User blog:SaynaSLuke/Four Warriors Cometh



B y S a y n a

He came in the night,

We fell in an hour.

There was no time to fight,

For to save dear Mossflower.

Our king and his queen,

Met a bloody end,

Their knee they would not bend.

To Verdauga the Destroyer.

You had better bend the knee,

To his majesty,

The king of mighty Kotir.

You had better bend the knee

To his majesty,

The king of our Mossflower.

Woe to the one who will not bow.

No one on earth can help us now.

We look ahead to future dawn,

That will bring warriors to these forlorn.

Two rightful king's heir, and two warriors brave,

Descended from those who escaped the grave.

From Verdauga the Destroyer.

You had better bend the knee,

To his majesty,

The king of mighty Kotir.

You had better bend the knee,

To his majesty,

The king of our Mossflower.

Until these come from northern water,

We will serve Verdauga and his daughter.

He was cold and cruel,

But her evil rule,

Will be marked by famine grim.

We'll be worked to death,

But to our last breath,

Our wisdom is Corim.

You had better bend the knee,

To her majesty,

The king's cruel daughter.

But we will not,

We will plan and plot,

And we'll wait for our warriors.

All this we do,

To prove tis true,

We'll destroy the Destroyer!

- The Lament of Mossflower

Editors Note
This is the sequel to The Warrior's Beginning, and so being, is the rewriting of Mossflower.

(If you haven't already, I would seriously advise you read The Warrior's Beginning. You will miss much character development and important details and explanations. Four Warriors Cometh follows it's prequel closely, say barely a season has passed between them.)

As in 'The Warrior's Beginning' the plot and characters have undergone serious changes, so expect the unexpected! :P

This story is my pride and joy, and it is the only reason I wrote 'The Warrior's Beginning' in the first place. You can imagine how utterly thrilled I am to finally be writing this!

Please comment and give me constructive criticism! I want 'Four Warriors Cometh' to soar where 'The Warrior's Beginning' flopped, and that will take everyone's help! Thanks everybody! <3

- Sa yn a   W il d a s t he no rt h w in d  03:31, December 1, 2014 (UTC)

Main Characters
Sayna: Formerly called Sally in 'The Warrior's Beginning'.

Martin: Uhh .. Martin! Same as in 'The Warrior's Beginning'

Timballisto: Chocolate brown mouse with gray-blue eyes and a battle-ax.

Groddil: Same as in 'The Warrior's Beginning' (yea I know this is a bit a spoiler .. :P)

Lady Amber: Tawny colored, short-tempered squirrel queen. Mostly the same as in Mossflower, although she has undergone some personality changes.

Bella: Stern but kind badger lady of Brockhall.

Gingivere Greeneyes: Brother of Tsarmina, same as in Mossflower

Lord Ignasa: Same as in 'The Warrior's Beginning'.

Tsarmina Greeneyes: Cruel and powerful queen of the Thousand Eyes.

Lord Malimore: The direct enemy of Lord Ignasa, Malimore is a black-furred wolf. His name is contrived from the words mali (evil) and more, so therefore, Malimore means simply, 'More Evil' also holds the connotation of 'Great Evil'.

(There are a few other main characters, but giving them away now would be a total spoiler ...)

Important Characters
Lady Lepus: Former chieftain of the now-extinct Mossflowerian rabbits.

Sandingomm: Iridescent gray female wildcat, former seer of Ripfang.

Boar the Fighter: The mighty badger lord of Salamandastron.

Skipper Warthorn: The hot-headed otter chieftain.

Spring: Warthorn's sensible daughter.

Redfarl: Amber's fun-loving daughter (Redfarl is Redfarl from the Outcast of Redwall, this is just her at 13-17 seasons (No I am not messing up my timeline here, because I've changed it) :P

Whegg: Verdauga's former captain, now a traitor to his old master.

(As with the main characters, there are a few more, but to tell them now would be such a spoiler ..)

Prologue
Verdauga posed a commanding figure as he strode through the halls of his castle Kotir, his son and daughter in his wake. Trailing reluctantly after them was a vixen, and two guards armed with spears.

"Couldn't this have waited till the morning father?" The female wildcat grumbled.

Verdauga did not slow his pace. "If I can't sleep, neither shall you Tsarmina. I will know the meaning of this dream."

Tsarmina looked disgusted. "It was your dream! Why drag us into it?"

Verdauga had halted beside a old oak door with a tapestry over it. He pulled a rustic key from his tunic, inserting it in the keyhole and turning. The door opened with the ominous creak of unoiled hinges, hinting that this room was not often used. The king of Mossflower motioned for the guards to wait outside as he answered,

"Because this concerns our whole family."

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The room had a vaulted ceiling like a cathedral, but the weak glimmer of the lantern Verdauga's son, Gingivere carried did not illuminate it.

The vixen held back uncertainly, but Verdauga pushed her forward. "Don't just stand there Fortunata, call up my master!"

The fox nodded, hurrying to an altar-like structure, and bowed low, as did the three wildcats. The only sound was Fortunata's unintelligible mumbling as she worked her strange magic to fulfill Verdauga's wish.

After a few seconds there was another sound. The sound of a voice so evil, it made Verdauga shudder.

"Why have you called me, ruler of Mossflower?"

Verdauga made himself look up at the terrible visage before him. The wolf was near half again as large as the wildcat, and darkness seemed to ooze from beneath his black fur. The lantern flickered and went out, as if no light could survive in the presence of such evil.

"Lord Malimore, for three nights now I have had a disturbing dream, and I wish you to interpret it."

The black wolf's dull red eyes glittered subtly as Verdauga waited for his consent.

"Go on."

The Lord of Mossflower looked down. "I have seen the coming warriors. Two males and two maids, and all mice, as was prophesied."

Lord Malimore betrayed no emotion as he stated, "I know this, king of Mossflower. There is no cause for alarm, for I have successfully opposed Ignasa's plans. His mouse warriors have already been broken."

Verdauga did not dare meet his Lord's gaze as he asked,

"If that be so Lord Malimore, then why does this dream plague me? I see not only these mouse warriors, but great trouble ahead for me and my realm."

The dark wolf did not show anger at Verdauga's question, just swished his fluffy tail slowly.

"Sometimes dreams are nothing more then dreams, king of Mossflower. Do not read too far into the visions of your mind. But do not fear the coming ones. As I say, they are broken. They have sunk so far in self-pity and pride, they are no longer listening to Ignasa. We have the upper paw."

Chapter 1 Land Oppressed
The winter sun was watery and half-hidden by clouds, and it did little to warm the land it shone on. It was to be one of the hardest winters Mossflower had ever seen, and this was evidenced by the already deep snow drifts.

The winter-locked woods seemed dead, void of all life. The only thing that stirred in them were four travelers, two mice, and two horses. The horses coats had grown out shaggy and dull to deflect the cold, and the mice both wore hooded capes.

