User blog:I Am That Is/The Wildcat's Revenge

Chapter two

Abbot Morterrum had never been an early riser. Most Redwallers had started their daily activities by the time he was up and about.

Breakfast was not a formal event at Redwall Abbey. It was usually a come and go occasion, starting at no specific time and ending shortly before lunch. So it was that the Abbot was not late, simply "not early".

Morterrum met Friar Dorran on his way downstairs. Dorran, a mouse like himself, was a friend to all in the abbey. Known for his kindness, generosity and good food, the Friar was always ready to help, and almost never turned down a request (one of the few times that this happened was refusing a hare his 15th helping).

"Mornin', Father Abbot." said Dorran

Stifling a yawn. the Abbot tried to smile. "Ho, hum, yes, good morning to you too. I hope there will still be some breakfast left when I get downstairs."

Smiling, the kind friar picked up a tray from atop the stone oven. "I saved some for you," he said. "Hot scones with cold mint tea. Here, I'll help you take it down."

Morterrum gave a huge contented sigh. "Dorran, I don't know what I would do without you." he said.

"Probably starve." replied the Friar. "Oh no, look out!"

The pair were almost knocked flat by the stampede of Dibbuns rushing up the stairs. The ones in front stopped abruptly at the sight of the Abbot, causing the ones in the rear to crash into them and fall over. They started to run off in the other direction. Wondering what was going on, the Abbot grabbed one and held him up to eye level. "You, can you tell me what is happening here?" he said

"Good evening Favver Abbot, us is-"

The Abbot stopped him in mid sentence. "Hold it, what do mean, evening? It can't be..

Morterrum paused as he understood the joke. "Oh, you're calling me lazy, you're saying I slept all day, are you? Right, well, for insulting your Abbot, I sentence you all to go play outside."

The babe wriggled and squirmed, trying to get away. "Thank you Favver, but I no can do that if'n yous don't pu'me down now."

Abbot Morterrum gently put the Dibbun down on the floor. "All right, go play."

The dibbun scurried off.

The two friends resumed their way downstairs. Dorran chuckled at the Abbot. "You should have made him tell you what he was doing."

Morterrum was puzzled. "Why's that, friend?"

The Friar replied willingly. "'Cause he was runnin' from bathtime, did you see the state of him?"

After breakfast, the Abbot went for a stroll of the grounds, leaving Friar Dorran to prepare lunch. It was a sunny day, so nearly everyone was doing outdoor activities. Being mid-spring, it was not hot out, but comfortably warm. Morterrum walked over to the north wall steps. When he got there he took of his sandals and rested his feet on the warm sandstone. He was soon joined by sister Rose, the infirmary keeper. Sister Rose strongly went against the stern reputation of past creatures in here job; she was one of the nicest people in the Abbey, and also still a somewhat young squirrel. Rose had always been a friend of Morterrum.

“Good morning, Father Abbot, wonderful day, isn’t it?” the squirrelmaid said.

“Indeed it is,” replied Morterrum. “What do you plan on doing today, Rose? I was thinking, as you just pointed out the fair weather, it would be a nice time to enjoy yourself.”

Rose gave a sorrowful frown. “Oh, Father, I wish I could. But I have to go out and gather herbs, you see, for the infirmary. I’d go another day, but this is the best time for most useful plants to grow.”

The Abbot was sympathetic. “Well, you’ll still be outside. I’ll tell Friar Dorran to pack a small lunch.”

The sister’s look grew even sorrier. “It’ll be more than just lunch. Do you know the old quarry, where Matthias the Warrior retrieved Martin the Warrior’s sword from Asmodeous?” When Morterrum nodded she continued. “Well, there is a special kind of herb that only grows in rocky places, like the quarry. I won’t bore you with details, but it cures a severe fever that often happens in mid-spring. It takes at least two days to get there.”

Abbot Morterrum was mildly surprised. “Two days? I never knew of this.”

