the last biscuit in his mouth and mumbling, "Downright mutiny an chaos, that's what it is, wot?"

Trimp rolled her eyes. "Like what you do ta me poor kitchen. But I think our only chance is to find something against her."

"Burr aye, but that do be the question .. what?"

Nobeast could answer Togget .. for nobeast had a real answer, not even for their own hearts.

Chapter 28 Back to the Beginning
Veil awoke slowly, groggily coming to as something tugged on his paw. "Veil? Veil please wake up! Are you still mad?"

Veil groaned, blinking his eyes open to see Esmund peering at him. It took him a second, but the events of last night came flooding back, and the ferret sighed. "No .. no I'm not mad Esmund. I was never upset with you, I shouldn't have left like I did."

Esmund scrambled up onto the bed. "Oh I know you weren't mad at me. Mother'd do the same thing, an' she was never mad at me, just at other beasts."

Veil blinked at him. "Mother would storm off?"

"Yes, lots. She had to be 'lone to think, cause that's what she'd tell me." Esmund looked sad for a moment, as if he didn't really want to think about Bluefen.

Veil sat up, realizing it was early morning. He sighed, not wanting Esmund to look so downcast. "Do you want to go out on the balcony?"

Esmund paused, then smiled a little. "Yes."

Veil couldn't help but feel better around his innocent little sibling. He unclasped the doors, pushing them open as Esmund ran out onto the balcony, scrambling at the wall to see over.

Veil picked him up, letting him look out over Southsward. "It's so .. big!"

The two said nothing for a while, just took in the quiet of early morning .. though it wasn't as quiet as Mossflower. The rumble of chariot wheels were constant, or cries from the newly opening market .. unlike the peace of the gentle northern woods.

"Veil?"

"Yes Esmund?"

There was a pause, and the wearet looked totally solemn. "Veil, now that you have fathers horde .... will we have to live in the cat'combs again?"

Veil blinked at his brother. "No! No, of course not Esmund, they weren't ever Swartt's catacombs, and they certainly aren't mine."

Esmund sighed with relief. "Oh good .. cause I like it up here much better. But .. where will we go?"

Veil set him down. "That's .. what I'm trying to figure out."

The events of last night still haunted him, what Bryony had said, what he had said, and what Lilly had said. There was no getting around it.

The ferret leaned against the balcony's ledge, trying to enjoy the morning, but he had too good of a view of the great desert outside the city wall and past the green lands the river blessed.

Veil sighed, shaking his head. "What am I doing?"

"I don't know ... watching something?" Esmund did his best to be helpful.

And in that second .. Veil understood what he'd known all along. It made him feel free, almost. He would have to return to face his past, in order to find his future .. Ignasa had even said so. It didn't mean he had to forgive them .. but he would never have rest until he tried to free them or died in the attempt.

The ferret picked up Esmund, stating, "Yes .. I'm imagining my home. And I think .. if we could set it right again, you would like it there."

He walked back into the room, setting Esmund on his bed and pulling his sword off his dresser. The ferret buckled it on as his little brother spoke. "You mean we're .. leaving Southsward?"

Veil paused. "Yes .. I think so."

Esmund sighed. "Oh. I've never .... been anyplace else."

"Well .. I understand Esmund. And I will have to talk this over with my friends .. I'm not sure where they all stand. You can come with me if you like."

Esmund hopped off the bed, following Veil to the door. "Ok!"

The two left the room, quickly making their way toward the great hall, only to be met with Lilly before they got there. The rabbit queen bowed slightly. "I was just going to send for you, friend. Kensly tells me your horde is getting restless because you do not show your face."

Veil sighed. Oh yes .. his horde.

"Milady, if you could, send word that I will speak to them at noon today? I must speak with my friends first .. so as to really .. get an idea of what I am doing."

Lilly smiled. "Yes, of course. I see in your eyes you have made your choice?"

Veil nodded. "For better or worse, I have made it."

"My son .. I have wanted to ask you this since I first saw you, fighting your father in the arena." The rabbit paused for a moment, before asking, "I assume you had a mentor?"

"I do .. or did." Veil replied with some confusion.

Lilly's brown eyes glittered. "You fight with the tricks of a beast I once knew .. if you would, what is your mentor's name?"

Veil raised an eyebrow. "Groddil .. he's a .."

"A silver fox!" Lilly broke in. "So it is true! Tell me, is he well? Does he still live?"

Veil nodded, admittedly bewildered. "Yes, I believe so. But how do you know him .. he has never been to Southsward, I don't think."

Lilly's voice was soft. "No, no he has never been here. But once, when I was a child, I lived in the north. My family was captured by Shadow Fighters and killed, but Groddil, a prisoner also, helped free me. An owl named Boldred took me to the beast who adopted me, a friend of hers, and the childless king of Southsward. So you can guess the rest."

She paused only a minute. "But I always missed Groddil .. I wish I could see him again."

Veil shrugged. "You could, I suppose .. he lives at Redwall."

Lilly looked very thoughtful. "At this time .. I do not know. I will ask Kensly and Cyrus how they feel the city is .. after such a turmoil, I may have to stay, no matter what I wish. But I thank you for thinking of it, Veil. Your friends are having breakfast in the garden, if you seek them .. I will speak with you later."

Veil watched her sweep down the hall a moment, before turning to Esmund. "Let's go talk to them .. and I'm sure you want some breakfast."

><><

Fripple was listening to Bryony talk about what had befallen Redwall, and it wasn't encouraging. It certainly wasn't encouraging Catkin.

"Oh that's awful! And I thought Xzanthia seemed so nice .. though her monocles were .. scary. But I thought you helped find them!"

Bryony shook her head. "I did Catkin, and I was stupid .. I didn't see through it, but I should have .. it was so .. easy. Too easy."

Fripple broke in. "Yea, I'm glad I never touched those things. Right before Rose was poisoned, I was going to look through one .. to see what Veil saw. That .. I think Ignasa stopped me."

She paused, before asking, "Bryony, are my parents .. and brothers .. ok?"

Bryony shrugged. "I don't know Fripple, Sayna and Timbal are at Salamandastron. You know that."

Fripple was about to answer, when there was a clatter from nearby. The golden mouse looked up to see Bryony's quiet friend staring at her. "You said .. Sayna?"

Fripple nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Sayna is my mother's name."

The mouse, who Fripple knew was called Lenn, exclaimed, "You're Sayna's daughter! But you .. you do look like her, in a way."

"You've met my mother? But .. how is it I've never seen you before?" Fripple felt her bewilderment growing, for she was certain she did not remember this mouse .. the creature was about her own age.

Lenn dropped her gaze. "I am sorry your highness, I did not mean to speak such things. You are confused now, and I am too .. I doubt you would believe me if I told you."

"My name's Fripple." The mouse maid corrected. "I've got Cedric calling me Princess and one is quiet enough."

Cedric paused in eating his breakfast. "Oh wait Princess .... you do have a name .. don't you?"

This was said in a genuine fashion, not in the least bit sarcastic. Fripple sighed. "Yes. Yes, my name is Fripple."

"Do you ... want me to start .. calling you that?" Cedric was still shaken after his experience being hexed.

Fripple thought for a moment, trying to think what it would be like for Cedric not to call her Princess. "Umm .. nah. You've made such a habit of it I'd only be confused."

There was a patter of paws, and Errik plopped himself in-between them, clapping Cedric on the back so that he nearly face-planted in his plate of food. "So I see you're getting better and better huh? I told your princess you would, after all, if I pulled you off an arena once and patched you up, I could do it again."

Fripple made a face. "I'm not his princess, I'm my own princess."

She paused. "Not to say, that he's not my friend and all, but .."

Errik grinned. "Oh I know how it is."

Fripple was saved any more embarrassment by the soft scuff of paws at the door that opened into the garden courtyard. She looked up, to see Veil standing there, eyes averted. Fripple sat straight again. "Veil!"

She hadn't seen the ferret since the fight in the arena .. and he looked downright tired. Worn, depressed, and even guilty. As he looked up, Fripple realized he had his head slightly turned, as if he could not see correctly out of his scarred eye. His voice was weary. "Bryony ... I am sorry for my anger last night. I will return to Redwall and ... do what I can."

Bryony sat bolt upright. "You .. will? Really?"

"I .. I will." Veil sighed, clearly disheartened.

Kinta slowly stood from where she was sitting, walking over to Veil. Her voice was understanding. "Veil, you are not a failure. Bluefen would be downright upset to see you act this way, she would probably blame herself. But I understand .. you are not the only beast to have lost someone."

Veil's attempt to smile was haggard, but his reply was genuine. "Thank you Kinta .. I am still getting over it. But I will. I just need .. time."

Esther looked hopeful. "We'll always come with you."

Catkin sniffed. "Oh .. Veil, you look so sad! I think you need a hug."

The otter did so, hugging the ferret tightly. Veil looked stiff. "Umm .. thank you Catkin, but .. that's not .."

"That's not helping much." Ivan was droll.

Catkin let go of Veil, and he looked relieved. She pounced on Esmund however, picking him up. "Oh your brother is so cute! Esmund, do you want some breakfast?"

The wearet was a bit overwhelmed. "Umm .. yes?"

Veil watched Catkin walk off, as he sighed. "Will you come back with me? It's dangerous, I know, and you don't have to."

Fripple stood up. "Pfft, that's what you said the first time. I'm in! Mossflower's my home too."

"We all are Veil!" Esther spoke after looking around a moment.

Vinwyte broke in. "If .. I may? I have no home to go to, so if I could go with you ..?"

"And I the same .. Esmund and Bluefen .. are .. or were, my only family." Byron looked down.

Cedric slowly cleared his throat. "Ahem .. You wouldn't happen to need a guide across the desert?"

Fripple looked to him. "You're coming? I mean, not that I don't want you to, but I thought .."

"What, that I'd stay in Southsward? And do what Princess, race chariots again? I wore that dream out .. I won the race, and I did it with you guys. Course I'm coming, I don't think you can keep me away." Cedric grinned, a little of his normal self returning.

Errik paused, before clapping Cedric on the back again, successfully slamming his nose in his plate. "Good luck matey, I'll miss you. But I've got the restaurant and my parents to look after, not to mention my new horse. Firewing's getting better, and I offered him some light work in return for food, my stable, and a little pay. That way he can look after Nix, and make some money. Besides, you know I've got a girlfriend? Yea, that little fox girl I used to hang out with once .. You come visit us sometime mate, bring Princess along, it's always more fun with the two of you."

><><

Xzanthia strode through the upper halls of Redwall, making her way toward the staircase down to the first floor. She ran her gloved paw down the wall as she slipped down the stairs.

These beautiful halls .. they were hers, or as good as. Their high king had given them up .. oh, and in such irony. He was completely in her power.

The wearet reached the bottom of the stairs, to be met by Mayberry. The otter wasn't in a very good mood. "You know what I saw?"

Xzanthia shrugged. "No .. tell me."

"I saw Togget and Roseanna in the orchard, and they were talking with Filip. I think it's a shame two respectable woodlanders would get messed up with that nasty rat." Mayberry made a face. "He has such a vile attitude."

Xzanthia played along, mostly because she was curious. After how well the monocles were working, why would two woodlanders be talking with a vermin?

"Yes, I've noticed .. he sulks all the time. I wouldn't be surprised if he's planning something."

Mayberry thought about this. "What if you're right? You can never trust a vermin."

Xzanthia smirked inwardly .. it was almost amusing the way these monocles worked. You could never trust a vermin eh? And Mayberry said it in confidence to a vermin. The wearet pasted a worried look on. "That's totally correct .. I wonder what evil thing he could be up too .. and how he might have deceived such nice creatures like Roseanna and Togget."

"I know, it does seem odd .." Mayberry paused. "But then, while I'd say Togget is pretty reasonable, he's also really trusting. And Roseanna .. well. She's got a sharp tongue in her head .. and she's got Bloodwrath. She also used to bite everybeast as a child, is what I've heard. If that doesn't tell you something about a creature's character, I don't know what will .. she's a very unruly animal."

Xzanthia nodded in total seriousness, for she'd caught the part about Roseanna having Bloodwrath. Beasts with Bloodwrath were beasts to be wary of, the wearet had listened to Nightshade tell her over and over only the fool confronted Bloodwrath.

"She doesn't sound very nice."

"Oh, as those Lukes go, she's alright. But you know what I mean. At least Martin seems to be acting more responsible for his land, he's keeping a much tighter grip on what goes on." Mayberry nodded importantly.

She paused. "I'm hungry, do you want breakfast?"

Xzanthia paused, before nodding. "Alright."

><><

Veil stood beside Lady Lilly in the courtyard, as Cyrus and a number of other guards led his new 'horde' in. They were a motely crew, vermin of every size, species, and demeanor. Some stood straight in defiance, some slunk about in total fear. Others were in-between, cautious, fearful, yet afraid to cower.

Veil took a breath. "Listen, all of you. I am not Swartt. I will never be my father. If you seek a leader as him, you have no place with me. I serve Lord Ignasa, and I will neither plunder nor enslave .. if I fight, I fight against all your leader ever stood for!"

There were murmurings amongst the beasts, some looking shocked, some looking angry, and others were simply confused or afraid. Veil continued. "Which also means, if you serve me, I will not rule you cruelly. I will not enslave woodlanders, and I will not enslave you. If you wish to make me your lord, I will do my best to be a just lord for you .. I will not view you as pawns, like I know my father must have."

One beast, a scrawny, middle-aged ferret with dingy fur, slowly looked up. "Melord .. what'd ya mean?"

Veil sighed. "What is your name?"

There was a long pause, and the ferret finally spoke. "Wildag. Me name's Wildag, Lord."

Veil could tell this was just the sort of beast his father would count as expendable. He felt some pity for the creature, who had obviously been told he was stupid all his life, and it wasn't his job to think. "Wildag, what I mean is this. You served my father, and he made you all slaves .. but I do not believe in slavery. If you wish to stay with me, you may. If you wish to leave, you may. You have your freedom, but understand Lady Lilly has reclaimed her city, and should you be found of offence, I will not protect you from her judgment. If you come with me, I am going to fight a Shadow Fighter to free an abbey of woodlanders. Any who wish to leave, leave."

There were quite a few beasts that asked to leave then and there, but fifteen or so stayed. Wildag seemed to think for a moment, before kneeling before Veil. "I don't git alla what yer sayin' Lord, but ya seem a better beast than ol' Sixclaw, an I think I'd be right glad ta serve ya."

Veil laid a paw on the older, kneeling ferret's shoulder. "I thank you, Wildag."

Another beast stepped forward, a dusky furred rat. The creature knelt, bowing his head. "Milord, I served your father with loyalty, and so I will serve you. My family has served the Sixclaws for three generations, and I won't be breaking the practice, it's a sure way to bring bad luck. Even if you do have some strange ideas, you seem a good leader. My name is Scraw, in case you wondered, Lord."

The remaining beasts knelt too, and Veil marveled at how many actually stayed. He'd expected less, in all honesty. However he was finding himself glad of the help, with no idea what he would find back at Redwall.

"Thank you, all of you. What I'm going to do will not be easy, or anything like you've ever done, but my friends and I will need help, so I am grateful even this many would offer to go with me."

Scraw stood, asking, "So, those beasts who left .. you're going to deal with them now?"

Veil was confused. "Why? I have no dealings with them, they are their own beasts."