The mouse maid riding the gray mare looked over at her companion with a sigh. Ever since the battle with Badrang, he had been emotionless. It was like he had felt so much pain, nothing could ever touch him again. She knew how he felt.

Her name was Sayna, but it had not always been. She shut her eyes. She would not think of the past, for it could not be changed nor helped.

It did not matter what her name had been once, it was Sayna now. She was Sayna.

Her voice was flat as she asked, "Martin, where are we going?"

He did not look around as he replied, "South."

She sighed. "I know that, but I came with you because I thought we were going somewhere particular."

His answer was emotionless. "To do what? There's no place in the world where I will ever belong, no creatures that will ever need my help."

Sayna urged her horse, Ghostdancer up next to Wildfire, whom Martin was riding.

"Look, I didn't come with you so we could sit around and think about the past. I'm leaving it behind. It'll never find me. And I didn't come with you cause I like you, because I don't. I came with you because you're a creature of action, and you'll find something useful to do with the rest of your life."

This time he showed some emotion. "My life? There's nothing left of it! It's broken into so many pieces I couldn't pick them up if I tried!"

"So you'd rather not try?" Sayna asked angrily. "You're going to wander around and do nothing forever? Rose wouldn't want that!"

Martin pulled his hood over his head miserably. "Don't talk about her."

Sayna growled furiously. "She's my sister, and if she loved you enough to die for you, you might have enough nobility to use the life she saved!"

Martin's brown eyes flashed as he glared into his companion's black ones. "How dare you .."

Sayna snarled, "Because Rose was my sister, and I loved her. And I'd hate for her to die for a coward."

Wildfire interrupted. "Stop it! Why argue amongst ourselves? It will do nothing!"

Ghostdancer broke in. "Wildfire's right. Maybe it would be better if we don't discuss the past. How about if we focused on the future?"

Sayna looked at her. "What?"

Dancer sighed. "Let's get the lay of this land, and maybe find a place to spend the night. It'll be dark soon, and if we don't find shelter, we won't be around to argue with ourselves anymore."

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They followed the horse's advice, continuing on in silence, and taking in their surroundings.

As she observed the land they had entered, Sayna was sure she had never seen a more melancholy place. She told herself this was because it was caught in the grip of winter, but she got the feeling there was more to it then that.

The tree's branches bent low under the weight of snow and ice, and unlike winter in Noonvale, the snow did not glitter. This more then anything surprised Sayna, for she was accustomed to beautiful, shining snow.

Still, it was not even the looks of this land that made it so depressing, but the feeling that seemed to hang over it.

Deep down, Sayna knew what it was.

It was the feeling of evil.

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Darkness was falling over the four travelers, when they sighted a building by the roadside. It was in relatively good repair, and the glow of candlelight shone in it's windows. A tired old pinto stood tied to the hitching post out front, blanketed to ward off the cold.

Sayna was still adverse to talking to Martin, and he seemed in no hurry to start a conversation. Dancer broke the silence.

"You two had better get in there and find out where we are. See if you can find us a place to spend the night."

Sayna slid off her horse, shivering as her bare footpaws sank in the snow. Martin dismounted and headed silently toward the building, with Sayna reluctantly following.

As she got nearer the structure, she could read it's weather-beaten sign.

 'The Bloody Axes' 

Sayna frowned. That sounded like a vermin haunt, not a place goodbeasts would go.

She opened her mouth to say so, but Martin was already opening the door. With a sigh, Sayna caught up to him.

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The door creaked as the two mice entered, and the place's occupants looked up, but soon returned to their business. Sayna greatly regretted entering this tavern, for so it was. Vermin populated it, but there were a few who especially caught Sayna's eye.

At a large table beside the fireplace sat a vixen, a weasel, and two male wildcats. One was quite large, and wore a golden crown with a emerald set in it, and the other was slighter and younger looking, with a silver coronet on his head.

The younger one had a reserved, quiet look in his green eyes, but the elder had the look of a seasoned warrior, and his emerald eyes held the ruthlessness of a tyrant.

Sayna was glad of the hooded cloak she wore, for it covered her face. She snuck a glance at Martin, to see he had his hood up too. The mouse started toward the counter, where a dull brown fox sat watching them with almost familiar yellow eyes.

As he approached the counter, Martin's cape caught on the hilt of a knife embedded in the floor. The hood was jerked from his head, revealing his bright gold fur and definite mouse-like features.

All might have been fine, if the large wildcat had not noticed before Martin could pull his hood back on.

The creature started, a look of horror flashing across his face, before he yelled,

"Take that creature captive! Now!"

A long-legged rat started forward with ten other vermin in his wake, and Sayna threw off her hood and drew her sword.

The cat started again, ordering instantly, "Take that one too!"

Martin drew his sword, engaging the rat as Sayna found herself faced with a large, dumb-looking weasel with a ax-like weapon.

Martin found his opponent was skilled in the wielding of the double headed spear he carried. The mouse tried in vain to bring his sword to bear against the wooden spear shaft, but the rat never gave him the opportunity. The two creatures fought viciously, but they could not find a opening and best the other.

The weasel that faced Sayna was quickly joined by two others, a stoat and a ferret. She felled the stoat with a powerful thrust, leaving her sword extended for one second to long. The weasel brought his ax down on her blade with incredible force, shattering it into a million pieces, and leaving the hilt in Sayna's smarting paw. She drew a throwing knife, just as the rat managed to bring one of his spear blades on Martin's sword with amazing power. There was a shattering sound as the old blade broke in two, unable to stand the force brought against it.

The rat expertly bound Martin's paws, while the weasel tied Sayna with the help of the ferret.

The wildcat stood, nodding to the rat. "Whegg, take them to Kotir and hold them for questioning. I want a word with those two."

Chapter 2 The Corim
Bella was a wise female badger, and the leader of the Corim, or 'The Council of Resistance in Mossflower'.

Right at that moment, she was pacing Brockhall's great hall, shaking her striped head.

"No, no! We can not go to war! The signs are not right!"

Warthorn, the brawny Skipper of the otters slammed his rudder-like tail on the floor.

"Mossflower has been in oppression to long! We must free it, signs or no signs!"

Bella opened her mouth to argue, but Lady Amber queen of the squirrels, jumped on to a table, shouting,

"He's right! How many of us have lost a loved one to Verdauga?"

She spread her arms to the Corim, and was answered mightily.

A hedgehog yelled, "My parents!"

Warthorn shouted, "My wife and son!"

Many other voices rang out, testifying the cruelty of their oppressor.

"My family!"

"My love!"

"My only child!"

Lady Amber pointed an accusing paw at Bella. "You lost your husband and son, just as I lost my husband and daughter! Why do you do nothing?"

Bella pounded her paw on the table to regain order. She sighed.

"I too, would love to avenge these wrongs, but the time is not right! The four marked warriors must come!"

She looked down.

"My good creatures, you have all been greatly wronged by the barbarians who conquered our land, but we cannot fight them yet! We must wait for the warrior princes and princesses to come and take their place as the rightful kings and queens of Mossflower!"