“Well, you wouldn’t,” replied Rose. “I haven’t needed it. The infirmary keeper before me left a large supply. This is the first time I’ve had to go.”

The Abbot sighed. “I understand. But take Skipper with you. If not for your position I would not let someone as young as you go out into Mossflower, especially alone. The woodlands can be dangerous.”

Late morning saw Rose and Skipper leaving the Abbey. Cloaked and carrying haversacks, they waved up at Morterrum standing on the walls. They stepped onto the path, and turned right, into Mossflower wood.

Skipper was a big strong otter, skilled in the art of many weapons. Unlike most otters, who carried javelins, he carried a spear, strapped to his back. He had made it himself, in the burning forges of Salamandastron. He had been there on a visit, and instantly took a liking to the forge. It was a very curious weapon, and good for throwing and close combat. It had a wooden haft, with metal rings clasped around it to keep it from splitting. At the top was a crossbar, and after that was a deadly blade, about the length of a short sword. A curious weapon indeed, and one only used and mastered by the Skipper of Otters.

As soon as they got into the trees, Rose started looking about for the herbs she needed. She was going very fast, and almost looked frantic, searching through the undergrowth. Skipper had to walk somewhat fast to stay with her.

“Ahoy, mate!” he called. “Slow down, I can’t very well protect you if’n you don’t stick with me!” Rose immediately slowed down, allowing Skipper to catch up.

“Well, stamp me rudder, what do you mean by dashin’ about like a frantic ferret?” he said, slightly panting. “Not that you’re as ugly as one, but actin’ like a wild weasel don’t make sense to me.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I just want to hurry.” said Rose. “I don’t like being away from the Abbey one bit. So if I hurry here, we can start the long journey to the quarry sooner.”

Skipper nodded, and let her keep searching.

It was only a few minutes before Rose was panting extremely hard.

“Tell you what,” said Skipper. “Let’s stop for lunch. You’re obviously exhausted.”

The sister was stubborn. “No, no, I can keep going.”

Skipper put a paw on her shoulder. “Lissen to me, matey. I knew you was gonna get tired. I let you keep going fast so you would learn a lesson. Start out slow. Now si’down, and lets eat.”

Rose surrendered. “Oh, I suppose you’re right. You’re more experienced in this sort of thing.”

Skip nodded. “Right, then when we’re done munchin’, you can tell me what the herbs look like. Then we’ll both search.

Rose looked to the sky in exasperation. “Why didn’t I think of that!” she exclaimed.

Skipper gave a broad smile. “Because, like you said, I’m more experienced in this sort o’ thing. Nothin’s better than experience.” He suddenly lowered his voice. “Don’t look now marm, but we’re being watched.

Skipper stood, and stretched his arms, reaching behind his back. Rose realized what he was doing not a moment too soon. She ducked her head as he whipped out his spear and flung it into the bushes with amazing swiftness and accuracy. There was a light thump as whatever had been watching them was sent to Dark Forest gates.

Rose was shocked at how fast Skipper had decided to kill, and done it. She spoke in a horrified whisper. “Skipper,” she said. “That could have been anyone. You had no proof that it was a bad creature.”

Skipper was silent as he pulled out his spear, with a dead wildcat impaled on the blade. The cat was strangely dressed. He had a breastplate and helmet, both with an insignia, five claws stained with blood. He also had a cape with the same symbol. In his belt was tucked a curved sword with fur wrapped around the handle.

Rose shook her head in amazement. “Bu-but h-how did you know?”

“I saw him a while ago.” said Skipper. “He’s been watching us for ages. I didn’t want to tell you until I was ready to deal with him. I thought you might panic.”

“Let’s go back to the abbey.” said Rose. “I don’t like being out here knowing there are vermin roaming the woods.”

Skip agreed. “Right. We need to warn the Abbot. Here. Take this on the way back.” He handed her a small dagger.