"Uh .. wull .. yea Lord .." Wildag paused. "Um .. but .. ain't that just a trick ta see who's loyal? Yer gonna gut em all fer desertin', right? Better hurry cause .. they done thought a that an will make themselves good'n scarce!"

Veil sighed. "Wildag, I do not plan on chasing them. They've made their choice, and they are freebeasts .. I mean what I say, I only want beasts who want to stay."

Scraw and Wildag stared at each other, and Veil heard Wildag mutter, "Mate, he's ... on the level wid it!"

Scraw shrugged.

Veil wondered how many beasts he'd really have by the week's end.

><><

The western plains were quiet in the warm noon, though the first breath of fall graced the nights. The only noise was the quiet thump of horse hooves, and the only occupants of this otherwise empty land were a group of riders.

Their horses were a motely assortment, as were the beasts who rode them. At their head was a stocky dark bay, a tall gray and a sway-backed old sorrel pinto. The three riders spoke amongst themselves, their horses putting in an occasional word when they felt it needful.

"Going straight into Redwall would be crazy, if Martin really is acting like Groddil says." Sayna was firm.

Groddil shrugged. "He's likely much worse by this time."

Timbal sighed. "I just hope there's a way to break him from .. whatever delusion he seems to be in."

"You have no idea what he was like at first Timbal, he was rash, stubborn, and completely determined to have his own way."

Groddil smiled at Sayna. "Sort of like you."

Sayna sighed. "Yes, very like me. Some twins look alike and think differently, but when it comes down to the basics, Martin and I think shockingly alike."

She paused. "Which is why I say we should be careful. Let's take Coll and Gustav to Brockhall first, with Quinn and Groddil .. vermin won't be welcome, I'm afraid. Maybe Thalia should go with them, as she's our healer."

Timbal nodded. "You're right, that's probably best. It's hard to think of the walls we built holding our enemy, but I do agree with you. There's no way of knowing what it will be like."

"It'll be a good week or so before we get there, even still. What do you plan to do?" Groddil raised an eyebrow.

Timbal looked grim. "We must confront Martin. It is only right, as we are all marks."

Sayna absently ran her fingers through Dancer's mane. "Yes, he acted without our consent .. and three of the marks must agree before a decree can be passed."

"Well, you two are the beasts to do it." Groddil heaved a sigh. "I don't envy you, though."

><><

The rest of the day in Southsward was spent preparing for travel. Lilly saw to it that Veil's new horde were given food and decent clothing, and spent most of the day in conference with her three chief guards, Kensly, Cyrus, and Reihon. Veil found himself caught in a whirl of activity, keeping both Esmund and the horde out of trouble and seeing they had things to do.

Catkin saw about packing food and plenty of hotroot, though Esther tried to convince her she had quite enough. Eveningstar had decided to come, as he didn't have much of a business after his disappearance and his lack of a chariot. Byron and Aubretia amused themselves by trying to repair his old one, Errik having gone back to the race track and salvaged what was left of it.

In truth, everything seemed .... peaceful. Too peaceful. Like the calm before the storm.

Being one fourth vermin herself, and having grown up with vermin all her life, Fripple was not adverse to Veil's new horde. They were a little slow-witted, perhaps, but they'd been punished for thinking, likely all their lives.

She was wary of them, however, and vowed to keep a sharp eye out for trouble .. after all, these beasts had followed Swartt and fought against them in the battle for Southsward. Cedric shared her mindset, even being more concerned about them.

"I donno Princess .. you really feel right about that crew coming with us?"

The two were walking through the palace's great hall with Annon. Fripple shrugged, leaping up a couple stairs with little difficulty. "There's really nothing I can do about it, it's Veil's horde, not mine. And I'd say we must keep a close eye on them."

Annon nodded. "I've been watching them, and they seem .. for the most part .. just the normal vermin pawn. Not very bright. But there are several .."

"Yes, I've noticed." Fripple agreed. "The large weasel and his small friend .. I heard them say they were brothers. But there's something shifty about those two, I will say."

Cedric's fluffy tail whisked across the steps as he caught up. "Yea, that little weasel gives me the creeps, I gotta say."

"Veil's got his eyes on them, he doesn't trust them either. But as father says, this is probably their first chance to hear of Ignasa .. let's give them all a fair trial. If the worst comes to the worst, I think we can handle a couple weasels." Annon wasn't unduly concerned, though he was still alert.

He caught up with the two as they reached the top of the staircase, Cedric asking, "How'd Veil get a horde anyhow? I was ... sort of unconscious."

"Well he brought his father's sword and necklace back, and ordered the horde to stop fighting ... probably never dreaming they'd really do it. But they sure did, all of them that didn't flee then and there .."

Fripple had paused at the double staircase's overhang, blinking down into the waning light that streamed across the majestic hall. She stared at the collected shadows at the bottom of a pillar, almost sure she'd seen movement. But it was not repeated, and Cedric reappeared in the hallway he'd vanished into. "Princess?"

Fripple followed him. "Coming!"

><><

As the creatures disappeared into the upper halls, the shadow amongst the pillars stirred again. It wasn't much of a shadow, and yet it was one .. with life all its own.

It swept amongst the pillars, slipping out into the darkening courtyard, to be met by another of its kind.

"They wonder, and are wary."

The other shadow grunted. "Humph, they always are. Play it safe, and they'll let their guard down. You know it, you've seen it before."

"Yes." The first agreed. "But they serve the one whose name shall not be spoken. Swartt's son has uncanny abilities, that's what I've heard."

"Just cool it. They'll get distracted, and as soon as we get to this Redwall and find Xzanthia, we won't be around them anymore. Just play act. You can do that much." The second beast was unconcerned.

"I guess. But you watch out .. Prophets have power just like Shadow Fighters." The first beast's voice was wary.

The second shadow snorted. "Prophets can't summon fire or speak curses, their skills are primitive compared to a Shadow Fighter. They are aware of some thoughts and feelings, they can sometimes predict the future or prophesy, but Malimore's servants are stronger in the long run. So just cool it. This Veil is a novice Prophet at best."

"Humph, you simply quote what I've told you, brother. You have no voices, that is my power."

"Oh come off it, you're no Shadow Fighter."

The first creature's voice was a sneer. "I would have been, but Swartt and Shroud did not deem me worthy. I'm learning on my own, but I must find myself a mentor .. which is why I must find Xzanthia."

His companion laughed. "You'd let an eleven season old brat train you?"

The first huffed, finally snapping, "Only until I have more power than her. Then she may well meet the fate of her mentor."

><><

Night had fallen over Redwall several hours back, and the slight cold of autumn's first breaths nipped at Filip's nose. He sat under the parapet where he'd overheard Xzanthia the night before, and he was getting impatient.

Where was she? Why didn't she come? It felt like he'd been sitting in this cramped spot between bush and wall for hours upon hours!

He got a nasty thought suddenly .. what if she wasn't going to come? What if she didn't meet her mystery companion every night? Then all his waiting would be for nothing.

Filip scowled in disgust. Trust Xzanthia to not come the night he'd chosen to sit here.

But he felt himself grow cold as an even more ghastly thought presented itself. What if she'd seen him?

The rat felt shivers run up his back ... what if she was watching him right now? What if he was not hunter, but the hunted?

Filip crouched further down in his hiding place, trying to get warmth back in his limbs .. but it wouldn't come. Xzanthia was a witch .. what if she could sense him .. feel his fear? He then regretted not asking Togget to come. Even Roseanna would be better then being alone.

But he was alone. He stiffened as his ears picked up the faint sounds of pawsteps, naturally stealthy ones.

He didn't know he could get colder than he was, but he did. In fact .. maybe it wasn't just him, maybe the air around him had dropped in temperature.

The rat was laying on the ground now, striving to keep from shivering out of fear. Black shod paws slipped through the grass in his vantage point, and a grayish-lavender skirt flowed around dark brown legs and a supple tail.

Filip held his breath, but he was sure his pounding heart would betray him.

Xzanthia paused almost directly in front of his hiding place, as if listening for something. Filip felt he was done for, but the next second, the wearet continued to the nearby wall stairs, slipping up them with barely a sound.

Filip took a soft breath, waiting. There was the sudden sound of an owl, so close and so real the rat had to wonder if Emalet had returned from Noonvale for a visit.

But then he realized who it really was .. Xzanthia. He shuddered as there was the sound of rustling wings, and Xzanthia's voice rang out. "Tyre, listen. I want you to speak to the vermin bands of the area. Get their leaders to meet me in Mossflower at the place I shall appoint. See if they will listen at all, and if they will, tell them I will bring a great treasure as down payment for their services."

The other voice, Tyre's, sighed. "What are you up to now Xzanthia?"

The young wearet was smiling by her tone of voice, but Filip guessed it must be a demonic sneer. "I've grown fond of Redwall, it's time it was really mine. I plan to take it .. forever."

Chapter 29 Slipping Secrets
The morning dawned clear over Southsward, and the courtyard of the palace was a busy place. Lilly had decided to go, though Cyrus had pressed her not to go alone, and she was taking Kensly and Zarya. The badger was more pleased with this than she would let on, for she would have greatly missed Sunflash. The badger himself was talking to Veil, Fripple, and Ivan at that moment, asking them what life was like in Mossflower and about his mother.

"She still lives at Brockhall?"

Fripple shrugged. "Well, sometimes she does go there. Often though, she lives at Redwall .. she can still get around, but she likes to be in the company of other beasts."

Sunflash smiled a little. "I can imagine she would .. my father though, is he ..."

Veil and Ivan looked at each other, the cat speaking. "Well, the stories say Bella was married to Barkstripe, but .."

"Barkstripe, lord of Brockhall?" Aubretia broke in. "I believe he was killed in the Greeneyes' conquest of Mossflower."

Ivan looked uncomfortable, and Veil sighed. "Um .. thank you, Aubretia."

The mouse smiled. "You're welcome Veil."

She pushed her glasses up her nose, blinking at Sunflash and stating matter-of-factly, "You have golden headfur."

"Gee, you never noticed?" Fripple rolled her eyes.

Aubretia sniffed. "I have been very busy taking records of this adventure, teaching Byron how to read and write Loamhedge script, and tallying our supplies, also calculating how long it will take to cross the desert again. I haven't had the time to look at creature's headfur."

She turned back to Sunflash, beginning to sketch a picture of him. "But your stripe and headfur are golden, as I just pointed out."

The badger looked at Veil, who shrugged. "Well .. yes it is little miss, it always has been."

Aubretia looked up. "Really? I wondered if you dyed it, but seeing as you didn't ..."

Byron had walked over and was looking over her shoulder, and Aubretia took this moment to shove some books in his paws, digging through her bulging satchel.

"Cities of Trade again?" Fripple sounded sarcastic.

Aubretia shook her head absentmindedly. "Oh no, I finished that before we got to Southsward. I'm looking for something else."

She pulled out another book, entitled, Lords of Salamandastron. Fripple sighed. Aubretia flipped the book open, pointing to a page. "Yes, as I thought. It is recorded that the late Lord Boar, before his final battle, told Sir Trubbs that the sun marked one would return to rule the mountain. See also, Prophesies page six hundred and seven .."

Her voice faded off as she flipped through the book. Sunflash ran a paw through his golden stripe. "And ... you think that has to with me? But I've been a slave most of my life!"

Aubretia paused. "Statistically, you must be the one of prophecy. There are not that many badgers, and only one in approximately a thousand and five hundred would have the genetics to be born with a golden stripe. Which means, in short, yes. I think you must be the next badger lord, and I don't care where you came from, I'm looking at the figures."

Sunflash blinked at her a moment, before sighing, "I just want to see my mother again."

Veil looked away, turning and walking over to were Scraw was motioning for him. Fripple sighed, as Sunflash frowned. "Did I say something wrong?"

Catkin was walking by with a satchel full of hotroot. "Oh no, it's not your fault at all. Veil's just very sad right now, because his mother was killed in the battle. He doesn't mean to hurt anybeast's feelings, I'm sure."

Sunflash wasn't sure how to answer, but he needn't have worried, for Skarlath landed beside him the next second. "Reeeeaaaaakkk! When will we be off me friend?"

Fripple shrugged. "As soon as Lady Lilly says."

Cedric walked up behind her, plopping a headscarf on her shoulders. "You're gonna want that, Princess, remember?"

Fripple sighed. "Oh yes."

><><

Morning saw Filip sleeping late, tired from his nightly vigil, scare, and equally disturbing discovery. However it also saw him awakened by a hefty paw. "Burr, maister Filip, you'm wake up, mizz Trimp do want to talk to you'm."

Filip groaned, rolling over. "Go 'way Togget, 'm tired .."

The mole wasn't one to be trifled with in such matters, and he yanked Filip's sheet off. "Oh hurr zurr, mizz Trimp be angered if you'm baint appear."

Filip sat upright, shivering a little as the brisk morning air streamed through his still open window. "Brrr ... aww Togget, why'd you have to pick the coldest morning to do something like that?"

Togget shrugged, and Filip retreated toward his washroom, sighing. "Fine, let me get out of my nightshirt ok? I'll come, I'll come."

He pulled his washroom's door shut behind him and yanked his night clothes off, replacing them with his tunic and belt, as well as his leather fingerless gloves. Filip shoved the door open again, not giving his rumpled appearance a second thought. "Alright, let's go."

Togget followed him as he hurried down to the kitchens, looking in cautiously. Trimp met him, rather cheerfully. "Why Filip, I never expected Togget could wake ya up that quickly, but ain't I getting a surprise."

She set him down at the counter, asking, "An' what would ya like to eat then?"

Filip scratched his head, unused to Trimp being this friendly. "Umm ... maybe some pancakes? Or some of your meadowcream flan?"

"Ho hurr .. that baint breakfast food." Togget was a little unsure about meadowcream flan for breakfast, though Filip guessed he was sort of wishing he'd thought of it.

Trimp went to the pantry obligingly. "Oh sure, I do like a bit a that meself .. let's just eat it before the feedsack awakes. Now young'uns, you gonna tell me what you found?"

Filip blinked as she shoved a plate of meadowcream flan, heaped generously, under his nose. "Um. What, you mean last night? But how'd you find out about that?"

Trimp took a bite of her own flan as she pushed Togget's plate in front of him. "Hmm, oh that? Togget saw you going to bed late and figured you must be up to something. So, what were ya up to?"

Filip looked around a moment, before stating, "Remember how I told you I heard Xzanthia on the parapet the night before last? Well I hid in the same spot, and she came again, and talked to the same creature, though I didn't see them, of course. I just heard them. Anyway, Xzanthia told whoever it is .. called Tyre I guess .. to find any bands of local vermin they could and see if they'd agree to help her destroy us!"

"Who said what ... heeeeyyy ... Trimp!"

All three creatures wheeled about to see Roseanna watching them. "How come you're eating meadowcream flan for breakfast? I want some!"

She plopped herself on the other side of Togget, and Trimp absently dished up some more, handing her the plate. "There. Now do go on Filip."

The rat sighed. "Yes .. well that was about it. She's just trying to raise an army, and she said she'd pay them with some kind of treasure."

"Oh'm she baint have a treasure though!" Togget spoke around a bite of flan.

Roseanna spoke before Filip. "Which means she's going to steal ours!"

Filip scowled. "I thought you didn't believe me."

"Oh, well .." Roseanna paused. "Maybe I don't. But if that's really true, she must be planning to pay whoever's supposed to kill us with something of Redwall's!"

Togget shook his head. "Boi ald 'arry, she do be a roight sneaky one!"