Amber crossed her arms. "When will they come Bella? When?"

The badger lady sighed. "I honestly do not know."

Amber snorted and Bella raised a paw.

"But I have been having many visions and dreams, the like of which I have never had before. I am sure our warriors are close, at least some of them. I can clearly see the two gold mice, but there is one .."

She shook her head, finally murmuring, "It is hard to tell."

Amber let her arms drop.

"Alright Lady Bella. Alright. I'll wait until the end of spring. If these warriors have not come by then, me and my squirrels go to war, whether you do or not. Never forget, I'm not your subject, you cannot give me orders. Blacktail and I were your friends, nothing more. We had no written alliance with you. I alone rule the squirrels, and if I say we fight, we fight! I only want the best for my creatures, and that means to kill Verdauga. Remember, you have until summer. If your magic warriors haven't shown up by then, me and the squirrels go to war, with or without any of you!"

The squirrel queen strode out of Brockhall in high bad humor, her creatures in her wake.

Bella slowly shook her head, whispering,

"Oh foolish squirrel. If you go to war without the coming ones, it means death for us all."

Chapter 3 Questioned
Whegg drug his prisoners through Mossflower quickly, his long limbs capable of a fast gait. The two mice stumbled along behind him, unable to match his pace well. The rat could see this, and slowed down a bit, motioning to the weasel who had broken Sayna's sword.

"Cludd, go make sure there are two cells for our guests here."

The weasel hurried on ahead, and Whegg resumed his swift walk. Sayna growled at the ferret who drug her along, and he wisely stepped sideways, out of her reach.

The mouse maid looked up, to see an amazing sight. The trees had thinned out ahead, revealing an fortress of awesome proportions. This castle made Badrang's fort look like a toy.

It was constructed of weathered red sandstone, which was darkened with age. However, the castle was in good repair, it's towers majestically scratching the sky.

As she was drug across it's courtyard and into the dungeons, Sayna could tell this was not the castle of a small warlord like Badrang, but a king, and a wealthy one at that. The windows had glass, and the walls were decorated by detailed tapestries, although Sayna did not find the pictures very nice. They portrayed conquests and battles, all of which had the likeness of their captor as the centerpiece.

Whegg grabbed Sayna's bound paws, dragging her down a flight of stairs and into the dungeons. He threw her into a nearby cell, slamming the door as she hit the far wall. She heard the slam of another door, presumably the one on Martin's cell.

Sayna slowly sat up. She looked at her bound paws, wishing for her throwing knives. But those were gone, the rat called Whegg had taken them, as well her bow and arrows. The only thing she had left was her sword hilt, which she still clutched tightly in her paw. She let it fall to the floor as she leaned against the wall. What had she gotten herself into?

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The minutes ticked by slowly, for Sayna had nothing to do, and she couldn't even explore her cell easily because of her bound paws. She found herself thinking of Martin, and wondering where he was.

The warrior maid sighed. She worked on her bonds awhile, but the cell was pitch black, and the ropes were tight.

Sayna was about to give up, when she heard the tramp of paws approaching. Her cell's door creaked open, and the rat called Whegg grabbed her arm, dragging her out.

"Lord Verdauga Greeneyes wants a word with you."

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Whegg dragged Sayna into a separate room near the dungeons, throwing her next to Martin, who was already there. The green eyed wildcat paced up and down one wall, while the younger one stood in a corner quietly.

The older wildcat stopped pacing, and faced the two mice.

"Who are you, and why did you enter my domain?"

Martin neither spoke, nor looked up. Sayna was forced to answer their interrogator.

"We are wanderers sir, and we have no home. We did not know this was your realm."

The wildcat resumed pacing. "Why then, do you have such beautiful weapons?"

He picked up one of Sayna's throwing knives, remarking, "This is the knife of a king, not a poor wandering fighter."

Sayna did not look up. "If you please sir, those were made by my mentor, who no longer lives. He was skilled in the ways of metal working, and my knives were his greatest achievement."

The cat glared at his prisoners. "You are golden mice! What do you know of the prophesy?"

Sayna looked at him in bewilderment as Martin replied, "What prophesy? I know not of prophesies."

The wildcat was getting flustered. "Do not lie to me! I am Verdauga Greeneyes, King of Mossflower!"

The younger cat laid a paw on Verdauga's shoulder.

"Father, maybe they do not know of it. Maybe they are not the ones."

Verdauga glared at his son. "Don't be a fool Gingivere! They are golden mice! What more evidence do we need?" Gingivere bowed his head. "I know not father. But if you kill them now, how will we ever know?"

Verdauga looked at Sayna and Martin testily for a moment, before nodding.

"Very well. Whegg, take them back to their cells. I'll think of a way to make them talk by morning."

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Whegg drug Sayna back to her cell, throwing her in unceremoniously. She skidded across the floor, into the corner opposite the one she had previously been in. She braced herself to hit the far wall, but she did not, for she crumpled into something soft and furry.

The thing moved fractionally, and Sayna tried to jump back, but her bound paws hindered that. She pulled on the ropes, feeling them loosen a bit. Encouraged by this, Sayna pulled harder, and the bonds loosened again. The mouse maid sighed with relief as the ropes fell from her paws. She cautiously reach forward in the pitch blackness, her paws brushing against the furry thing once more.

"Hello?"

She tried, but there was no answer.

Suddenly, as if by some miracle, the cell was flooded in moonlight. There was a small grate at ground level, which allowed the light to come in. However, apparently, the moon had hid behind a cloud until that moment.

Sayna looked over at her mysterious companion, to see a young squirrel maid, quite a bit younger then herself. The creature was amber furred, with rich chocolate points and unruly headfur. She was very emaciated, and was huddled on the floor as if waiting for death.

Sayna gently picked her up, murmuring, "You look about the age of my little brother, Brome. Poor little mite, you couldn't be more then twelve seasons. And look at you."

The mouse maid pulled off her warm travelling cloak, wrapping it around the squirrel's scrawny shoulders. She took a bit of the water Whegg had left in her cell, and pored it into the little maid's mouth. The creature swallowed weakly. Sayna was delighted at the prospect of having a cellmate, even if she was seven seasons younger.

"There now, you'll be alright. I'll make sure of it."

Sayna sat rocking the squirrel maid long into the night, crooning a lullaby Groddil had taught her.

"Watch the rain,

Hear it fall,

Over treetops,

Over all,

The woodlands of Mossflower,

Little woodlander.

Hear me sing,

Hear me sing.

Hear my voice,

In the spring.

As the rain doth fall,

Over all,

Over all.

Little woodlander,

Little woodlander,

Hear my voice singing,

And return to Mossflower."

It was too much. After the exhaustion of the previous day, the magic Sayna had weaved worked against her, and she dropped off into a deep, dreamless sleep, the squirrel maid in her arms.