Rose took it from him. It felt cold and uncomfortable in her paw. She did not like carrying a weapon. Killing was exactly opposite of her job, healing. But she knew it might cost her life not to have it.

It was not long before she did need the blade. Four wildcats, dressed and armed the same as the one Skipper had killed, leapt out of the bushes in front of them. Without threatening, halting them, or doing anything vermin usually did, they charged.

Rose screamed. Without thinking, she held the dagger up in front of her. She was extremely lucky that day. The wildcat coming at her stuck himself on the small, deadly weapon. Rose stood stock still, in shock.

Skipper was fighting with the other three. Battering left and right with his spear, he fought furiously to save his and the squirrelmaid’s life. It was only when he noticed a deep gash in his arm that he realized that these were experienced fighters, and he could not take them alone. “Help me, Rose!” he yelled. “Help!”

The thought of Skipper dying broke the trance. Rose sprang to assist him. She immediately stabbed the closest foebeast in the back. He dropped dead.

Skipper saw Rose start shaking violently, in shock again. He knew he could not protect her and fight at the same time. He then sheathed his spear, heaved Rose onto his shoulders, and started running towards the Abbey. The two remaining wildcats pursued him, hot on his heels in a chase that could only result in two ways: Skipper dying, or escaping.

One of the cats was getting too close for Skipper’s liking. He stopped suddenly, and gave a mighty backwards kick. He felt his opponent’s jaw crack, and the unconscious vermin fell into his companion. They both toppled over, giving Skipper a few seconds advantage, before the last wildcat still in action resumed the chase.

Lucky for Skip and Rose, the Redwallers had taken lunch on the walltops today. Friar Dorran was first to spot them coming out of the trees. He assessed the situation in seconds. Taking action, he picked up a medium sized barrel of October Ale and gave a loud shout.

“Redwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalll!!!!

The barrel smashed down on the wildcat’s head. He was knocked backwards, leaving Skipper and Rose to reach the Abbey safely.

The Abbot had been on the grounds when he heard the shout. He rushed up he stairs to see Skip with Rose on his shoulders running towards the Abbey. “Open the gates!” he shouted. “Open the gates for our friends!”

Helping paws heaved the main gate open, and Skipper rushed in. he sat Rose down and called to Morterrum. “Abbot, I need help. Rose is in shock.”

Fortunately, the infirmary keeper was not the only one skilled in healing. Almost every brother and sister in the Abbey knew the art, and Morterrum was no exception. “Get her into the gatehouse. There is a bed there. Prop her feet up and keep her covered. Friar, bring some hot mint tea, for when she wakes up.”

The two creatures did as they were bidden. Then Morterrum saw Dronn Sternspike, the Redwall cellerhog, walking out through the gates. “Dronn, where are you going?” he asked.

The stout hedgehog growled a reply. “I’m going to go get the vermin who dared attack peaceful creatures from our Abbey. We need him for questioning, and I don’t take the loss of one of my barrels lightly.”

Morterrum nodded. “Right. Haul him into the gatehouse. Rose and Skip have a right to see this, and we might get some privacy there. I’ll go check on them.” He walked into the small building, and was relived to see Rose awake and sipping tea. He sat down by Skipper. “Skip, you must tell me what happened.”

Skipper obliged without saying anything else. “We were attacked. Four o’ the rascals.” He leaned in close to the Abbot. “Rose had to kill two of them. Exactly how I felt after my first battle. Nothin’s worse than killing ‘till you’re used to it.”

Dronn then entered the gatehouse, hauling the unconscious wildcat. He shoved him up on a chair. “Let’s wake him up now.”

They never had the chance. Several things happened at once. The gate house window shattered as a streak of red flashed across the room. The wildcat gave a strange gurgle. Rose screamed. A red arrow was quivering in the back of the wall. Skipper dashed outside. What he saw chilled him to the bone.

A wildcat was standing on the Abbey wall. It’s eyes were blood red.

A bloodwrath beast was inside the Abbey.

And no one within the walls was safe.