Trimp nodded. "Oh yes Togget, so she be. But that means we've got ta be a might sneakier. Any idea what she's after Filip?"

The rat was about to deny this, when Beau broke in. "I say! I do say! Meadowcream flan, an you didn't wake this poor ol' beast? Why you greedy-gut gobblers! I'll show you, wot?"

The hare took what was left of the flan, about a third, and began devouring it. "Mmmfff, quite good .. I'll just confiscate this liddle treat, offisah's orders ya know."

Trimp sighed. "Well now that you're here why don't you all lend me a paw? Oh yes, you too Sir Beauclair, you too."

><><

Filip disliked helping in the kitchen, but decided not to press the issue because Trimp had been nice enough to feed him meadowcream flan for breakfast. The rat mixed some batter, feeling his shoulder tire a little as the mixture thickened. Hopefully after he'd done this, Trimp would let him go.

Togget brought a bag of flour to the hedgehog. "Burr .. it do be gurtly heavy."

Trimp shrugged, opening the sack. "Roseanna, Beau, I need piecrust. Ya make it, an I'll have Filip an' Togget help me make the filling."

Filip sighed. Apparently he wasn't going to get away any time soon.

The minutes wore away faster than he thought they would, for he helped serve breakfast, and afterwards Trimp entertained her crew by telling an animated tale while mixing pie filling. If Filip admitted he enjoyed anything, he could almost think he was beginning to do so .. Trimp treated him the same as everybeast else.

However, his newfound contentment was soon shattered, by the arrival of Mayberry and Xzanthia .. neither one being Filip's favorite creature.

The little wearet smiled winningly. "Miss Trimp, we didn't have much to do, and Columbine suggested we help you for a while."

Filip caught a tiny bit of underlying grudging in her honey-sweet voice, and Trimp was certainly not fooled. But the hedgehog played along. "Well dearie, ain't that nice'a ya? Hmm .. tell ya what, ya can wash me dishes."

For a second Filip wondered why Trimp didn't ask her to help with supper, and then he knew. The hedgehog didn't want Xzanthia near the food. Filip had stopped mixing the pie filling he was making, a sudden thought washing over him like ice water.

If Trimp was worried about the wearet poisoning beasts, and Filip himself had heard her tell her accomplice she wanted to kill the beasts of Redwall ... could it be that she, not Veil, was behind what had happened to Queen Rose?

He had no more time to question his theory, for Xzanthia was speaking. "Oh I'd love to miss Trimp, but I can't, my glove is leather and would be ruined."

Filip sensed the wearet was avoiding the work for some reason, and she almost sounded .. nervous?

Trimp pressed her advantage. "Sweetie, there's a remedy for that, now ain't there? Take the glove off."

"No! I ..." Xzanthia sounded angry for a second, before she paused, smiling again. "Why you can't ask me to do that, the glove is a brace that helps with a healed but painful injury. I'd be happy to help with anything else you might need done."

Mayberry backed her up. "Why Trimp, that's prying to make her tell you such things. She only wants to help, and you don't have to be so firm about the dishes, let Filip do them. He's certainly bored enough, staring at us over there."

Filip realized he was fixated on the three, and he quickly broke in. "I'm mixing .."

Mayberry cut him off. "Oh I'll do that, at least I know how to cook and wash my paws. Scrubbing the dishes would be good for you, you might get clean from the elbow down."

Filip sneered with bad grace. "Ha, I'll do what I want! I was doing this job and you and your little .. friend can't just shove me out of it."

"Master Filip, do go wash the dishes, won't ya?"

The rat stared at Trimp, feeling betrayed. "But Trimp .."

She took him by the shoulder, leading him toward the sink and muttering, "I'm sorry Filip, but I'm outnumbered, and I don't wanna raise too much suspicion til I can find out more proof see? Help me out here."

The hedgehog deposited the rat at the sink, stating, "Xzanthia, ya can take the dishes he washes an put them away. Is that ta much ta ask?"

Xzanthia paused, before stating a little aloofly, "No, I suppose not."

She walked over to Filip as Mayberry took the food he'd been mixing. Being so near the wearet gave him chills, and she smiled at him, as though she was in complete control. "Aren't you supposed to be washing?"

Filip muttered, picking up a dish and beginning to scrub it half-heartedly. He rinsed it off in a tub of clear water, drying it clumsily and shoving it into Xzanthia's paws. The wearet snapped. "Dry them better! ... You don't want to put wet dishes away."

"I couldn't care less, so don't tell me what to do! If you want them dried, dry them yourself."

The two glared at each other a minute, before Togget stepped between them. "Ho hurr, Oi'll be a dryin', do lay off foighten."

Filip huffed, picking up the next dish. "Fine."

He washed sloppily, disgusted that Trimp would do this. He noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Xzanthia was holding the plates in her gloved paw rather than her un-gloved one, despite her claimed injury. Besides ... wearing just one glove was ... weird.

Before, he'd have said it was weird cause Xzanthia was weird. But now .. he wasn't so sure. Xzanthia said her right paw was permanently injured ... but as far as he could recall she seemed to be right-pawed. However he was doubting himself, and could not say for certain.

Xzanthia seemed to dislike anything wet, and at first it annoyed Filip .. this sissy wanted to take over Redwall? But then he thought deeper. What if there was a reason .. what if ..

"Hurry up boy, I'm waiting!" Xzanthia sounded a little irate.

Filip had a sudden inspiration, as he looked down at the bowl filled with sudsy water in his paws. On a rash whim, he spun around, flinging the water and tripping in the same moment for effect.

Xzanthia yelped, leaping back and dripping with water and soapsuds. She glared murder at Filip, and he felt an instant chill .. had he pushed this two faced brat too far?

"You filthy .. little .. rat! Why you did that on purpose you meddling idiot, by Hellgates I'll ..."

The wearet stopped her colorful tirade abruptly, realizing that everybeast was watching her. "I mean ..... well this clumsy nitwit just soaked my dress! I didn't do anything! He wasn't working, and I told him to hurry .. and he spun around and poured water on me! He had no right! There was no reason for him to do it."

Trimp walked over as Filip stood. "I just tripped."

His excuse didn't sound as steady as he'd of liked, but Trimp intervened. "Filip, be more careful, you had no reason to do that. I've a rag Xzanthia, ya can dry off with that."

"No .. no .." Xzanthia was quick. "No, I'd better not. I'll change my clothes, I hate being wet."

"Should I come with you?" Mayberry paused in making her pie.

Xzanthia shook her head. "Thanks, but no. I won't be a minute .. though don't make me work with him again."

Trimp grabbed Filip's paw, dragging him toward the pantry. "Now master Filip .."

She slammed the door behind them, continuing her sentence. "What were ya thinkin? Nay, ya weren't. Ya didn't see her eyes, I was afeared for ya."

Filip raised an eyebrow. "She was mad and all, but .."

"Her eyes turned black. I was afeared she was gonna try an kill ya then an there, an even if she didn't, you've made an enemy." Trimp was serious. "This ain't a game anymore master Filip, it's turnin' inta a war. You've gotta tread careful."

><><

The thudding of horse hooves broke the silence of the desert, and sand flew up in clouds. Fripple had forgotten how dusty it was.

Aubretia was sitting behind her on the horse Lady Lilly had given them, and the young mouse asked, "Do you think the jackals will bother us again?"

"With a group this size? Bookworm, that'd have to be one desperate pack of jackals." Cedric was riding behind Annon on the jerbilrat's dappled gray.

Mizzah, Lilly, Kensly, and the two badgers rode in front, and Veil had to keep an eye on his horde .. who weren't the best with horses. A few seemed somewhat skilled, at least.

That night, everybeast was tired, from horse to rider. However Veil didn't get a moment's peace, even when he tried to join his friends around their fire. He'd just gotten settled and reached for some dinner, when Wildag walked up. "Erm .. Lord Sixclaw?"

Veil sighed. "Wildag, please don't call me that."

"Er .. Lord Veil .."

Cedric couldn't resist making a joke. "Say your majesty, you've even got subjects now!"

Wildag took him seriously. "Oh .. yea, yer majesty! Wull, the thing is, ya haven't told the horde what ta do, an' we donno what ta do less ya tell us."

Veil scratched his head. "Umm .. and .. what am I supposed to tell them?"

"Wull .. give 'em orders or somethin'. I donno yer majesty, yer the leader, not me." Wildag scratched his head.

Veil frowned. "What .. you mean like have them guard?"

"Make them clean the supper dishes." Ivan didn't crack a smile.

Wildag, however, did not argue. "Yes yer majesty, just have us do somethin'. If'n we don't ... not me, but the others ya know .. will get bored an' inta trouble."

Veil thought for a moment. "Yes .. I do see your point. Tell me Wildag, what do you like doing?"

The ferret blinked. "Um .. wull Lord, I'll do whatever ya want me ta."

"Yes I know that Wildag," Veil reassured him. "But I'm asking you what you might like to do as a job. What are you best at?"

The older beast thought for a long while, before he stated. "Wull now ... I've alwus sorta liked cookin' yer majesty. Or maybe makin' meself armor .. I donno. I like ta make things."

He looked a little afraid after having said this, but Veil calmed his fears. "In that case, I suppose I will make you a cook .. we could use another. I should ask the horde what they would all like to do best .. and appoint duties that way. But I'm sure you're right .. I've got to keep them occupied, don't I?"

><><

Xzanthia was not having the best of days. After having nearly betrayed herself in the kitchen, thanks to that nosy little rat .. she'd had to clean up. After all, it wouldn't do to get so dirty one of these idiots decided to give her a bath.

Washing was such a bloody waste of time.

The wearet snarled as she pulled her now dry dress on, blinking at herself in the mirror. Yes .. she looked right. Now she just had to sun herself a bit ... but there wasn't much sun left.

Xzanthia scowled .. once a day went downhill, it just kept sliding. They would be onto her more now ... especially after she'd swore by Hellgates in the kitchen! Why had that rat .. Filip or whatever he was called, had to trip and make her do something so blundering? It was all his fault.

That is, if he'd really tripped. Had he done that on purpose? Had there been a leak?

Her eyes darkened. She'd watch that one .. if he was truly trying to expose her, his life wouldn't be worth half a sheckle.

The wearet was nervous now, as she pulled on her leather corset. How many beasts had heard her swear? Trimp, Beau, Roseanna .. that rat, the little mole .. and Mayberry too! Thankfully the monocle should take care of her duped ally, but the others ... well, she simply couldn't afford to commit that many murders. Without an easy beast to blame, like that disappearing son of Sixclaw, she risked detection. But she risked it anyway .. if those beasts got too nosy about her sudden outburst, or her hatred of water ..

No! No, they could not find her! She had to do this, she had to win. If she did not .. Xzanthia snarled. What was she thinking, she would win .. she always won. These beasts were nothing but inferior woodlanders, and they were far from their Lord, thanks to the monocles. They neither looked to him or called for his aid, and he would not come without their wanting him.

Still. Fortune was a fickle beast, and well Xzanthia knew it .. she needed her horde. Tyre would bring her the news tonight .. nay, it almost was tonight. She would meet him in the woods, with her payment. She just needed to steal it.

And that was the tricky part .. but it was suppertime. All the beasts were headed to Cavern Hole, she could see them through her window .. so the time was right.

It was now or never.

><><

"So mum, dad, you're never going to guess what I heard today!"

Roseanna was walking across the abbey lawns with her parents, Luke and Richart. Martin raised an eyebrow. "Hmm .. what was that?"

"It was so crazy, you'll never believe it, seriously! I was helping Trimp in the kitchen today, with Togget and Filip. And Xzanthia came, with Mayberry see .."

Rose shook her head. "The way Mayberry follows her around is strange .. the otter is so much older."

Martin shrugged. "Well dear, she never did have many friends. I'm glad to see she has one finally."

"But dad you're not listening!" Roseanna crossed her arms.

Martin smiled at his daughter. "Well, I am listening now Roseanna. What happened in the kitchen, did you burn Trimp's flans?"

"Daaaaad!" Roseanna flopped dramatically against him. "I'm not that bad a cook. No, it was about Xzanthia."

"Well don't keep us waiting, tell on." Rose instructed her daughter as she walked through the abbey doors.

"Oh yea, mother, she said ..." The mouse paused, upon seeing Richart watching with interest. "Uuumm .. She said .. Hellgates."

"Hellgates?" Richart piped up with shocked surprise.

Rose shook her head. "Richart! Don't repeat everything you hear! Roseanna, why did you have to say that in front of your little brother?"

Luke was smirking, and Roseanna felt this was coming across in the wrong manner. "No, Xzanthia said it. Filip tripped and dumped some water on her, and she just like .. freaked out. Totally. I thought she might even hurt Filip for a minute!"

Martin was honestly surprised. "Xzanthia? But she can't be more than eleven seasons."

"Well she sure said it, and she said it like she meant it."

Martin didn't quite agree with his daughter. "She was a vermin seer apprentice .. it's not really her fault what she may have heard. I'm sure she was sorry afterward."

Roseanna shrugged. "Ehhh .. she didn't seem real sorry .."

For some reason, Martin didn't directly answer. "Come on, we'll be late for dinner. I'm sure it just slipped out."

Roseanna followed last, frowning. It sure had slipped out .. with poisoned hatred.

><><

Xzanthia watched the Lukes disappear into Great Hall, soon hidden from view by the abbey's half shut oaken doors.

She rubbed her paws together .. maybe this wouldn't be as tricky as she'd thought. The wearet looked around, the only visible beasts being Foremole Dinny and a few of his crew, going into Great Hall that very moment.

Why this was to be a child's game!

Xzanthia didn't slip through the shadows, just strode quietly across the abbey lawns, unconcerned with being seen. After all, she was just taking a stroll.

She stopped at the gatehouse flowerbeds, pretending to admire the flowers as she really scanned the area to see if anyone had followed her. Even though she saw nobeast, she decided to play it safe, and knocked on the gatehouse door, even though she knew good and well nobeast would answer.

Nobeast did, and Xzanthia took one last look about for safety measures. Satisfied, she opened the door, ducking through in and softly shutting it behind her. Turning around, she saw the item she desired, the great broadsword Martin used to carry.

Xzanthia took it down, wincing as the cold hilt almost thrummed in her sensitive paws. However it suddenly faded, and somehow, it was as if the shining blade grew dimmer .. as if it's magic was not able to work in evil paws.

As if someone would not let it.

The wearet glared around herself, picking up a cloth draped over a chair and wrapping the sword in it. She didn't like touching the thing .. it gave her shivers.

Still, it was elegant. The vermin in Mossflower would be too stupid the realize it's mystical properties, all they would know was it was shiny. They were just typical vermin.

Xzanthia smiled as she slipped from the gatehouse into the waning light, prize tucked beneath her arm as she allowed herself a sadistic chuckle. The high king's enemies paid to destroy his kingdom, and with his own sword!

The irony was beautiful.

Xzanthia left by the east wall gate, a grin on her face and triumph in her eyes.

However she was not unwatched, for two eyes had seen her theft ... ones whose owner was quickly becoming dedicated to her downfall.

><><

Xzanthia shifted her hold on the wrapped sword, running deeper into Mossflower's shadows. She curled her lip in somewhat of a contented sneer .. if it would just get darker, she'd feel about at home.

The wearet stopped in a clearing, filled with the dim light of dusk. She cupped a paw to her mouth, imitating an owl's cry three times in rapid succession, and waited. However there was no immediate flapping of wings.