Chapter 4 Rift of a World
If one were to go back in time a few hours, to before the sun set on the day Martin and Sayna were captured, the same sun that had shone over Mossflower, shone over quite a different place.

This was a place of peace, at least, that is what it was thought of as. To be truthful, if one was to look past the exterior, they might find that it was not so peaceful as they believed.

This was the place of Sayna's childhood. This was everything she had ran from. This was Noonvale.

Brome sat in the picture window of his father's cottage, tears in his eyes as he tried to block out his parents arguing. He could barely remember a time when it had not been like this. And yet he could. A time when his family had been at peace, at least somewhat. A time before the Battle of Marshank.

Brome's tears slipped down his cheeks as he recalled his parting with Sally, his favorite sister.

"Sally, why? Why do you have to go? I don't have anybody but you!"

Sally had hugged him, tears in her eyes. "Oh Brome .. you know why. And please don't call me that anymore."

Brome had buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing,

"I don't care what you call yourself! You'll always be Sally to me! Always!"

His sister had hugged him tighter, whispering, "Brome .. I am dead to Noonvale. I'm never, ever going back."

Brome had managed to choke out, "Then I'll never see you again? Ever?"

She had made him meet her sparkling black gaze, which was bright with unshed tears. "Someday Brome, Someday. If Lord Ignasa wills it, we will meet again."

Brome stared up at the gray winter sky, his sorrow nearly choking him. At the time, he had taken comfort from this statement, but now he knew what Sally really meant.

She meant that the only time he would see her again was in the Silent Forest.

Brome winced as his parents argument rose into a crescendo. He slipped out of the house, determined to have some time alone.

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Once, Urran Voh had got along quite well with his wife, Aryah However those days were over. Deep down, he still loved her, but she was always one to try and pardon creatures Urran did not favor. And now she was trying to pardon that good-for-nothing warrior mouse, Martin.

Urran could have let the matter slide, and he knew it. While his daughter had been seriously injured in the Battle of Marshank, she had not been killed, and she was recovering. However, Urran was disgusted Rose had gotten mixed up in a war in the first place. Urran wasn't sure who to blame, but he felt as though he must blame someone. So his wrath fell upon Martin, the mouse that his daughter had become attached to against his will.

Instead of trying to build his family back up as he should have, Urran was determined to vent his emotions on someone, and his wife opposed him. She saw how much her daughter had loved the warrior, and so she defended him from her husband's anger. In her mind, it wasn't so much for the absent Martin, but for her little Rose, whom she had nearly lost forever.

And so it was, that the Voh household was always in tumult, and the members of it were eternally angry with each other.

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When Rose had awoke from her wounds and heard the rumor Martin was dead, she had refused to believe it. However time had eaten away her hope and confidence, and she slowly excepted this lie as truth. At first she had not wanted to live without the one she loved, but she realized dying would be selfish and ungrateful if Martin had given his life to save her, which she was sure he must have.

So she sorrowfully continued on, although there was no joy in it for her. She got into frequent and heated arguments with the father she had once loved dearly, and slowly began to completely resent his way of thinking.

She could see plainly what her sister Sally saw seasons ago. Urran did not care for his family half as much as he cared what his family looked like. Rose couldn't believe how blind she had been. Sally had been right all along.

However Sally was gone now, just like Martin, or so Rose believed. Urran Voh showed no pity for his eldest daughter, in fact, he never spoke of her.

Rose grew silent and short-tempered, especially when the creatures in her town spoke badly of Martin or Sally. As she got better, Rose spent her days away from home as much as possible, wandering the glens Sally once did. She found her sister's old bow in their clubhouse, and began to teach herself archery. The mouse maid found she had many talents she had never known. She could glide through the woods as silent as a shadow, she could shoot far better then she had ever dreamed was possible, and she was learning to ride exceptionally well through the tutelage of her new best friend, Midnightshadow, a former horse of Clogg's.

However her heart was broken, and none of these accomplishments could make her happy. If only Martin was with her! He would encourage her, and be there for her even if all the beasts of Noonvale were against her. But that could never be. The insurmountable rift of a world lay between them, and it was a cold, cruel world.

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Far, far away in Mossflower, in the cells of Kotir, Martin was thinking the very same thing. His sweet little Rose was, to his knowledge, dead. He was in a way, glad she was not with him, for he would not wish her to be in the mess he had gotten himself into. However he missed her quiet, gentle confidence and support, as well as her compassionate quick-thinking, which had saved him from doing something regrettable and rash more then once.

But he would never hear her voice again, not until he passed through the gates of the Silent Forest. Still, he would live the life she had died for, until his time came.

Yes, the rift of a world lay between them, and it was a cold, cruel world. However, sometimes the largest rifts are rifts of the mind, and all caused by a simple lie.

Chapter 5 A Death in the Family
Verdauga sat in bed, wide awake and trying to think of a good way to get the desired information from his prisoners. A sudden inspiration came to him. Tsarmina! His daughter was conniving and clever. She would come up with a good way to deal with his unwanted guests.

"Ashleg!"

In took a few minutes, but the crippled pine marten appeared in Verdauga's doorway.

"Yes my Lord?"

"Get me Tsarmina! Now!"

Ashleg bowed. "Yes my Lord."

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The old pine marten shuffled through the halls of Kotir reluctantly. He was not excited about waking the bad-tempered princess.

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Tsarmina however, was far from asleep. She was fully dressed, and laying out a scheme, something she was quite good at. The wildcat princess fingered a plain hunting knife wickedly. The weapon was not hers, it was far to ordinary. It belonged to her stupid, spineless brother, Gingivere, as did the gauntlets laying on her bed.

Tsarmina was tired of simply being the princess of Mossflower. It was time for her to be queen. Killing her father would be easy, but if something was not done about Gingivere, he would take the throne. So what could be better then to kill Verdauga, frame Gingivere, throw him into prison for the rest of his worthless life, and become queen?

Tonight was the mighty King Verdauga Greeneyes last night on earth.

Suddenly, Ashleg's voice broke through Tsarmina's thoughts.

"Milady .."

Tsarmina snarled at the pine marten through her closed door.

"What do you want Ashleg? It better be good!"

Ashleg grimaced, thankful the door was closed. "Your father, Lord Verdauga, wishes your presence Milady."

Tsarmina smiled inwardly. Her father had only quickened his demise. Still, the wildcat princess made sure to berate Ashleg, whom she loathed.

"I know who my father is varlet! Tell him I shall be there shortly, you one-pawed idiot!"

Tsarmina hid Gingivere's hunting knife in her flowing sleeve as she listened to Ashleg's receding pawsteps. The princess of Mossflower hid her brother's gauntlets in the folds of her skirt.

It was time to put her plan into action.

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Verdauga looked up as Tsarmina appeared in his doorway. "Come here daughter, I need your opinion on something."

Tsarmina flipped the knife around in her sleeve so that she was no longer holding the blade, but the hilt.

"What is your wish father?"

Verdauga returned his attention to a piece of parchment in his paw as Tsarmina came to his bedside, as if interested by what her father was reading.