Xzanthia scowled, repeating her signal, with the same effect. She thought for a moment, and upon deciding she was far enough from the abbey, yelled, "Tyre!"

There was no answer.

"Tyre!"

Despite herself, Xzanthia was getting worried. It wasn't like Tyre not to come ... and while he might be irritating, he was an important tool.

"Tyre!"

The wearet knew there would be no response, but she called the bat's name anyway. Xzanthia took a deep breath, muttering, "Stay calm .. yes .. calm, and collected. No matter the situation, you are more powerful and can triumph over any enemy."

She opened her eyes, suddenly rolling them. Oh of course, what was she thinking? Was being around those stupid abbey beasts addling her brain? All she had to do was feel for Tyre's emotions .. emotion was easy to exploit, in any case.

Xzanthia took a deep breath, letting her breathing slow and her thoughts swim, searching for her accomplice. There was a sudden twang of fear and anger, as well as desperation. Yes, it was him .. but where was he?

"Do not push your power my apprentice. You are masterful for your age, but your body is not yet strong enough to cope with the rigors of extensive black magic."

Xzanthia snarled. No matter what Nightshade said, she needed Tyre .. he was the key to getting her horde! Besides, he could fly, and that was an instant advantage. No, she had too, this was a good reason.

The wearet closed her eyes, muttering the foreign words of the spell as she put her paws together. The was a tug on her innermost self, and a pang jolted through her as she felt the sensation of spinning .. falling ..

Her eyes snapped open, though they were another's ... Tyre's. Xzanthia winced .. the idiot was hanging upside down .. in a net, she could see the ropes before her face .. or rather, before her disembodied vision. There was a nasty, disorienting smell nearby, the flicker of firelight ..

Xzanthia's vision swam, she knew the spell was weakening. She cast her vision around frantically, taking in all details. There was a stream nearby, some sort of chanting or voices ..

Blackness surrounded her in a sudden swirling cloud, and her reality was cut off seconds afterward.

Xzanthia came to seconds later, pain fading quickly to discomfort, and then to nothing. The wearet staggered to her feet, grabbing Martin's sword and pulling the cloth off it. She might very well need this thing.

She bolted in the direction Tyre's emotions seemed the strongest, cursing as she ran through some entangling brambles. The wearet kicked herself loose, snarling, "Bloody Hellgates, these woodlands .. Eeeeek!"

Xzanthia tripped, falling down a root-covered slope with not a few rocks half buried in it. The sword flew from her grasp, it's blade sinking into the dirt at the bottom the hill. It's thief let loose quite a few undignified squeaks and she rolled down the incline, succeeding in hitting most of the rocks on her way.

The wearet's claws sank into a thick tree root, saving herself more bruises and scraps, though she was completely filthy and bleeding on several accounts. Xzanthia sat up, panting and gripping a spot on her knee where the fur had been torn back. That Tyre! That stupid bat ... she couldn't go back to Redwall looking this way and not be caught, it was impossible!

She slowly slid to the bottom of the cursed hill, pulling herself painfully to her paws, shaken and knocked about. Another beast her age might well have sat down and sobbed, but she was a Shadow Fighter, and she knew pain .. this wasn't the worst thing by far.

No, the worst thing would be to loose Tyre after all this trouble. Xzanthia seized hold of her stolen sword's hilt, hurrying off in the direction she'd been headed before .. this had to work!

><><

Filip hadn't followed Xzanthia out, it was too risky to try such a misadventure alone ... even he knew that. He actually hadn't even meant to see her .. he was just late for supper again, as he was late for everything.

Now he was faced with a bigger probable. He'd seen her take off with the sword, but who would believe him?

Well, the main bunch of Redwallers hated him anyway, and they didn't even deserve to have him trying to help them. Still, he'd tell Trimp. Trimp would listen to him, and she would know what to do about the whole mess.

The rat entered the kitchen through the scullery, running headlong into Beau. The old hare picked him up by the scruff, squinting at him, and coughing. "Humph .. young scallywag .. late for the jolly old mess and windin' an offisah eh? Well ruffian, I've a right mind ta slap ya on a blinkin' fizzer, being late for the flippin' vittles is downright bad for ya health melad!"

Filip struggled. "Lemme down Beau, I've got to find Trimp! I've got to talk to her!"

"Well now, the gel's a servin' supper .."

"Talk to me about what?" Trimp was standing behind them.

Filip pulled his tunic from Beau's grasp, pulling it back into place and gasping, "Trimp, come with me! We can't be heard!"

He practically dragged the hedgehog into the pantry, slamming the door shut. "I saw .. Xzanthia. She took Martin's sword out of the gatehouse, and snuck out a wallgate .. you just watch, she won't be showing up for dinner!"

Trimp was serious. "Master Filip, look at me."

He did so, and her brown eyes searched his gray ones for a few seconds. She let go of his chin, nodding suddenly. "Very well, I believe ya .. I don't wanna tell Martin though, I donno who he'll blame, but ya can bet yer life it ain't gonna be Xzanthia. Do ya have any idea which way she was going?"

Filip shook his head. "No .. I just saw her sneak out .. she didn't say anything."

Trimp nodded. "Hmm .. let's bide our time. Let's see if Martin even notices .. an' see if Xzanthia comes back. But I bet this ain't gonna end well .. nay, it sure ain't."

><><

Xzanthia stumbled her way through Mossflower, cursing every rock and tree root she tripped over under her breath .. these infernal woods. She was quickly learning what to look for and avoid as she ran, but it seemed that while she jumped over a rock, her tail snagged in gorse bush the next second. Or she landed in a hole as she came down. Or she slipped in the mud puddle at the bottom of the hill.

And just after I took a bath ..

She was dripping, her wounds stinging .. and she made up her mind to punish Tyre for causing all this trouble. The thought of inflicting pain upon another took her mind off her own discomfort, and she renewed her speed.

Suddenly her nose caught the pungent scent she'd smelled earlier, when she'd momentarily possessed Tyre's vision and senses. The wearet ran in that direction, all pretense of sneaking gone as she caught sight of firelight. She crashed carelessly through some bushes, tromping upon something that yelped and wriggled .. out of instinct, Xzanthia sent the gleaming sword she was carrying into the mess of fur without even thinking. There was a pained gasp, and the creature went limp beneath her paws.

She jumped off her slain victim, disregarding the blood dripping from Martin's sword as she stared about the clearing she was in. Many sets of eyes stared back at her .. they belonged to little, scrawny weasel-like animals dressed in ragged clothes .. compiled of old cloth and woodland materials.

Sure enough, Tyre was caught in a net on the other side of the fire .. but Xzanthia didn't have much time to think about him. A scrawny male weasel came toward her, snarling, "Eeee .. you killa Flitchaye, we killa you!"

Xzanthia took in the scenario in a moment, asking, "You are their leader, I presume?"

She didn't expect trickery in this simpleton, and there was none. "Course I am .. what else I be? Now killa her!"

Xzanthia sneered, holding a paw up. "Let this be a lesson to any who dare challenge a Shadow Fighter!"

There was a flash of green, and another tug at her heart, another subtle jolt of pain. However the weasel flew back with a startled yelp, slamming into a nearby tree and collapsing on the ground lifelessly, fur smoldering.

Xzanthia felt her self-confidence grow, as she saw this was in her favor .. the Flitchaye were all staring at her with horror and wonder. Of course, they had never been confronted with a Shadow Fighter, most likely.

She stood straight, stating, “That is what happens to fools who think they can capture my advisor, when I only want to strike a deal with you.”

One of the weasels, a more adventurous beast, spoke up. “Well .. watcha want then? We not know who bat was.”

The creature shrank back instantly after having said this, but Xzanthia decided to play her cards carefully. She needed these beasts to fear and serve her, not flee. “I want a horde to help me conquer a place of many riches .. the abbey of Redwall.”

There were instant murmurs, and Xzanthia could sense a mix of emotions from these creatures. There was fear, but resentment as well .. the wearet chose to capitalize on this. “So you do not like them either?”

The same weasel that had spoken before, spoke again. “Eeeah, we Flitchaye like them not, no! Old ones say once we richer beasts yes! Say we rob an’ work for green eyed cats too, have money, have good food. Then mice an’ woodland beasts come, kill cats an build new castle, they see we no steal an’ not want us work for them .. we poor tribe cause’a them, yes yes!” Xzanthia was thoughtful. “Hmm … I do see your point. And will you just let them do this injustice to you?”

Another Flitchaye spoke up. “But they much stronger than us, we no take mighty castle! Too strong, walls too thick, yes!”

This was perfect! It was just what she needed, so what if Tyre had gotten captured and she’d had to use a little magic? The wearet smiled inwardly, though she put on an understanding face. “Why my good creatures, why are we at odds? We have the same enemy and the same purpose. I can get you through the walls, and I can weaken the beasts we are against. I have partly. And even better, I am going to gather a great horde, one that can hold their own against an incompetent bunch of woodlanders.”

There was a pause, though it was filled with both excited and dubious muttering. Finally, the weasel that had spoken first spoke again. “Wull .. watta we git outta it?”

Xzanthia grinned, holding up the sword. “See this, and how elegant it is? Well let me tell you, I have seen the treasure of the Lukes, and it is a hundred times greater. I will give you this, as well as Redwall itself. And should one of my horde prove his or herself worthy, I would appoint that one to rule the abbey in my stead while I ventured south to finish business of my own. How would that suit you?”

Now the talk was quick and excited, and the weasel who seemed to be the chief speaker broke in. “That sound’a good to Flitchaye, yes yes!”

“Then are you with me?” Xzanthia held up the sword, smiling in triumph as she sensed what the answer would be.

There was a chorus of confirming, excited voices .. they’d already forgotten their dead leader. Just like these simple, woodland vermin bands always did. Still, she’d keep a good eye on them, resistance could rise in the least expected places. That was a lesson Nightshade had pounded into her head over and over.

The young wearet felt an exhilarating rush .. she was almost twelve seasons old, and she already had a horde all her own. That was even better than Swartt. And Nightshade never even had a horde.

This was marvelous. Xzanthia lowered Martin’s sword, leaning on it. “I am your leader then, and you shall refer to me as Lady Xzanthia, is that understood? Any who wish to argue this, speak now.”

Quite a few beasts looked at the body of their dead leader, and nobeast dared step forward.

Xzanthia nodded firmly, though she was hardly able to contain her excitement. So this was what it felt like to lead a horde. She loved it already. She was born for this, there was no mistaking it.

It was her destiny.

Chapter 30 Four Divided
Trimp had been right .. very right. Xzanthia hadn’t come back, though Filip felt she could appear any second. She was a complete wildcard.

It was the second morning since the wearet’s disappearance, and everybeast was worried about her, or about her return and what she was up to. Martin was heavily considering sending search parties if she did not return by tomorrow night.

Filip climbed the wall stairs quietly, for he could see his father standing on the parapet. The young rat paused behind Whegg. “Dad ..”

Whegg jumped, relaxing again as he saw his son. “Oh, Filip. What are ya doin’ up this early, that ain’t like ya, me boy.”

Filip made the decision not to tell his father everything .. after all, he wasn’t used to being open. “I donno. I’m worried I guess.”

Whegg smiled sadly. “I’m ‘fraid we all are son .. it shouldn’t be this way but .. it is.”

“Yea .. I know.” Filip agreed.

The two said nothing more for a while, just watched the sun slowly light the woodlands of Mossflower. There wasn’t really that much to be said, or at least, Filip couldn’t think of what it was.

Whegg spoke again, finally. “I’m sorry I’ve spent so little time with ya, son.”

Filip sighed. “It’s .. ok I guess. You’re busy.”

Whegg blinked at Filip a while, before nodding. “Wull .. thanks Filip lad, I thought ya’d be angry.”

“There’s no point.”

Filip realized his voice sounded tired. But he felt tired. Things had been ridiculous ever since he’d told Roseanna about her father’s sword, and convinced her to not blurt the news everywhere, which was easier said than done.

Martin acted like he never knew the difference.

Filip was pretty certain he didn’t.

“What’s got inta ya son, ya seem .. different.” Whegg was looking oddly at him, though he did not seem angry in the least.

Filip tried to think of how he was different, but he felt the same as always. “I .. donno dad .. what do you mean?”

Whegg scratched his head. “Don’t get me wrong, I think’s it’s a good change. Ya just don’t seem as .. wull .. as grumpy as usual, if ya know what I mean.”

“I ..” Filip thought for a moment. “I guess not. I’ve had .. other stuff to do, I guess.”

“Yes .. yes we all have.”

Whegg laid a paw on his shoulder, sighing, “Son .. if you .. are ever faced with anythin’ .. confusin, ya know ya can always talk ta me about it?”

Filip met his gaze a moment, before nodding. “Yea .. I know, dad.”

Whegg’s brown eyes sparkled in confusion, and Filip had the feeling he was about to ask him more questions, but pawsteps sounded behind them. “Whegg, Whegg mah dear!”

Regina was running along the parapet, and she came to a stop, leaning against the wall. “Whegg Ah think our prayers have been answered, Aye, Ignasa is still with us. Come, come quickly!”

She grabbed his paw, pulling him back the way she’d come. Filip followed them, halting at the front wall as his parents did. He felt a surge of relief, for the road was not unoccupied. And the horses and riders on it could only be the beasts Trimp had kept saying she wished would show up .. the king and high queen.

They had a number of hares with them, all mounted, and several of Prairefire’s herd were trotting with them, including the old chestnut himself.

Whegg broke out of his trance momentarily. “Praise Ignasa, they’re back! Gina, help me open the gates. Filip … could you tell Martin?”

Filip paused, before nodding. “Sure .. I guess.”

He bolted off around the parapet and down the nearest set of stairs, jumping off them when he neared the bottom. The rat’s paws pounded through the grass as he ran around to the front of the gatehouse, but he needn’t have worried. Martin was already out, along with Rose, Luke, and Roseanna. The golden king stared at Whegg as he lifted the bar of the gates.

“Whegg, whatever are you thinking? It’s too early!”

Regina shook her head. “No mah lord, Timbal and Sayna are back! Ah mean .. their majesties, a course.”

Martin looked surprised, though he nodded to Whegg. “Of course then, I am sorry. Continue, if you please.”

Whegg nodded, shoving the gates open a crack as Regina ran to help him. A small crowd was gathering by now, and Filip found he had to stand on the gatehouse steps to avoid them. Roseanna joined him, muttering, “Think this’ll help us?”

“Probably.” Trimp’s voice came from behind the two, and they jumped.

The hedgehog nodded firmly. “Oh I’m here too. An’ I’m rather pleased our wearet friend ain’t. Of course .. that’s as a yet, anythin’ could go wrong at this point.”

Beau had hobbled up behind them, and he leaned on his staff. “Stiff upper lip an’ forward to the bluffs me friends. That’s the jolly old ticket, wot?”

><><

Sayna looked up as Dancer trotted through Redwall's arching gateway, as she always did. The view brought a slight smile to her face, though it was short lived.

Redwall looked like home .. but it felt hostile. Something about it felt terribly wrong.

Dancer stopped with a toss of her head, and Sayna dismounted almost reluctantly. All her senses made her want to be able to flee if necessary .. there was something dark afoot.

However she looped her reins over the ridge of her jousting saddle, patting Dancer's neck as she did so. The mare's scrubby whiskers brushed her ear. "Ignasa go with you, friend."

Sayna loosened the girth. "Thanks Dancer."

She walked to Timbal's side, where he'd stopped at the gatehouse stairs. Martin looked .. pale. Pale, dull-eyed, and all in all not himself. However the most disturbing thing was nobeast in Redwall seemed to perceive there was one thing amiss.

Martin walked down the steps, looking sort of .. stiff. "Timbal, Sayna .. I did not expect to see you again so soon. Is Trubbs well?"

Timbal nodded. "He is, and all trouble with the shore toads has pretty well evened out. Which brings me to the trouble at Redwall we have heard of .."

"Trouble?" Martin sounded confused. "On the whole, there has not been trouble. Although we did have some earlier this summer, with a poisoner .. is that what you speak of?"

"It is." Sayna heard herself speaking. "And Martin, I feel we marks must discuss this in private, if you don't mind?"

Martin paused, but nodded. "Yes, it is a serious business. If all of you would not mind, get some breakfast. Roseanna, Luke .. yes, you too Richart .. go with them."

Richart stuck his lip out, but he followed them. Sayna followed Martin up the gatehouse stairs, quickly hugging Rose. "I'm glad you're alright."

The queen smiled, though shakily. "It's good to see you sister."

Timbal shut the door behind them, stating, "Martin, if you would. Tell us exactly what happened, poisoning is a serious thing."

The golden mouse nodded. "It is indeed. The hard and simple truth is this; Veil tried to poison Rose. I did not think he would stoop to such an act, but I'm afraid he did .. wolfbane was used, and his paws were stained blood red."

"What other evidence did you have?" Timbal's voice was not accusing, simply confused.

Martin raised an eyebrow. "What more evidence did I need? It was completely obvious."

Sayna's dark eyes glittered. "You were willing to execute a beast for having red paws? A beast that has always kept in good standing with you?"

"What are you saying?" Martin's eyes hardened slightly.

"I'm saying he could have been framed! How did he react?" Sayna crossed her arms.

Rose spoke up. "From all I heard, he pleaded that he was innocent."

Martin nodded. "Yes .. but he had to have been lying."

Timbal frowned. "Martin, you say he had to have been? You won't even question his honesty? Veil was always a sensitive and kind child, accusing a beast of murder is serious. You would have condemned him to death, all because his paws were red?"

"I acted on what I saw." Martin sounded defensive. "You weren't there, how would you know? Speaking of which .. who told you? And why did you come back?"

Sayna looked at Timbal, who spoke. "Groddil came to us, and told us what had happened. I am your friend Martin, but this is wrong. Look at all that happened for it. This could not be the will of Ignasa .. did you bother to ask him?"

There was a long pause, and Martin looked almost guilty. However he shook himself. "I .. saw no need to trouble Ignasa with such a matter. There was no horde, it was simply one beast."

Sayna shook her head. "I am sure Veil is innocent. It goes against his character to do something like this."

"You've been known to be wrong." Martin's voice was getting sharper. "And you would have made the same decision in my place."

"How do you know what I would have done? And I feel you could have murdered an innocent beast .. that, Martin, is not what a just king would do." Sayna scowled.

Martin huffed, crossing his arms. "Look, did you come to trouble me? These are my people, and I am doing a perfectly good job of leading them. Why didn't you stay at Salamandastron?"

Sayna's ears flattened. "Martin, I'll have you know ..."

Timbal held up his paws. "Alright, stop it! Both of you, just ... quit. This won't do us any good."

He turned to Martin. "All the same, what are you saying? Your people? Martin, we are supposed to be one."

Martin scowled. "She is accusing me of being a poor leader, and I've lead quite well. Better than she could ever do, what with her temper and arrogance."

Sayna snarled. "You're acting like you used to, Martin. Back when we were sixteen. Well is this a repeat? How many beasts will die this time? Just like in the battle of Marshank .. how many beasts did your foolish behavior kill? Answer me that, how many will die for you?"

"You ..." Martin's voice was snapping with fury.

"Stop this!" Timbal shoved between the siblings. "This does no good."

Rose broke in. "He's right, and the both of you are acting immature. Sayna, why would you bring back those memories?"

Sayna grumbled, and Timbal stared at Martin. "What has gotten into you .. Rose, how long has he been like this?"

Rose sighed. "I .. it's so fuzzy now Timbal, I am sorry. Ever since I was poisoned, my memory's not been the same, especially of that particular time. It was about the time I was poisoned, however .. I think."

Timbal shook his head. "Martin .. my friend. What has gotten into you? You aren't the beast I once knew."

Martin glared at Timbal. "I don't know what you're talking about, I've not changed. You're the beasts who've changed."

Sayna rolled her eyes. "Is it that your vision of us has changed then? Because I'm certainly the same."

Martin pulled something out of his belt, putting it to his eye and glaring at his twin a moment. "Yes, I suppose you're right. You don't change .. you're as proud and rebellious as ever."

Sayna's short claws slowly curled into fists. "And you aren't? What is that thing?"

Timbal sighed. "Can you stop picking a fight .. the two of you! Martin .. what is that?"

The high king dusted it off carefully. "It's mine, and I'll be keeping it. I'll thank you to leave it be."

"Really? You've never needed glasses." Sayna's voice was sharp after all Martin had said.

Timbal shook his head. "Sayna .. stop."

She met his gaze a moment, with defiance, but the seriousness in his blue eyes brought her back to her senses. Sayna took a breath, feeling her anger recede. "I .. am sorry Timbal."

The mouse sighed, turning to Martin. "Friend ... I .. don't understand. What happened to you?"

Martin scowled. "Nothing, until you came along."

Sayna noticed how he was shifting the monocle from paw to paw, and Timbal did to. "Martin, let me see that."

"No!" The answer was quick, and even Rose seemed surprised.

"Martin, do stop acting like a child! Let him see it, there is no harm."

The mouse blinked at her a moment, before deflating a little. "Oh ... very well. Be careful with it!"

Timbal felt the monocle's gold rim, the frown in his eyes deepening as his ears almost automatically flattened. "This thing .. feels cold."

Martin snatched it back, grumbling, "Then I'll just be keeping it. It is mine, after all."

Timbal shook his head. "What has happened Martin, you're not what you once were. You are so ... short tempered, I could say even hateful! Tell me true, what has gone on while we were away?"

Martin met his gaze intensely .. almost insanely .. a moment, before dropping it and running a paw through his headfur. "I .. I don't really know Timbal .."

His voice had changed from tense to weary, and he did not look up. Timbal shook his head at Rose and Sayna, blue eyes warning. "Go on my friend, many things are confusing."

Martin seemed to have wilted, and he looked paler than ever. "Confusing, yes .. yes that's just it .. everything seemed so .. obvious, and I just .. wanted what was best .."

"Yes, of course you did mate, you always have." Timbal's voice never wavered. "Martin, something happened. Something went wrong, right? Just tell me, what was it? We will fix whatever's going on, together."

"I .. I don't know .. I hope I was right .. I had to be right .. it was so .. so obvious." Martin sounded like part of him was far away. "I never meant .. any harm .. I just wanted to protect Rose .. and Redwall. Oh, I hope I was right .. Timbal, I was? Tell me .. yes tell me Veil was the guilty one. Tell me I did the right thing!"

He was looking up now, brown eyes both excited and pleading .. every part of him begging to be told what he wished to hear. Timbal slowly shook his head. "Martin, matey .. listen. I can't .. tell you that. One of the four cannot pass such a decision without the agreement of the other three, I do not agree. I'm sorry, but .."

Martin slowly drew himself to his full height, the glitter in his eyes dulling once again. "So I see. You do not find me fit to rule in my own right."

"That was never Ignasa's intention!"

Martin stared at Timbal for what seemed minutes, before he spoke again. "You were not there, Rose was nearly dead. What was I to do but save my people from the poisoner that could have killed us all? As it was, he took my daughter. He took your daughter too, Timbal, yes, yours too. Veil is a wicked creature, and I will remain firm in my judgment, if the murderer dares return, I will take his head! That is my oath, as king of Mossflower, I will protect those I care for. You should do the same, and better yet, choose who's side you're on."

He wheeled around, pushing the door of his room open and shutting it firmly behind him.

Rose sighed, sitting wearily down in a chair. "I don't know what to do this time .. I really don't."

"So it's just like Groddil said." Sayna's voice was grim. "The four are divided."

><><

Xzanthia shook herself, ridding her hair of any excess dampness. She patted her fur a little, satisfied that it too, was dry. The wearet stretched, standing up and pausing at the edge of the stream she was beside.

Yes, she looked alright. Scraped and bruised still, but that would just help make her story of getting lost seem more convincing.

She had a horde now, and she was willing to pay with a little discomfort. The leader of the Painted Ones had been elated with Martin's sword, it was enough to ensure his help. That and the fact his tribe shared the Flitchaye's story .. the kings and queens of Mossflower had more enemies than they thought.

Xzanthia picked up the old stick she'd found, limping on it as she made her way back toward Redwall.

Her fortress .. yes, her own little world.

Soon it would be, and she wouldn't have to share her land with a bunch of woodlanders.

The wearet hobbled up the road toward the main gates .. and they were open. Xzanthia frowned .. why would that be? She felt a sliver of dread, and forgetting her pretense of pitiful limping, burst into the best run she could muster.

She reached the gates, peering inside to see an array of horses on the lawns, talking and grazing.

"What are you doing? You know breakfast's being served, right?"

Xzanthia blinked at the chestnut, Forestfire. That was all he said. No 'are you hurt?', not even a 'where have you been?'. Of course, he lived on the grasslands .. but still. Xzanthia huffed, remembering to limp on her way toward the abbey building.

The chestnut raised an eyebrow, before tossing his head and taking a bite of grass.

Xzanthia shot an irritated glance behind her as she limped into Great Hall, and was met with Columbine, coming up the stairs from Cavern Hole. The mouse wife was quite a bit more cooperative then Forest.

She blinked at Xzanthia a moment, before exclaiming, "Oh! Oh where have you been? Are you hurt? Oh yes, you are! What happened?"

Pleased now that somebeast was paying attention, Xzanthia sniffed. "I just went out to play in the forest .. but I got lost. I tripped in a gorse bush and fell down a hill .. and then it got dark and I was scared .."

Columbine felt bad, from the look in her eyes. "You poor little thing .. out there all alone! I knew I should have sent Gonff out after you. Well you're back now .. come with me dearie, I should look at your leg .."

"Oh .. it's much better now." Xzanthia insisted quickly. "I really just want some breakfast."

Columbine paused. "Well, I'm sure Trimp has something. If you're sure you're alright .."

"I am .. it's fine .. thanks, but I'm just hungry." She limped away, careful to limp, but not too much. She paused at the door into Cavern Hole, looking around to see a few beasts clearing tables .. among them, that rat Filip, his nosy little friend, Roseanna, and the mole they hung out with. Togget, Xzanthia recalled that being his name.

"Xzanthia! Where did you go?"

Mayberry came over quickly, looking worried. Xzanthia sighed. "I .. got lost. And fell down a hill, it was nasty."

The otter looked genuinely upset. "Oh, I'm sorry! That must have been awful .. but .. did you hear?"

Xzanthia paused. "Hear what?"

"King Timbal and high queen Sayna are back! And you know something else? They got in a fight with high king Martin!" Mayberry seemed proud to bear such news.

Xzanthia frowned. "You mean to say that .. the other two of the four marks .. are here?"

"Yes .. of course. Why do you look like that?" Mayberry was confused.

"I .." Xzanthia realized she had a look of shock on her face, and she quickly tried to disguise it. "Oh .. I mean .. well, I thought they wouldn't be back for a while."

Mayberry shrugged. "Well, they came back, and if you ask me, it was serious. They insisted on speaking with Martin and Rose in private."

"They did .." Xzanthia heard her voice, and winced, for it was automatically suspicious.

Mayberry raised an eyebrow. "Yea .. it was sort of weird. But apparently Martin got pretty mad .. he didn't show up to eat at all, but the others did. They didn't look very happy either, something must have gone wrong."

><><

Midday in the desert was sweltering, even more than in Southsward. The jingle of tack and the plodding of hooves was the only sound, that and Lilly conversing with Mizzah.

"Sir are you sure we should not rest? The horses are weary, and we could continue in a few hours."

Mizzah shook his head. "We are near some of my pastures. If Zillah and Ittai have moved the camp, we will rest, but I would like to see. Annon, run on ahead would you?"

The cream and brown jerbilrat nodded, urging his horse into a lope and disappearing over a dune. Cedric yawned from his seat on Star. "The way he can get his horse to tear around like that .. and in this heat!"

"You got me to go way faster." The horse observed, craning her neck a little to see him better.

Cedric shrugged good naturedly. "Aye, you're right there Munch."

Annon and his dappled gray reappeared over the top of a dune with a shower of sand. "Father, they're right here! I guess they moved a little after all .. closer to us."

Ittai appeared behind Annon on his chestnut, reining to a stop before Mizzah. "I trust you are well master?"

"I am, and I brought quite a few friends .. one of you run and tell Zillah to have the cooks prepare a good meal .. not say a feast, but close. We will rest here tonight and be out of the desert by the day after tomorrow, for the horses need rest."

"And food!" Star piped up.

Evening nudged her good naturedly. "That all you ever think about?"

Star laughed. "Well, I'm always hungry!"

Veil was riding a little behind Mizzah, keeping an eye on his horde .. Ittai noticed them. "I do say master, what of them?"

Mizzah shrugged. "They are Veil's creatures general, see they have their own tent, and good food."

He gave Ittai a meaningful look, and the jerbilrat nodded. "Of course sir, I will see they are accommodated."

Mizzah smiled. "Good, general, I thank you. Milady Lilly, I will see you and your beasts have a tent, and the same for Veil and his friends. But come now, we must put the horses away, they are spent."

><><

Esther sat outside the tent Mizzah had asigned them, idly rubbing some wax on her bowstring.

She could see Veil over at the tent his horde had been given, talking with Scraw and what looked like Wildag. Ever since they’d left Southsward, most of Veil’s time was taken by the ‘horde’, or Esmund. Of course, that was probably a good thing, seeing as it kept his mind of past events.

The ermine sighed, unstringing her bow and walking into the tent. She almost ran into Cedric. The jerbilrat took a step back, brushing himself off. “Whoa Swipe, leave off with the neckband. I like it the way it is, thanks.”

Esther coughed. "Erm .. well, I wasn’t after your jewelry, I just wasn’t looking .. you know .. where I was going. Sorry .."

"Nah, it’s fine Swipe, and it’s not jewelry, it’s a symbol of status. And why are you so .. distracted? You’re normally so .. oh, observant." Cedric raised an eyebrow.

Esther thought for a moment, before shrugging. "Well .. "

Cedric looked curious. "I’ve noticed you seem rather .. down Swipe."

"Yes, ever since I .. well .. Swartt .. well, the theater."

"Oh that .. yes .." Cedric scratched his chin. "Yes, don’t .. blame yourself Swipe, it wasn’t all your fault. Least .. you didn’t plan it any more than I did."

Esther broke in. "Yes, that’s what everybeast says! But it was … partly. I .. I knew. I knew all my life, about Ignasa, and .. I just didn’t .. think I was really that bad. And see what happens? I .. wish I could make it up to Veil, but I … I don’t know how."

Cedric shrugged. "Huh, that’s a hard one. I like to count myself the kind of guy that’s good with advice, but .. I donno. I’ve never really figured his Majesty out, have you?"