Verdauga opened his mouth to say something, but his daughter did not give him a chance to speak. One second Tsarmina had been standing beside him, reading over his shoulder, and the next, the fickle cat had plunged a knife betwixt his ribs.

Tsarmina smiled wickedly as her father stared at her through diming green eyes.

"You were the king of all Mossflower and many lands beyond. But all your wealth and power could not save you from your own family. I think that's rather pathetic."

Verdauga tried to gasp out something, but Tsarmina's knife had done it's work. The King of Mossflower was dead, slain not by the woodlanders he had wronged, but by his own daughter.

><><

Tsarmina took the gauntlets from her skirt, pulling the knife from Verdauga's side. She proceeded to smear blood on Gingivere's gloves, smiling to herself.

One down, and one to go.

The wildcat princess hid the offending items in her skirt, slipped from her father's room and shutting the door. The murder would not be discovered until morning, for nobeast would dare wake the king of the thousand eyes.

Tsarmina successfully avoided all the guards, slipping into Gingivere's room and stowing the bloody knife and gauntlets in a cabinet, to give the pretense they had been purposely hidden.

She then returned to her own room, sat upon her bed, and ridded herself of all evidence of the crime she had committed.

Within a few hours, Mossflower would have a new ruler.

Chapter 6 Hail to the Queen!
Sayna slowly awoke, not exactly sure where she was at first. The events of the previous day came back in a relentless flood, washing away any positive thought's the mouse maid might have had.

She was a prisoner, awaiting her fate in a damp cell.

Sayna suddenly realized she was still holding the young squirrel maid, who had not yet awakened. The mouse looked toward her cell door, to see a crust of bread and a small bowl of water. The guards must have fed her while she was asleep. She was surprised she had not awoke, but figured the stress of the previous day must have completely exhausted her.

Sayna carefully helped her young companion drink a little, and much to her surprised, the squirrel's eyes fluttered open.

The two creatures surveyed each other in total silence for a few minutes, before the squirrel spoke, her voice filled with awe.

"You are a promised one! But .. why would you save me .. why are you here?"

Sayna was bewildered by this statement.

"I know nothing of being a promised one, and I didn't really save you at all, I just got thrown in your cell."

The squirrel frowned. "But you are a golden mouse .. You have to be the high queen!"

Sayna was beginning to wonder if this young creature was right in the head. "I'm no queen little one, just a roving warrior who's fallen on hard times. I lost my weapons, horse, and freedom in one day, and I'm certainly not of royal blood."

The squirrel maid was getting quite upset, so Sayna stroked her messy headfur, remarking,

"Now, now, don't take on so. I'm a friend, and maybe your high queen will come save us both. Why don't you tell me your name?"

The little squirrel wiped her tears away. "My name's Redfarl .. I think. Anyway, that's what my daddy called me before he died."

She blinked her expressive brown eyes. "What's your name?"

Sayna felt a little twinge of guilt at lying to this young squirrel, but she pushed it away.

"My name is Sayna. Sayna the warrior."

Redfarl snuggled against Sayna, smiling as she stated.

"See? I knew you were the high queen. The prophesy says the high queen's name is Sayna."

Sayna opened her mouth to ask Redfarl something, but she noticed the squirrel had fallen asleep again.

The warrior maid stared at the weak morning sun filtering through the grate high up in her cell's wall. The wildcat king who had captured them had spoke of a prophesy as well, and golden mice. Now this young squirrel seemed sure Sayna was a high queen, just because her fur was gold.

What was going on?

><><

Tsarmina was feigning sleep, when there was an urgent knock on her door.

"Milady!"

The wicked cat smiled to herself, but did not stir.

"Milady! Are you all right?"

Tsarmina yawned widely, making certain the guard could hear it.

"I'm fine mud brain, what else would I be?"

The weasel sighed with relief despite the insult that had been hurled at him. The princess was her usual self.

"Milady, it's your father! General Ashleg says to come right away!"

Tsarmina was itching to go put on her act, but she knew how to bide her time.

"Does Ashleg think he can give me orders? I am above him. Still, I suppose I shall grace him with my presence. What is the matter with my father?"

The guard's voice came through the door to reach Tsarmina's expectant ears.

"Milord Verdauga has been murdered!"

Tsarmina had rehearsed an act, and she went into it now. Her voice had a mixture of horror and shock laced in it.

"What? My father, murdered? Who would do such a thing? It can't be true!"

The wildcat princess appeared in her doorway, clad in her nightgown as if she had slept all night and was in to much haste to don her clothes.

She pushed past the guard, crying, "My father can't be dead!"

><><

Gingivere, Whegg, and Ashleg stood in the late Verdauga's bedchamber. Gingivere was shocked and horrified by his father's death, as were his two companions.

Whegg bowed to the wildcat prince. "Milord Gingivere, I am truly sorry, but you must be absolved of all guilt in this matter before you can be crowned king."

The rat looked at Ashleg, who nodded regretfully. "Tis so young prince. It's the law I'm afraid.

Gingivere nodded distractedly. "Do what you must Captain. I care not."

Whegg laid a paw on Gingivere's shoulder. "I know you are innocent of this atrocity Sire, and I will be proud to call you my king. However, your chamber must be searched to prove your innocence. But fear not, I shall personally check her highness's room, and thoroughly.

The wildcat turned to his captain. "Do you think my sister would bloody her paws in this manner?"

Whegg's paw instinctively flew up to the long, cruel-looking claw marks that ran across his right eye, an eternal reminder to him of Tsarmina's wrath. It was only his quick reflexes that had saved him from being completely blind in that eye, and even still, his vision had been effected. He could see nothing but light and movement on his right side, so understandably, he liked to keep creatures on his left. The rat hid a snarl as he muttered,

"I wouldn't put it past her Milord."

It was in this second Tsarmina entered the room. She had a horrified, fearful look plastered on her face, not at all the look of a murderess.

"I just heard ... Gingivere, it isn't true! It can't be! Tell me our father still lives!"

Gingivere dumbly shook his head as Ashleg addressed his sister.

"I am sorry Milady, but yes, it is true. Verdauga was murdered."

Tsarmina buried her face in her paws, sobbing, "Who would do such a thing?"

Whegg motioned that the guards in the doorway follow him as Ashleg muttered,

"Who indeed."

><><

Whegg was searching Tsarmina's chamber, and not having any luck. The rat wished he could find evidence on the princess, for he loathed her. However, he could find nothing to prove her guilt.

The rat captain had sent Cludd and Ratflank to search Gingivere's room. Cludd wasn't very smart, but he was loyal. Sometimes loyal to the point of stupidity.

Whegg gave up the search disgruntledly as Cludd and Ratflank hurried into the room.

Ratflank held forth Gingivere's bloody knife and gauntlets as Cludd bowed solemnly.

"Captain, I'm afraid to tell you this but .."

Ratflank finished for him.