"Of course!" Esther smiled. "At least .. the way he used to be. He was our quiet voice of wisdom, he just .. always sort of .. knew what to say. He was always shy ... but he used to be a ... a friendly quiet. Now he’s just so .. depressed. And guarded .. you know?"

She fiddled with her arrows. "And .. I miss the old Veil. I wish I could bring him back. But .. I guess he doesn’t even .. really .. like me."

Cedric looked thoughtful. "Oh yes .. you were the one who liked him. Even I know that much Swipe."

Esther looked down. "Do you think .. he knows?"

"Ehh .. his Majesty’s the kind of guy to let that sort of thing fly in one ear and out the other … not even notice what’s under his nose. I’d have noticed long since, but his Majesty? I donno. I think it’s a little too subtle for him."

Cedric paused, laughing. "And that’s saying something for his powers of observation."

"Well Cedric .. you ... seem to know a lot about this ... and I was wondering .. what would you do .. I mean .. suggest I do?" Esther looked hopeful.

Cedric was surprised. "Who, me? You think I can help you with that? I donno Swipe, I’d rather not really tangle with his Majesty .."

"Please?" Esther was determined. "I’m sure you know something, you must. You got Fripple to like you, and nobeast’s ever done that before .. yea .. trust me. So?"

Cedric shrugged. "Well .. subtle is best. But then ... the thing with his Majesty is you can’t be too subtle. You’ve tried that, and it didn’t work. Still, you have to be subtle but not too subtle. You see my point Swipe?"

"Yes .." Esther thought for a moment. "I think I’m beginning to .. perhaps .."

Cedric sighed. "I didn’t think so. Well, do nice things for him .. no .. you sort of do that already. Man I don’t see why he hasn’t noticed. So, maybe we should forget subtle."

Esther nodded impatiently.

Cedric ran his claws through his forelock. "Boy the things I get messed up in. Maybe you should write him a letter .. something to tell him how you feel .. and sign it anonymous. That way he won’t know, but he’ll .. realize that somebeast likes him. Because at this point he’s just not .. aware of it. How, I donno, it must take a lot of effort not to notice, but .. yea. He’s his majesty. And Mizzah wanted me Swipe, so .. good luck with it. See you around."

The jerbilrat winked at her as he left the tent, letting the flap shut behind him.

Esther thought for a moment, before she noticed some of Aubretia’s writing materials laying on the mouse maid’s bed. The ermine frowned, before selecting a page near the back of the tablet of papers and pulling it out.

Surely Aubretia wouldn’t mind .. and Esther didn’t really care to explain why she needed the parchment.

><><

"So I’m telling you, these sheep .." Star shouldered her way through the tent flap, sitting on her haunches with a yawn. "They are the dumbest creatures. I tried to talk to them, but they all run away from me!"

Cedric looked up from his seat, stating, "They’re used to having horses herd them, whata’ya expect?"

Star sighed. "Oh, I don’t know. Anyway. What are we having for supper?"

Fripple laughed, shoving Cedric good-naturedly. "Well at least your aunt made it and not Catkin, whatever it is, so we won’t all die of overheating."

Esther filled a plate, shoving it in front of Star. "There you go .. don’t eat too much .."

Esmund broke in, mouth full. "I like it!"

Esther picked him up laughing. "Well that’s the idea, you eat up, it’s good for you. Where’s your brother?"

"Oh he’s coming." Esmund took a bite of his dinner. "He’s just talkin’ with Wildag."

Catkin smiled. "I think it’s nice Veil has the horde, it’s just wonderful!"

"You could say that I guess." Veil walked around Star, sitting down on his bed and taking the plate Catkin offered him.

Catkin patted his shoulder. "Oh .. you don’t think so? I think it’s very nice you get a chance to really be a leader, cause we all knew you could. And after all, we’re in your horde!"

Veil cast her a sideways glance. "I ... didn’t ever mean to have a horde, actually."

"Well, you have one now." Ivan was stoic.

Esmund crawled onto Veil’s lap, stating, "I think it’s cool you got father’s horde."

Veil sighed. "I .. yes .. thank you, Esmund."

Esmund paused in eating, pulling a piece of parchment from under Veil’s blanket. "Ooh .. what’s this say?" Veil took it from him, turning it around. "Well I don’t know Esmund, I didn’t put it here. It says, To Veil .."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh it’s for me. To Veil .. So .. I just wanted to tell you I sort of .. like you .. well more than sort of .. but .. yea. Anyways I was sort of wondering if you ...."

The ferret broke off, a very odd look on his face.

"Well?" Esmund persisted.

"I .. don’t really think I .. was supposed to read this outloud." Veil stammered.

Catkin grabbed the paper, reading through and exclaiming, "Signed Your Secret Admirer! Veil .... how wonderful! You have a secret admirer! I wonder .. whoever could it be?"

Veil turned the paper over, reading what was on the back. "Five plus X equals ...."

Everybeast looked at Aubretia. The mouse looked up, taking the paper from Veil. "Say ... so that's where the last page of my book went!"

She handed it back, frowning, "And ... why are you all staring at me?"

Fripple laughed. "You're Veil's secret admirer?"

Aubretia looked blank. "Wait .. what? I'm missing something, apparently."

"And it's more than a paper." Ivan contributed drolly.

Byron raised an eyebrow, asking a little hesitantly, "You're .. not really Veil's secret admirer .. are you?"

"Me?" Aubretia pulled out her notepad, wrote something down, and shook her head. "That is simply amusing, not only is Veil a number of seasons older than me, he also happens to be a ferret. Beyond that, I secretly admire nobeast."

She shook her head. "Still, it would seem he has one ... let me calculate who it might be."

Veil looked back at the paper, and suddenly over at Esther, who was trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. "I'm .. not really sure you need to do that."

Aubretia stopped. "Why ever not?"

Veil cast another glance at Esther, who was keeping her eyes averted. "Perhaps ... if it is a secret, we should keep it that way."

Esther looked up in surprise, though she looked relieved. Fripple was laughing so hard she couldn't sit up.

Catkin smiled, plopping herself beside Esther and hugging the ermine. "Oh don't worry, I'll keep it a secret Esther. But I still think it's so wonderful!"

Ivan smirked. "You're wonderful at keeping secrets."

Catkin paused, and Esther looked miserable. "Thanks ... so much .. "

Catkin frowned. "You don't look happy .... hotroot?"

Esther sighed. "Erm ... no thanks."

The conversation was interrupted by someone opening the tent flap, and neither Veil nor Esther looked one bit sorry. Bryony came in, leading Lenn. The black mouse maid yawned. "Lilly said we should go hang out with you. Kensly might come later."

She paused. "Sooo .. what's up?"

There was a moment of silence, before Veil shrugged. "Umm .. nothing, really. What have you been doing?"

Bryony shrugged, as Glow stuck his head in the tent flap behind them. Catkin grinned, stating, "Well come sit down! Anyone want hotroot?"

Lenn blinked, and Bryony shook her head. "Oh no Lenn, you don't want to eat that, I promise. Catkin grows it herself, and trust me, it is super spicy."

Catkin sighed. "Actually I sort of ran out of that halfway through our trip down. I got this in Southsward, and it's .. oh .. pretty good. Not spicy enough, but it works."

Bryony shook her head. "Yea .. no .. we're good."

She plopped down beside Fripple and Cedric, Lenn hesitantly following her. "It's ok if we sit here?"

Cedric shrugged. "Oh sure. So who are your friends Princess, I don't think we ever got introduced properly."

Fripple shrugged. "Well that's Bryony .. we grew up together, and Bryony's friend Lenn."

"I'm .. from Redwall." Lenn added.

"Oh then you know Princess." Cedric put in.

Fripple shrugged. "Well .. she didn't grow up with us .. when did you go to Redwall? It must have been after we left."

Lenn blinked. "Well .. I've lived there all my life, but .. the whole situation is pretty odd. If I really tell you about it you'll probably think I'm crazy .. most other beasts do."

"I thought you were crazy when I met you Lenn .. but now .. well, I'm not so sure. You helped us find the Morning Song and defeat the Shadow Fighters .. so I think maybe you're telling the truth. Though I can't even begin to think how." Bryony shrugged.

Fripple raised an eyebrow. "So .. You haven't been to .. the Redwall we left? You don't really know what it's like?"

"To be honest Fripple, we don't really know what it's like or how far it's gone downhill since Bryony left." Veil was serious.

"I've heard Bryony say it was bad .." Lenn began.

"Yea, it was." Fripple sighed. "My uncle .. he .. just seemed .. possessed. And here's the thing everybeast, have you really thought hard about what happened? My aunt had to have been poisoned by someone. We all know it wasn't Veil, so who was it?"

Esther spoke softly. "We have not talked on what happened at Redwall .. enough. There's a clue somewhere .. but I just ... can't remember any details anymore."

"That's the greatest problem .. we should have spoken sooner." Aubretia sighed.

Byron suddenly spoke. "Miss Aubretia, you told me you wrote a diary of the trip .. didn't you?"

Aubretia sat bolt upright. "That's right .. I did! Hang on ..."

She pulled out a satchel, digging through it. "No .. not that one .. wait! Oh I am so scatter-brained sometimes .. here."

The golden mouse pulled her diary from under her pillow, opening it to the first ragged pages. "Yes, I have them labeled .. let's see, early spring .. yes .."

She smiled "Ah-ha! Right here. I'll read it to you, and do remember I'm very observant. Yes .. hmm .. today has been the most shocking day of my life, for my father has accused Veil of poisoning my mother. I cannot understand why he is so determined to punish Veil, even if his paws are red. I cannot let this happen, even if I love my father, he has to be wrong. All my calculations say Veil is innocent, but I have no idea who the real poisoner is .. "

Fripple broke in. "No, before that."

Aubretia raised an eyebrow. "Ok .. well .. let's see. Here's a couple days before. Today a stranger arrived, she seems very shy and gentle. She is a wearet, but my father says to be kind to her, apparently she has had a hard life. She's very young .. younger than me, I did talk with her, and while she seems kind, it's almost odd. She's so kind, and speaks quite properly .. I didn't see a vermin doing that. She's almost .. too perfect. Tonight, when we met her, she seemed surprised to see Veil, so surprised she stood rooted to the spot for a full thirty seconds. I have tried to calculate her reasons, and it must be because she wasn't suspecting to see one so close to her species. Later I noticed .."

Veil had stopped eating, and he broke in at this point. "Yes .. I do remember! She stared at me like I was ghost, or like she'd seen me before .. but I'd never seen her."

Fripple nodded. "And her sickly sweet behavior too .. like she was trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Boy, did she do it! We didn't even think of her being the poisoner!"

"Xzanthia, the poisoner?" Catkin sounded shocked. "But she's so .. nice! And .. young."

"It makes perfect sense now that we think about it. She brought the monocles, Mizzah confirmed that. She planted them and took Bryony to find them in case she would need somebeast to blame." Fripple leaned forward as Esther continued her thought.

"Yes, and she must have wanted to kill Rose .. because she was the queen?"

"Yea, probably. Killing royalty is the first step to most takeovers." Fripple took a bite of her bread.

Bryony crossed her arms. "That's the way I see it, and the thing is, it didn't work. So she had to find someone to blame."

Veil's voice was soft. "She framed me."

Fripple shrugged. "That's what it's coming down to."

"Why me?" Veil looked around. "I've asked that a lot, and I've told myself to stop. However .."

"Maybe it's what we should have been asking all along. Everyone .. why Veil? Why did the poisoner pick him, and not another one of us?" Fripple crossed her arms.

"If I may .. and not to intrude at all, could it be because he was another vermin, and an easy target?" Vinwyte spoke for the first time that night.

Esther shook her head. "Maybe .. but Veil was kind to most everyone. He was quiet .. but I was a thief! I'm an ermine, why didn't she go after me?"

"Aye, and I'm a cat." Ivan stated. "Besides there were plenty of vermin at Redwall to choose from."

Bryony nodded. "Yea, like .. Filip. He was always a sort of grouch, somebeast could have framed him much easier than Veil."

"There must be a reason .." Fripple paused. "Aubretia, what do your calculations say?"

Aubretia sighed. "I'm trying Fripple .. but this seems to defy calculations. By all reason, if she really is the poisoner, Xzanthia would have picked somebeast else."

"So she has to have ulterior motives!" Fripple exclaimed. "I knew it!"

Byron was blinking at her. "Xzanthia? Xzanthia was Nightshade's apprentice. And there's more than that ... but it's fuzzy .."

"Tell us! .... please?" Esther broke in.

Byron sighed. "Alright. Well, I've been Bluefen's servant as long as I can remember .. and once, she took care of a child she called Xzanthia. But ... it was a long time ago, I must have been three or four seasons old. Then one day .. Swartt came and took Xzanthia away .. and the next thing I knew of her, was Bluefen telling me she'd been apprenticed to Nightshade. You should ask Kinta and Skadu, cause they trained with her .. I was always cooped up with Bluefen. Veil sir, are you alright?"

Veil gently set Esmund, half asleep in his dinner, on the bed and walked toward the tent flap. He paused, pacing a little. "No .... Bluefen told me .. right before she died .. that I had a sister. You don't think .."

"You have a sister too .. no ... Xzanthia? Xzanthia's your sister?" Fripple stared at Veil.

Veil scratched his head. "Well .. she couldn't be my full sister ..."

"She .. has markings sort of like .. Esmund's." Esther's voice was quiet.

Veil paused, nodding. "As I remember."

He shook his head. "I'll have to talk to Skadu and Kinta soon .. and .. see if I can get to the bottom of this. Are they with Mizzah and Lilly?"

"Yea." Bryony confirmed. "But they're asleep already .. I think."

Veil sighed. "Very well, I'm tired myself. I'll .. talk to them in the morning."

Fripple sighed. "Yea, let's just go to bed. Nobeast can think well when they're half asleep."

><><

Xzanthia was hiding in an alcove of the wall, watching Sayna and Timbal walk through the Great Hall, talking quietly. "We cannot stay here Timbal, I will not trust to ever awake. Something is very wrong here."

"Aye, like Martin's monocle. I have the feeling that thing has a lot to do with his state of mind." Timbal grumbled.

The two paused in the middle of Great Hall, much to Xzanthia's relief .. she needed to hear what they were saying.

Sayna crossed her arms. "I was talking to Trimp about those, and she admitted almost everybeast had one .. at least over half the abbey. She said Redfarl had one .. of course Martin, and Arvid was under the influence of the one Redfarl has. Foremole Dinny never took one, at least we have that on our side. But Trimp says Bella and the Gingiveres simply disappeared."

Timbal paused. "Yes, though Groddil told us .."

"Yes, I know .. it makes sense." Sayna put in, "And Timbal, from what Filip said, all this seems to come down to that new wearet, Xzanthia. Did you see her?"

Timbal nodded. "I did. She seems innocent .. but .. I don't know."

Sayna sighed. "Timbal, I know you're worried about Martin, I am too ... I shouldn't have snapped at him so much. He just has a way of really .. irritating me when he acts like that. Still, we cannot stay here, not at night. It will be the end of us. I've asked Ignasa to calm me down, but I swear it's him giving me this warning. We've got to leave Redwall, at least during the night."

Xzanthia mentally cursed. No! Idiots .. those two mice were dangerous, and she needed to get rid of them for good .. how could she if they left?

Timbal shook his head. "I'm not arguing with you. Though .. don't talk so loud. Let's get out of here for now, we can come back in the morning."