"It seems we have a Queen."

><><

Whegg watched Gingivere be dragged away in disgust. Despite the evidence against the prince, the rat was certain he was not the murderer.

Whegg would have been content to serve under Gingivere, but to serve Tsarmina was another matter entirely. The rat strode purposefully out to the stables, saddled his old dun pony, and rode out of Kotir with nothing more then the uniform he wore and his trusty spear. The gate guards said nothing as he left, after all, he was their Captain, and for all they knew he was following orders.

Whegg halted his pony on the other side of the drawbridge, and stared back at Kotir one last time. Verdauga had done many things Whegg had not agreed with, but all in all, he had been a decent master. Gingivere had the makings of a good and mighty king, but the hope he would be enthroned was gone. The rat was sure that within a few hours, the wildcat prince would be dead, Tsarmina would see to that. There was nothing left to keep Whegg in Kotir.

He clucked to his pony and set his face toward the new, empty page of the future. His chapter as Captain of the Thousand Eye Army was finished forever.

He smirked as he thought of what all the others must be having to say right now.

"Hail to the Queen!"

Whegg kicked his pony into a gallop.

She wasn't his Queen!

Chapter 7 Wake of Darkness
Far away from Mossflower, on the vast expanse of the western sea, there rode a large black ship. It was Verdauga's, marked by the green eye that adorned it's sail. On it's helm stood a large gray-furred rat with an overly long fang that jutted from his jaw at an odd angle.

His name was Ripfang, and he was Verdauga's chief corsair captain. Once he had ranked below Vilu Daskar and his mighty ship the Goreleech, but ever since Vilu's mysterious disappearance, Ripfang was the master of Lord Verdauga's oceans.

He was pleased with his title and position, but the plain truth was, he could not keep them much longer. As much as the rat loathed admit it, he was growing old. In a few seasons time, he would no longer be strong enough to stand the rigors of the open sea.

This gave purpose to the mission he was on now. His master, Verdauga, had always longed for the mountain of Salamandastron to be his, and so he had commissioned Ripfang to take it. Verdauga's word rang in Ripfang's mind, as clear as if the cat was still speaking them.

"Ripfang, Salamandastron must fall! It is the only thing in my way of ruling the entire world!"

Verdauga had got a sly look in his eyes.

"And besides my friend, you will not be able to continue as the Bloodwake's captain much longer. No, do not deny it, I can see the seasons beginning to rest heavy upon you."

Ripfang had swallowed. He knew too well what Verdauga did in the way of 'retiring' beasts who were no longer useful to him.

Verdauga had smiled at his sea captain's unsettled look.

"But still, you have been faithful to me through many long seasons, and I have finally hit upon a way of rewarding you. If you will take Salamandastron for me, then you may be it's ruler, subservient only to me. Once you have succeeded in this, pick a new captain for the Bloodwake, and live out your seasons as the Lord of the mountain."

Ripfang smirked to himself. He would miss the open sea, but to rule Salamandastron .. well that was an offer he couldn't pass up. Besides, he had been in the mountain before. Many long seasons ago, when he was but a lad, a simple soldier in the ranks of Ungatt Trunn's Blue Hordes.

The mountain had been his coveted prize ever since. It would not be long before it was finally his.

><><

Ripfang strode to his cabin, stopping at a desk with an open map upon it. He smiled at the pebble that represented the Bloodwake, and the jeweled dagger stuck in the small picture of Salamandastron. I would not be long now! Two days at most!

There was a soft knock on the cabin door, and Ripfang barked,

"Who is it, and what'ya want?"

A timid voice replied, "It's only me capt'n, Stumptail."

Ripfang motioned that his first mate come in.

"Stumptail me 'earty, what's the matter?"

Stumptail fiddled with a brass ring in his ear.

"Err Capt'n, it's da oar slaves. Whiplash says 'e ain't gonna be able ta keep em goin' much longer."

Ripfang snarled. "Wull what's da matter wid dat great lot a lazy beasts?"

Stumptail shrugged. "They's worn out Capt'n. Plain washed up. Whiplash 'as ta beat em twice as hard for less work. 'E asked if you'd come down and see .."

Ripfang brushed past his first mate.

"You bet I will! You know 'ow long it'll take me ta git new slaves? I want's ta 'ave me mountain in a fortnight, not a season!"

><><

Ripfang stormed down into the galley, intent on having a talk with his slave driver, Whiplash.

Whiplash was a lean, amply scarred, black furred weasel, who was skilled in the usage of the whip. He was lashing about the slaves as Ripfang strode in. The weasel stopped his whip to bow to his master.

"Capt'n, I'm sorry ta say dis, but these here slaves is about used up. I can't get much more out of em."

Ripfang scanned the rowers, admitting Whiplash was right. They were all a sorry sight, but some were far worse then others.

Ripfang glared at his slave driver. "Is there any with anything left in em, or all they all fish bait?"

Whiplash motioned to a young, dark furred mouse who was chained to an oar on his own.

"Dis is about de only one with life left in 'im. 'E actually seems ta 'ave a will ta live. De others .. day ain't worth nothin'. It's hardly worth it for me ta whip em."

Ripfang snarled in disgust. He needed able-bodied oar slaves, not washed up old relics. If the attack at Salamandastron was a failure, he would need an avenue of speedy retreat. As much as he hated it, he would have to obtain some fresh slaves. Still, he was in a foul mood at the delay of his attack.

"Didn't we capture dat dumb tribe of mice on da north shores? Wot about them?"

Whiplash shrugged. "Capt'n, dat was near five seasons ago. The mouse I showed ya is about da last one a dem still on dis side a 'Ellgates."

Ripfang nodded sourly. "Lay off em for a day, we'll use da wind. Feed em a little more iffen you can. We'll limp up north and find some 'elpless little village, capture it, and take it's creatures captive. Dere ain't any ports round 'ere, and besides, why pay for slaves when you can git em for free?"

><><

The young mouse Whiplash had motioned to sighed with relief as the weasel walked off. He might have been a rather good-looking creature if it weren't for his seasons of slavery. Although his rich brown fur was so filthy it was impossible to discern what color it was and he was badly in need of a good meal, his eyes were expressive and full of life. They looked like the sea after a storm, like living pools of gray-blue water.

He slumped across his oar with a tired sigh. It had been five seasons since he and his companions had been captured. Five long seasons. The mouse could remember being free, but the memories were slowly fading. He had been near fifteen at the time of his capture, so he wasn't much over twenty seasons now. His name was Timballisto, although nobeast had called him that in so long he had to remind himself occasionally.

He closed his eyes wearily, hoping for a few hours of respite. It wasn't often the slaves on Ripfang's ship got to rest. Timbal intended to make the most of it.

><><

Sandingomm was a young wildcat, and a seer to Ripfang. Her fur was gray, with a strange, almost iridescent sheen to it, and her paws, muzzle, tail tip, and long head fur were raven's wing black. Her eyes were deep indigo, the color of sapphires, and they glittered constantly with a sly, yet fearful look.

At this moment, she was reading the omens for her master. Ripfang glared at her.

"Well? If I take war to a northern village, will I be successful?"

Sandingomm was a true seer. She heard voices, and she had, in more then one instance, seen the future. However she was frightened of her abilities, or rather, the one they came from. For Sandingomm had seen the work of Lord Malimore, and she feared him greatly. Still, Ripfang kept a seer for one purpose only. To have a connection with his evil master, the dark wolf.

Sandingomm was no better then a slave. She was always on the lookout for an avenue of escape, but had not had such an opportunity. Until such a door was opened, the wildcat kept herself in one piece by obeying Ripfang's wishes, and telling him his future.

She threw her bones and feathers on the table, noticing with relief, they fell favorably for Ripfang.

"Aye Capt'n. Ye'll take em. My omens say ye shall loose a few beasts, but ye shan't be harmed, and ye'll have strong new slaves from it."

Ripfang nodded. "Tis good your omens say so. Good for me, an good for ye. Which village shall we take war ta?"

Sandingomm picked up one of her pebbles, dropping it in Ripfang's paw. She motioned to the map laid out on his desk.

"Let Lord Malimore choose Capt'n. And should ye not trust me, throw the pebble yourself."

Ripfang glared at her for a moment, before he strode to the open map, throwing the pebble on it. The small rock rolled across the surface of the parchment, coming to rest on a tiny northern village nestled near a river.

Ripfang pulled the jeweled dagger from the image of Salamandastron, fingering the hilt slowly. He nodded.

"Tis on the Broadstream River. It'll take me a little longer, but who knows, maybe there's more up there then one little village."

The rat turned around abruptly, sinking his dagger into the depiction of the village.

"Huh, it's so small this map doesn't even give it's name! Well at least they ain't gonna be able ta stop us."

He grinned evilly. "Places like that is sitten ducks, just awaitin' ta be plundered."

Chapter 8 Spreading Wings
The early morning mist lay thick around Noonvale. Midnightshadow grazed quietly near Urran Voh's cottage, waiting for Rose. The black horse had found a good friend in the mouse maid, and she could be rather protective of her. Having been a slave to Clogg as long as she could remember, the horse had never had a friend until she met Rose.

There was the sound of muffled pawsteps as Rose slipped out of her house and came toward her friend.

"Good morning Midnight."

Midnight pricked her ears up. "Good morning! What are we doing today?"

Rose shrugged. "Let's go up the north ridge. I want to get in little practice."

She indicated the bow in her paw. Midnight was about to say something, but the soft clop of a hoof on stone betrayed another horse's presence.

"Who is it?" Rose asked warily, as Luna seemed to materialize from the fog.

"It's just me."

Midnight sighed with relief as Luna continued on in her abrupt, to-the-point way.

"I need to tell you something Rose. I haven't really had a chance to talk to you, ever since you got wounded."

Rose stiffened at the mention of her injuries, but she wasn't really thinking of them.

Luna sighed. "So you do not wish to relive the past. I suppose I shall not say what I planned to."

Rose held out a paw. "No .. Luna, it's ok. I just .. sort of tense up when creatures get to talking about things like that. I know you won't say anything against .. our old friends."

Luna's sightless blue eyes searched Rose's emerald ones, before she nodded.

"Very well. It may hurt you to think about the ones I must speak of."

Rose nodded slowly, but did not refuse. "Go on."

Luna swished her wispy white tail slowly. "Martin may not be dead."

><><

Rose stared at the horse in utter silence. Luna continued.

"Now I'm not saying I know he's alive, because I don't. I just never knew he was defiantly dead. I've felt bad for you ever since the battle, and I've been asking other creatures what they know. So far I haven't come up with any real evidence he died."

Rose blinked tearfully up at Luna. "You mean .."

The albino mare nodded. "He might still live."

Rose closed her eyes, tightening her grip on the bow. "Then I will find him. I have to!"

Luna stomped a hoof. "Don't be ridicules Rose! You may be healed, but you're still recovering, I can tell. Never forget, my mother was a healer, and blind or not, I can tell you're still weak."

Rose nodded slowly. She knew she was not fit to make a journey, but the thought that Martin might still be alive and she could not attempt to find him made her sick.

Luna nuzzled her softly. "Now don't start in with all that. Me and Midnight, we're your friends, and we'll do everything we can to help."

Midnight nodded. She really didn't know a thing about Martin, except that Rose loved him. However, the black horse didn't need to think about her decision.

"Of course we will. We wouldn't be true friends if we didn't."

Luna swished her tail, swiveling her delicate ears about as if listening for something.

"I have a plan, but I think there are some in Noonvale who might oppose it. We need to be very careful. Follow me."

As she followed the white horse, Rose murmured, "Luna ... what do you mean?"

Luna didn't look around. "You know what your father thinks of Martin, what do you think he would do if he learned you were trying to find him again?"

Rose frowned. "But Luna, he thinks Martin is dead! Right?"

Luna didn't answer right away. When she did, she was hesitant. "I believe so. But then, why would he be so angry about a dead beast?"

Rose and Midnight exchanged a glance as they followed Luna into a secluded thicket. The white horse shook her mane as she laid out her newest plan.

"Alright, listen. Nobody in Noonvale knows for sure if Martin is dead or otherwise. The most I could find out was that if he wasn't killed, he was badly wounded."

Rose winced, and Luna seemed to sense it. "I'm sorry Rose, but we have to face the facts, even if they hurt. We'll never know the truth if we don't."

Rose nodded. "I .. I know. Go on."

Luna smiled a little. "Right. Now if Martin was alive and hurt, there's really only one beast near Fort Marshank who could save him. My mother, Polleekin."

Rose frowned. "If they took the wounded creatures to Polleekin's, then why didn't they take me?"

Luna hung her head and Midnight nickered, "Rose, we thought you were dead. We didn't know differently until your mother told us so."

Rose sighed. "Oh. I see."

Luna nodded. "Alright, so here's what we need to do. You and Midnight stay here, rest up, and get ready. I'll journey down to my mother's, and find out if this is all for a dead beast. If it's not, she'll know which way Martin went. That way we aren't wandering aimlessly around, looking for a beast who is already in the Silent Forest."

Rose looked down. "Luna .. why .. well if Martin is still alive .. why wouldn't he have come back? Do you think he doesn't love me anymore?"

Luna sighed. "I've thought about that, quite a bit really. I think I finally hit upon the reason. Rose, Martin must think you are dead."

Rose stared at the horse. "He thinks I'm dead? But why in the world .. ohhh."

She broke off as the pieces of the puzzle began to come together.

Midnight put in her two cents. "It make perfect sense. You and Martin were both hurt badly in the battle, taken separate places, and told what everyone thought to be true. The other one was dead."

She smiled weakly. "That .. doesn't mean it was true."

Luna backed out of the thicket, remarking,

"I shall be on my way."