"Should we take the hares with us?" The golden mouse caught up to the brown one.

He nodded. "Yes .. I'm inclined to believe your gut feeling is correct this time, we're in a hornet's nest of evil."

><><

Esther tried to remain inconspicuous as her friends all settled down to rest, but she didn't want to sleep. That whole thing had blown up in her face .. now she was pretty sure Veil was going to avoid her .. or not know how to talk to her anymore.

The ermine slipped out of the tent, silent as a shadow. She walked a ways, before sitting down in the sand with a sigh. She couldn't do anything right.

First she was a thief, and a nuisance at Redwall, she couldn't save Veil when he got captured in Southsward .. in fact he'd ended up protecting her instead. Then she'd gotten hexed and nearly killed him .. not to mention herself .. and now this!

Esther sniffed a little, staring up at the stars. "Why can't I do anything right? Just one thing Lord Ignasa .. can't I do just one thing to really .. help? I don't want everybeast else to do it for me. I always said I wouldn't be the kind of girl that needed protection, but ... everything I touch is ruined. I wish .. that I could do better."

There was a tiny scuff behind her, and Esther jerked around, staring at none other than Veil. She looked down. "Oh .. Veil I ... I ..."

Veil sat down a few feet away, and didn't speak for a few minutes. He finally glanced at her, with something like hesitation. "Do you .. actually mean what you wrote?"

Esther gulped. "I didn't mean for you to know who ... how did you know? I signed it anonymous .. you know?"

"Yes ..." Veil paused. "But you write the same way you talk."

Esther thought for a moment, before slouching a little. "Oh. I .. I'm sorry Veil ... please forgive me .. I didn't think .. yea, I just didn't think."

Veil was still looking straight at her. "I'm not .. mad. I'm just surprised."

He let his gaze drop. "And honestly, perhaps what you did was a good thing. I've felt so numb the last few days .. I .. I don't know. But that sort of made me .. think again."

There was a moment of silence, before Veil looked up again. "So .. did you actually mean it? It wasn't a joke Ivan got you to pull?"

Esther blinked. "Of course not! I mean .. I wouldn't do that .. I ... yes I meant it. I suppose I've ruined us being friends .. and ... and I'm sorry."

She laid her chin on her knees. "More sorry than you could .. ever imagine."

Veil's eye's were searching. "But you really do .. like me. To be honest, I sort of .. feel the same, but I never said anything because .. because."

He looked down. "Maybe because I've been so self-centered ever since we left Redwall. I didn't pay attention to anybeast else, and it's .. selfish. I'm the one who's sorry."

Esther slowly raised her head. "You're sorry? But .. none of it's your fault, it's mine."

"No, part of it is my fault. I haven't bothered to even thank you .. so, thank you." Veil was determined.

"What for?" Esther stared at him.

Veil met her gaze steadily. "For coming with me. All I ever did was try and discourage you from coming, but I never thanked you once."

Esther slowly looked away. "Thank you .. I mean, you're welcome .. I mean .. yea."

Neither said a word for a few minutes, before Esther spoke again. "Veil, did I .. mess up everything with that ... stupid letter? Are we still friends .. or ... not."

"It'll take a little getting used too." Veil was almost laughing. "But when I think about how I read it aloud .. it's almost funny."

Esther thought for a moment, before the humor of what had happened came to her as well, and she had to laugh. Veil shook his head, still smiling. "I can't remember the last time I really laughed .. was it before we left?"

He paused. "And if you mean you think I'll treat you differently .. I don't know yet. We'll have enough to think about soon. If we make it out alive I ... well .. I don't know what would happen."

Esther shrugged. "Yea ... I .. shouldn't have ... but someday. Maybe. Can we just ... forget that?"

Veil sighed. "Maybe that would be best. We should get some sleep ... we've got a full day of travel tomorrow."

He got to his feet, holding out a paw. Esther paused, before taking it and gaining her own feet. "Thanks."

She cast one last glance at the star-strewn sky as Veil disappeared through the tent flap, and Esther vowed she would do better.

''This time, I really will help. Somehow .. somehow.''

Chapter 31 Skewed Plots
"Burr .. maister Filip?"

Filip moaned, rolling over in bed. "Togget, what is it now?"

The mole's voice was determined. "It do be Roseanna, she'm an' maister Luke! They'm be awaitin' for you, must be dreadful important."

Filip grumbled. "It's not even light out .. just lemme sleep."

Togget pulled the rat's sheets off, voice low. "Mizz Roseanna'll come in herself so she will, she's awful jumpy, so'm she be. You best be a com'in."

Filip sat up. "What's she so up tight about huh?"

His mole friend shrugged. "Sure she never told me maister Filip, burr aye. But she do be a wantin' out of here."

Filip slowly slid his legs out of bed. "I guess I'll have to come .. if this is some false alarm though .."

"Hurr, it bain't zurr, Oi be a thinkin' it moight be about Xzanthia."

That brought Filip to his senses a little more. "Well ... alright. Let me get dressed .."

There was a soft creak, and his door swung open .. Filip momentarily wished he had a weapon at paw. However the next second there was a flash of red hair and something grabbed his paw, dragging him toward the door.

Filip scowled, trying to yank his paw away. "Roseanna, let go of me! I'm coming, but I'd like to wear something but my nightshirt, do you mind?"

Roseanna's voice was a hiss. "look, I'm trying to save your rotten life. Luke and Forest are waiting, we're leaving tonight!"

"And going where?"

Roseanna grumbled, still dragging him. "I'll tell you once we're out. But I'm telling you, she'll do anything she can to stop us, and she's after you, cause you told Sayna what you guessed about her!"

Filip let himself be dragged along. "But how did she know about that?"

"Because she followed them! I saw her! They don't really trust her, but they don't see her as the threat she is either. They left, they wouldn't stay the night here, and neither will we! Come on Filip, I swear she's after your blood!" Roseanna sounded so desperate Filip started to feel afraid as well.

They were running along the Great Hall, and Filip heightened his pace. Togget was behind them as they ran out the door, and suddenly Filip slid to a stop. "Hey wait, what about Trimp and Beau!"

Roseanna paused, spinning around. "Oh ... yea, I forgot about them .. let's tell Luke so he doesn't worry, and I'll try and tell them."

She ran toward the wall gate, Filip and Togget behind her. Sure enough, Luke and Forest were waiting. The mouse spoke first. "What took so long?"

Roseanna rolled her eyes. "Filip did, what else? Now I've got to go get Trimp and Beau."

Luke shook his. "No, you can't go back in there, I'll go. If she's watching, she'll be on the lookout for you, but not me."

"I .." Roseanna paused. "Oh, I guess. But be quick. Forest, do you think he should? Forest?"

The horse's head was down and three of his legs locked in light slumber. Roseanna grabbed his scruffy mane, shaking him. "Wake up Forest, how can you sleep at a time like this? After what Luke and I saw earlier ..."

Forest yawned. "It's night time."

Luke agreed with her. "Forest, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen Xzanthia with my own eyes, but we heard her .."

"Yea and if you ask me it's pretty dumb for her to talk aloud about her plans." Roseanna snorted.

That second, Filip heard a tiny scuff from behind them, and a smooth voice rang out. "Maybe it was, but you're no smarter, talking so loudly of me."

Filip groaned, facing Xzanthia with defiance. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same, rat." Xzanthia smirked. She paused. "So what will I do with you? I could tell on you .."

"You could lie on us, just like you lied about Veil!" Filip spat at her feet. "But I can run faster than you, and I could tell on you first!"

Xzanthia snarled. "You wouldn't make it three feet."

Filip felt a trickle of cold run down his spine, but he decided to do what he was best at .. argue. "Yea, but what would you do with my dead body, huh? Would you dump me off the wall or something? And what about them, they've seen you, and you can't kill us all."

Xzanthia smirked. "Idiot, I've killed more beasts than you could dream of, I couldn't care how many murders I commit."

Luke's voice was steady. "You'll care if you get caught."

The wearet hesitated for a second, before sneering, "You seem to think you'll have a chance to talk, don't you? Deadbeasts don't talk."

Roseanna pulled out her bow, slowly loading an arrow. "Like you could kill us all."

The mouse drew her bow back, snarling, "I think you'll be the dead one if you move one inch."

Xzanthia's white fangs gleamed. "No arrow you shoot can touch me, and besides .."

She broke off, suddenly letting loose three swift owl calls.

Roseanna rolled her eyes. "Ok, what's that do? Prove you're stupid?"

Xzanthia's brown eyes snapped. "I won't forget that mouse."

Filip suddenly thought of something .. the only time Xzanthia did that was to call whoever she spoke with on the battlements. And the question was ... how could somebeast speak to her on those high battlements? He instantly flung himself to the ground. "Quick, get down!"

There was a screech, and a yelp from Roseanna as something dark and flying grabbed her hood, pulling it over her head. Xzanthia pulled a knife out, jumping for the mouse maid.

Filip was on the ground anyway, and he lunged, pulling Xzanthia's paws from under her. The sound of steel on steel rang out, and Luke knocked the knife away from the wearet. "Nobeast harms my sister. Father will be quite interested to hear this about you, don't you think?"

Xzanthia snarled, flinging loose dirt in Luke's face. The mouse staggered, struggling to free his vision, and Togget shoved the wearet away so she could not use her advantage.

Forest jumped at her, rearing, only to neigh in frustration and pain as the dark, flying shape attacked his eyes. Xzanthia bolted up, sneering, "Got you now!"

She hurled the knife, and Luke cried out, grabbing his right arm. Filip staggered to his feet as there was a hiss and a blinding flash, accompanied by a cry of pain from Roseanna. Filip grabbed Forest's mane, practically yelling in his ear. "Forest, help us! We've got to get out of here!"

The horse did a half rear, and as his hooves came down, Filip vaulted onto his back, reaching down for Togget's paw. The mole scrambled onto Forest's back with the rat's help, and Luke was close behind. Roseanna flung the wall gate open, and reached for Filip's paw.

The rat grabbed it, but in the next second there was another hiss, another flash, and a flood of searing pain across his lower arm.

Filip instantly let go, unable to do anything else, and Luke lunged for his sister. The mouse caught Roseanna's paws, pulling her onto Forest just as he burst into a gallop.

Filip had a chance to glance behind them, and just managed to see Xzanthia raise a paw.

''We're dead ... she'll take out Forest ..''

But the dark shape seemed to attack the wearet before she could shoot any more green fire, and the next second the trees of Mossflower blocked her from view.

"Maister Filip, be ye hurted?" Togget's voice reached him, but the mole sounded almost far away.

Filip felt his head spin as pain like he'd never known racked his arm .. and in consequence, his entire body. The rat felt himself slump over a still running Forest's neck, and the next second he was falling .. just falling.

Somehow, he never felt himself hit the ground.

><><

Xzanthia raised a paw to finish the escapers off, but something pulled her back, practically dragging her too the ground. The wearet flung Tyre off, snarling, "You idiot! What do you think you're doing, I had them!"

The bat growled. "I'm saving your neck, Milady. The more green power you shoot, the more likely it is for somebeast to see it and inquire where it came from. And how will you cover up the murder of the king's children? No milady, let them go. I doubt they will be back any time soon."

Xzanthia got to her feet, grumbling, "The rat knocked me down, and he got me in trouble! I want to make him pay for it!"

"Get over your feelings and start thinking like the warlady you are." Tyre's reply was short.

Xzanthia huffed, snapping, "Oh .. shut up and don't play smart. Get out of here before somebeast sees you."

The bat rolled his eyes. "As that may be. You've got a good thing going here milady, don't mess it up."

"Please." Xzanthia smirked. "I've got this under control. Now go!"

Tyre sighed. "As you wish milady."

He fluttered out of sight again, and Xzanthia pulled the loosely swinging wall gate shut. At least they wouldn't be able to enlighten the beasts in Redwall.

And that Tyre. He was a ridiculous, paranoid idiot. She had this conquest all planned, and nothing could stop her.

Especially not some little rat and his stupid friends.

><><

"Filip, wake up honey, come on."

Filip mumbled, thinking the voice was his mother's. "Mum .. t's still dark out .."

"But it ain't sweetie, an' I made you some breakfast. Now open those eyes for me, won't ya?"

That voice .. it didn't have a highland accent like Regina's. It sounded like vermin slang though ..

Filip blinked his eyes open, finding himself looking into sparkling blue eyes set in a iridescent gray face. The rat coughed. "Sandingomm? Sandingomm, it's really you?"

The cat helped him sit up in bed, putting some pillows behind him. "Course it's me, I live in me own house now don't I? Forest said ya took a nasty fall there, said he 'bout stepped on ya, so you're a lucky one, ain't ya?"

"I don't feel awful lucky." Filip muttered.

And he certainly didn't, from the ache all over his body to the knowledge Xzanthia was still loose in Redwall. Sandingomm shrugged, helping him eat a little warm porridge. "Ehh .. ya, wull ya do sorta have a point there don't ya? Yer arm's a bit of a mess .. I donno if it'll heal proper or not, but Bella put herbs on it so ye've got a chance."

Filip glanced down at his right arm, swathed in a bandage, and sighed. Sandingomm's voice was serious. "Though ye've proven ta me an Gingivere there's a Shadow Fighter in Redwall. Only one of that lot could make such a wound, for the skin's burnt."

"Will I loose it?" Filip was beginning to feel fearful for his wounded limb.

Sandingomm shook her head. "I donno 'bout that, I don't think so. Least ways Bella wasn't actin' like ya would. I think it'll be more like me leg .. stiff, but there. Now eat some more, it's good for ya."

Filip obeyed wearily, before asking, "So we're in your manor?"

"That ya are." The cat smiled. "Ya showed up on me doorstep at bout one in the morning and half dead the lot a ya. But you're alright, thanks fer that."

Filip had about finished his breakfast when Bella came in, leaning on her staff. She sat down on a nearby stool, asking, "Now then young one, why don't you tell me how this happened, and the situation at Redwall. I've not really heard news since Groddil left for Salamandastron."

"He brought Sayna and Timbal?" Filip was surprised.

Bella looked eager. "Timbal and Sayna are back?"

"Yes." Filip nodded. "I didn't guess that Groddil had brought them though."

"Aye he must have. I wish Argulor was back from Noonvale, but since Yar and Emalet are up north with him, I've nobeast to act as messenger." Bella sighed, adding, "Still, we must make do with what we've got. Now tell me of Xzanthia son, if you would."

The thought of the wearet was starting to give Filip chills, but he spoke. "She's .... deceptive. She's got most of Redwall under her thumb .. other than us, Trimp and Beau are the only ones I know of that really suspect her. At first I thought she was irritating, then a jerk .. then evil .. but a Shadow Fighter? I ..."

The rat broke off, glancing down at his arm. "I guess I know now."

Bella's voice was grim. "Yes, I think we all do."

She looked out the window, shaking her head. "And to think we defeated the Greeneyes .. Badrang .. Lotor .. all great warlords and kings. Yet we fall to one little wearet .. not even thirteen."

Sandingomm placed a paw on Bella's shoulder. "We didn't fall ta just her. We fell to deception. An' what did Ignasa say when he crowned our kings an' queens?"

Bella's voice was soft. "To discern with his wisdom .. to be wary of deception. We have not heeded our Lord."

"So he has let us fall." Sandingomm finished.

Filip frowned. "So you're saying .. there's no hope?"

"Far from that young one." Bella corrected. "For Ignasa speaks truth when he says that where there is a group of faithful .. no matter how small .. there he will be. We must ask his council, we must be strong."

She stood stiffly. "I will call out for his guidance, and perhaps he will speak to me in my dreams. Until then .. you need rest, as do the others. You are safe here, for I doubt Xzanthia even knows of this place, and she would not leave the abbey at this time, when you have all vanished."

><><

"Come on Princess, make that horse run faster!"

Cedric's voice was a laughing challenge. "Munch and I can outrun you any day!"

Fripple spurred her black Arabian on, shouting, "Come on Whirlwind, you can catch them!"

The horse didn't talk, but he and Fripple worked well together. He stretched his legs out smartly, haring after Cedric and Star like an ebony flash of lighting. Cedric clapped his legs gently on Star's sides, goading, "You gonna let them do that Munch?"

She snorted, throwing her all into the run and passing Fripple's steed yet again. Cedric bent over the mare's neck, moving with her as she crested a sand dune.

Fripple sent Whirlwind after them, pulling him to a stop when she saw Star was standing motionless now.

"What is it?" Fripple called.

Cedric turned a little, stating, "It's Sirocco, Princess, look!"

Fripple brought her horse beside Star, looking where Cedric indicated. Sure enough, she could see the town, and even a faint green smudge that was the hills behind it. Her heart beat a little faster, as she stared at that beautiful green, no matter how faint it was.

"You alright Princess?" Cedric's voice cut through her thoughts.

Fripple nodded. "Of course .. I just missed seeing real .. grass. As weird as it sounds."

Cedric smiled a little. "You miss Mossflower."

"I do." Fripple confirmed. "I love the desert too, in a way .. but Mossflower is my home."

Cedric looked down a little, a Fripple suddenly realized what he was thinking. "You'll miss the desert won't you?"

"A little, Princess. A little. But I've always liked seeing new places." He paused. "Besides, I showed you my world .. don't you think it's your turn?"

Fripple laughed. "I suppose."

The clopping of horse hooves rang out behind them, and Mizzah pulled his bay to a halt beside them. "You two done running about like madbeasts?"

"We found Sirocco, Uncle Mizzah." Cedric put in.

Mizzah kept a straight face, "Ah, it moved did it? Well, we'll stop there for a while .. get some water, and be well into the flatlands by dark."

><><

Filip tried to sleep, but he was uncomfortable and almost feverish. His arm ached continually, and all in all .. he ached. It was anything but pleasant.

The rat rolled over, closing his eyes restlessly. He was slightly dizzy, and he wished somebeast would come. His mother had always watched over him .. and his sister .. when they were sick, but Sandingomm had to take care of Roseanna and Luke too. She couldn't stay with him all the time.

Filip didn't bother opening his eyes; there was nothing to see. He wished he could sleep, but rest refused to come.

"Filip."

There was a soft voice, quiet, nearly spectral, but real. Filip snapped his eyes open, but the room looked just like before.

"Filip, listen to me."

The rat propped himself up on his good arm, looking around with some fear.

"I have not come to harm you, Filip."

The voice didn't exactly calm its listener's fears, and Filip stammered. "W .. who are you? Where are you?"

"I Am That Is, Filip. As for where I am, it matters not. Now heed me. Your kind have always been called villains. Now it is their time to be the heroes. Some have turned to me, and have helped woodlanders before, but this time, reality has been turned around. The woodlander acts the vermin, and the vermin acts the woodlander. So now, Filip, son of my servant Whegg, will you answer my call?"

The young rat had stopped looking around in confusion, and he closed his eyes. He didn't answer for a second, before he shivered, murmuring, "I ... I am not a .. a hero Milord. Nobeast ever liked me."

"Who's fault was that?" Ignasa's voice was gentle.

Filip sighed. "Mine. I never .. liked them."

The rat felt a tiny breath of wind around his ears. "You are so much like your father, in many ways."

Filip hung his head. "No I'm not .. father is a goodbeast."

"He wasn't always." The voice was quiet. "Will you follow his pawsteps?"

Filip's arm buckled beneath him, and he fell back on his pillows, muttering, "Milord .. I want to .."

"Then believe me."

"Believe you ..." Filip hardly understood what he meant, and yet a tiny part of him did. "I will, Milord."

"Find a high king's faithful servant, find his faithful subject also. Call upon the Morning Song, and break the spell of lies." The voice grew softer, and Filip suddenly thought of something.

"Wait! Wait, don't go! ... What about ... my sister ..?"

The gentle feeling of wind seemed to pause, before it swept over him. "The answer will come, fix your eyes to the south. I am with you, my son."

Filip felt that strange, wonderful presence recede, and he slipped into restful darkness.

><><

Xzanthia paced in a woodland clearing some distance outside Redwall, her voice a growl. "I have this war sewn up, Tyre, I even got a horde! And now .. now the other two marks show up."

Tyre watched her through half open eyes, asking dully. "Is that such a problem?"

"Yes!" The wearet's teeth snapped together as the word came out. "Are you kidding? I can't have the four marks rejoin! That would destroy everything!"

Tyre sighed, latching his claws tighter about the branch he was hanging from. "I see why your father sent me."

Xzanthia wheeled around. "Never call him my father again, if you value your rotten life! Swartt will pay for what he did to me!"

"Oh come on." Tyre snorted. "What he did for you? He made you what you are today."

"Shut up!"

The bat gave her a sideways glance. "Yea, I sort of see your point."

Xzanthia glared up at the bat, hanging prudently above her reach. "You ... know nothing! You were a cowardly prisoner who saved your life by being a traitor to your kind! What would you know, all the times I tried .. so hard! But I was not good enough! I could never be good enough for him! Well now .. now he will pay. He will pay with his life .. with the lives of both his darling sons!"

Tyre raised an eyebrow. Xzanthia snarled. "Oh, you don't believe me? Well hear this. He thought I could never be strong enough? The woodlander's blood and his sons' blood will drip from my paws as I kill him, and then he will know that I am more than he could have dreamed! He will pay!"

"Fine, that's your business." Tyre decided not to contradict. "But the matter at paw."

Xzanthia crossed her arms. "You just watch your mouth. As for the matter at paw, what am I going to do about the marks? You're my advisor, advise me!"

Tyre huffed. "Well it's no great mystery. You have a horde don't you? Put them to good use."

"My horde ... yes! Those little tree rats! They must know Mossflower like the back of their paw, they can tell me where the two marks have gone, and they can dispose of them! Tyre! Go speak these words for me. Tell that rat chieftain .. whatever his name was .. to get a score and a half of his band and prepare for an attack on the marks. Make him tell you where they are. As for me, I've got to get back .. it's almost noon. Martin's going to realize his children really aren't there, he probably has already, so I need to make the most of it."

Tyre watched the wearet bolt off, and he scowled. How much more could he stand?

Or more realistically, how much more could he survive?

><><

Xzanthia refrained from slipping in the wall gate, even if she'd left it cracked open. This could require a scene. If it didn't, she'd just been playing in the woodlands.

She was met at the gate by Whegg, who gave her a suspicious look. "Where have ya been, eh? Yer fond of disappearin', ain't ya now?"

Xzanthia smiled winningly. "Oh but I'm not the only one sir."

Whegg jumped on this, just as Xzanthia had hoped. "Not the only one .. you know where they are? My son and the others?"

"Not now," Xzanthia shrugged. "But can I please pass?"

Without waiting for his answer, she slipped passed him into the abbey lawns. Martin and Rose were talking with Trimp, Gonff, and Wildfire, all of which seemed worried.

"Have you seen them?" Martin's voice was strained.

Trimp curtsied. "I'm sorry Martin, I've looked everywhere, all through me kitchen an' cellers, Ben an' his sons is a lookin' too. I sure hope they're alright."

Wildfire tossed his head. "First I loose my daughter, and now my son!"

"Indeed my friend, I as well." Martin looked pale as ever, an now his face was drawn with stress.

Rose laid a paw on his shoulder. "Dear, you don't look well."

Martin rubbed his forehead. "I don't feel well, Rose. And now on top of it all, Roseanna and Luke disappear .. those children know how to give a beast gray fur."

His shoulders slumped. "I'll never see Aubretia again, and now .."

Rose sighed. "We will find them, Martin. Perhaps they have just gone for a little adventure into Mossflower .. they will be alright. They are warriors like you."

"Yes, but .." Martin sighed. "But the Doomwytes have traps, and who knows what other villains could be roaming out there?"

"Luke's no weakling sire, with all due respect. I'm sure my best friend knows plenty about the Doomwytes and what to avoid." Gonfflet dipped his head as he said this.

Xzanthia was watching the group, and presently Gonff noticed her. "Oh, where'd you run off to, eh? Can't remember seeing you this morning."

Martin met Xzanthia's gaze, and the wearet felt a bit of inner satisfaction. The monocle's curse was truly starting to take effect .. slowly, ever so slowly, but it was working all over Redwall.

"Xzanthia, have you seen Luke or Roseanna?"

The wearet thought for a moment, before nodding. "Yes sir, I saw them sneak out the west wall gate with Filip, Togget, and Forest."

Martin stared at her. "Why would they do that?"

"I don't know, but I saw them early this morning. Before it was light even."

Gonff crossed his arm. "Really? And where were you?"

Xzanthia could barely keep from shooting the mouse a glare, but she didn't. "I couldn't sleep, that's all .. so I went up on the wall to look at the stars, and as I came down, I saw them. I did think it was odd, but I didn't want to question your children sire."

Martin crossed his arms. "You say Filip was with them? Well he's been a shady character from the time he was about five, I'll wager he instigated it."

"Martin, dear, listen to me." Rose broke in. "I don't like how you instantly move to blame the vermin first whenever something goes wrong. Our children are perfectly capable of getting into trouble on their own."

Martin sighed. "Rose, I know you like to look for the good in beasts .."

Rose frowned. "Martin, Filip is young. He's not guiltless, but with Roseanna, Luke, and Forest, he wouldn't be leading! They don't listen to him, think Martin, it doesn't make sense."

"Well .. I do see your point Rose. Perhaps he wasn't the instigator .. though he had to have something to do with it. The question is, why did they leave? What on earth could they be doing?" Martin wearily shook his head.

Rose shrugged. "Did it ever occur to you they may have gone to see Timbal and Sayna?"

Martin frowned. "Well they had no right to do that, they should have asked. They could get hurt .."

"Martin, it's their aunt and uncle! They wouldn't be in danger there." Rose was looking a little irritated.

"I don't know Rose ... I'm not sure who to trust anymore."

Rose pointed at the monocle tucked into his belt. "And I think Timbal is right, it has to do with that thing."

Xzanthia could barely keep from growling, but she held it in .. with difficulty. Martin sighed, "Rose, you don't understand, I need this. It lets me see things in a whole new light."

Rose grumbled. "Yes, I have the feeling it does, and it's not good. I've never liked that thing, Martin, and I wish you'd get rid of it. You haven't looked well for weeks now, you've been acting judgmental and paranoid, and you question the loyalties of the other two marks! Dear, are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I have good reason to be under stress, Rose. Three of our children have vanished, trouble seems to plague our abbey, and what's more, my own friends accuse me of doing the wrong thing! I have a headache."

"You look it." Rose crossed her arms.

Trimp broke in. "Erm .. with all due respect your majesties, might I go back to me kitchen? That is, if'n ya want afternoon tea .."

Martin waved a paw at her, rubbing his head. "No, no, that's fine .. yes, go on."

"I'll come!" Gonfflet offered his services, following the hedgehog.

She sighed. "Alright master Gonfflet, but only if you keep yor paws off me pies .."

Rose turned back to Martin. "Dear, you need rest. You're sick .. come with me."

The high king nodded without complaint, following her up the gatehouse steps. Rose gave Wildfire and Gonff a meaningful look, but as her gaze swept of Xzanthia, her green eyes sparked with suspicion.

The gatehouse door shut, and Xzanthia shot it a dark glare. She walked toward the abbey, hatred boiling. Why hadn't that meddling mouse wife just died when she'd poisoned her the first time?

Xzanthia paused at the doors leading into Great Hall, a slow grin forming on her features.

There would have to be a second time. And this time, Xzanthia totally intended to kill.

><><

"But Sire .."

"Wildag, please. My name is Veil."

"I meant yer Majesty, a course." The older ferret corrected himself. "Some a the horde ... not me a course, not me, but some a the horde wanna know how long it is til we git .. erm .. wherever we're gettin'."

Veil sat down on a smooth rock by the fire, sighing, "Mossflower, and we will be there in .. em .. Aubretia?"

The mouse looked up blankly, and Byron muttered in her ear. "He asked how long til we reach Mossflower .."

"Oh!" Aubretia nodded. "Well, I'd say at very least a week."

"How come ... I mean we .. sort of took longer then that coming down .." Esther looked dubious.

Aubretia nodded. "Yes but according to my calculations .."

Byron broke in without meaning to. "We're all mounted and that sort of .."

"Let's us go faster." The two finished as one.

Catkin laughed, plopping cheerfully next to Vinwyte, who jumped slightly before relaxing again. Catkin smiled at Wildag. "Oh Veil, do tell your horde to come and eat with us. If we're to be a team, we must get to know each other. Now that we're past the desert, we should!"

Wildag looked hesitantly at Veil, and Esther spoke up. "She .. might have a point .. you know? If they have to fight for us .. maybe they should know us better, and vise versa .."

Veil thought for a moment, before nodding. "Very well, Wildag, you helped cook this. Come and eat it with us, won't you?"

The ferret hesitated, and Catkin nodded. "Oh yes ... please do Wildag! It would be nice, because I like your cooking very much. Only .."

She paused, digging in her satchel and pulling out some hotroot. "It needs more of this."

Wildag hesitantly sat down, excepting the plate Esther offered him. "Wull .. thanks Sire, it's awful kind'a ya."

Esmund crawled onto Wildag's rock, staring at him pointedly. "You is in my brother Veil's horde, I know!"

Wildag was looking wary, and he looked rather relieved when Skadu grabbed the wearet and sat down next to Ivan. Scraw walked over next, blinking at Wildag. "What do you think you're doing?"

Wildag cringed. "Uh .. the boss said I could Scraw .. honest 'e did!"

Scraw stared at Veil. "He did?"

"I did." Veil spoke up quickly. "In fact, you may sit with us if you like. I never asked for a horde, but now that I've got one, I think Catkin's right. I'm not going to be my father and ignore the beasts who follow me. You know, Scraw, go tell the others to come. Zenith and Kinta too."

Scraw stood dumbfounded a moment, before stammering, "Umm .. Milord, with all respect .. that ain't the way to do it."

Veil crossed his arms. "I've made me decision Scraw, go tell them. And that's an order."

The rat paused, before bowing. "Yes lord, so it'll be."

Wildag watched him walk off, before shaking his head. "Sire, yer the weirdest horde leader I never laid eyes on .... I mean ... not sayin' nothin' against ya, yer not a bad horde leader an all, yer just .."

"Different?" Fripple asked. "Different is good."

"Ya know missy .. I think I'm startin' ta agree wif that." Wildag nodded. "Though Scraw ... he's real loyal ta the normal way. I donno if'n he really likes it, but he's afeered a what might happen if we do summat different. He ain't big inta change. So I donno how he's gonna take this new kinda horde."

><><

TBC~ Som e LEGENDS ar e to ld     So me t urn to dust o r to GOLD   Bu t yo u wi ll r emem ber m e   For CENTURIES  01:50, October 19, 2015 (UTC)