Midnight was surprised. "Right now? By yourself?"

Luna turned her blind blue gaze on the black horse. "I may be blind, but I'm not helpless. The sooner we find out the truth, the better."

Midnight shrugged as Luna disappeared into the woods. "So .. now what?"

Rose was staring out of the thicket, a little dazed by the strange turn this morning had taken. She slowly shook her head.

"If only I could do something."

Suddenly she sat up strait. "I can! I have an idea!"

Midnight perked her ears. "What? Please don't do something crazy."

Rose looked excited. "I know someone who can help us! It may take Luna weeks to get to Polleekin's and back, but there's someone who could go a lot farther, faster."

The mouse maid hurried out into the surrounding forest. "It's not far! I've been to this place before!"

><><

It took the two a little longer then Rose had expected, for she took a few wrong turns. However she finally reached the place she was searching for.

It didn't look like much, just an old, hollow tree. Rose's voice was excited as she called,

"Boldred? Boldred are you still here? It's me, Rose!"

Midnight suddenly understood what Rose was thinking. The horse vaguely remembered Boldred from the Battle of Marshank.

There was a sudden flurry of wings, but the owl that alighted in front of them was too small to be Boldred.

She looked about ten seasons old, with pretty brown and black plumage, and huge, curious yellow eyes.

Rose squinted at her for a moment, before recognition dawned on her.

"Emalet? Is that you? You've grown so much!"

The owl cocked her head. "I remember you! You came with those creatures who were going to fight Badrang! And yes, I am Emalet."

Rose looked about. "Well, where's Boldred? And Hortwingle?

Emalet shrugged. "My mother and father are mapmakers. Normally one of them would stay with me when they needed to make a map, but they decided I was old enough to stay home by myself this time."

Rose frowned. "When will they be back?"

Emalet sighed. "I don't know. Sometimes they're gone for a week. Other times as long as a season."

She noticed Rose's crestfallen look, and tried to change the subject.

"But I'm glad you decided to visit! I've been lonely since my parents left."

Rose sat down with a sigh as Emalet asked. "Why did you want them anyway?"

Rose sniffed. "I thought they might help me find someone."

Emalet cocked her head. "Find someone? Who?"

Midnight shook her head. "It's a long story."

The owl did an excited little hop. "A story? Oh I love stories!"

She looked hopeful. "Could you tell me? Please?"

Midnight opened her mouth to say something, intending to relive Rose of this duty, but the mouse maid surprised her.

Rose didn't look up as she murmured,

"My story isn't so different from other stories I suppose, not really. But then, I guess it is. It confuses me every time I think about it. I was just a normal, quiet little girl who grew up in a normal, quiet little village. I had hardly been out of my home town at all, when fate threw me into an amazing adventure. Then I met him .. and everything changed. It was like magic ... and all of a sudden I was in love, and I knew it. We might have been happy, but then everything went wrong. When we fought Badrang and his horde, I got badly wounded. And when I woke up .. they told me he was dead .. and everything went gray. It was like all the light went out of life. But now .."

Emalet was obviously entranced. "Now what?"

Rose seemed to notice Emalet for the first time. "Now .. now I think he might be alive. But I can't find him!"

Emalet looked upset. "Oh that's sad! If only I could do something!"

She brightened up instantly, fluttering her wings.

"I think I can! If you told me where to go, I could look for your friend! I could!"

Chapter 9 Shocking Discoveries
Sayna and Redfarl sat in their cell, sharing a meager breakfast. Redfarl seemed entranced by Sayna's tales of the outside world.

"You mean you've really fought in a battle? And you really killed vermin?"

Sayna nodded. "Yea. I guess I really have."

Redfarl took a bite of her stale crust. "That must of been so cool! I mean, all that adventure and excitement!"

"It's not like you think. War is something terrible and bloody. It's not amazing or wonderful like it is portrayed in ballads. Still, it's a necessary evil. But I wouldn't wish that you would ever have to fight in battle."

Sayna sniffed as she nearly quoted her mentor. She missed Groddil a lot, for he had been a father to her.

Redfarl frowned. "Do you think I wouldn't be brave enough?"

Sayna almost smiled as the squirrel maid asked her the very same question she had asked Groddil.

The mouse maid shook her head. "No. You'd be more then brave enough. I just wouldn't like to see a young creature like you have to bloody your paws in war. I did, and look at me."

Redfarl nodded as she took a drink of water. "I am. You're amazing, and when I grow up, I want to be just like you."

Sayna stiffened as she thought of all she had been through. Her mind brought back the unwanted image of Badrang throwing Rose against the wall, the feeling of Bloodwrath, and Gruven laying dead at her feet. Her own voice echoed in her head as she recalled the oath she had made in his honor.

"I swear upon this sword, and my honor as a warrior, I will never love again."

Had she loved him? Sayna shook her head. She didn't know. Either way, she had to do something to honor him, he had been one of her best friends. After all, it wouldn't really matter. No mouse would be fool enough to love such a untamable warrior maid, and it was better this way. The last thing Sayna wanted to do was love someone, only to kill him when she lost control of her Bloodwrath.

Redfarl's voice broke through her thoughts. "Sayna?"

Sayna looked up, a little shaky. "Sorry Redfarl. And .. trust me, you don't want to ever be like me."

Redfarl was about to ask why, but Sayna shook her head. "Please don't ask what I mean .. I really don't want to talk about it."

Redfarl shrugged. "Oh. Ok."

Sayna could see her young friend was disappointed, so she asked, "How about you? How'd you get here?"

If there was anything Redfarl like to do, it was talk. The little squirrel settled down still chewing her stale crust.

"I've been here almost all my life .. I guess. My father used to live here too .. but .. he died a few seasons ago."

A shadow passed across her usually happy face, and Sayna felt bad.

"It's ok, you don't have to tell me."

Redfarl shook her head. "I might as well tell someone. I don't really remember being free. I did jobs in the kitchen, until about a season ago when I was caught stealing food. I was hungry, and they didn't feed me much. They threw me down here, and fed me for a while, but a couple days ago they just stopped. I thought I was going to starve .. but then they threw you in here."

Sayna forced down some of her stale bread. "That makes sense. Tell me, why did you think I was a queen?"

Redfarl smiled. "It was because of the prophesy."

Sayna perked her ears up. "What prophesy? The wildcat that caught us said something about a prophesy too."

Redfarl finished her bread, taking a drink of water.

"You mean Lord Verdauga Greeneyes. He's afraid of the prophesy, because it tells of the four warriors who will reclaim his throne and set us free. My father told me it before .. he died. I'll see if I can remember."

The little squirrel thought for a few seconds, before stating,

"There's a poem, but I can't remember much, just a little."

She got a faraway look in her eyes.

"Though our freedom is no more,

The Fire hears our cry,

From the mighty northern shore,

Our deliverance draweth nigh."

She paused. "That was the first verse .. I think. I can't remember them all, only one more. And it isn't in order."

Sayna shrugged. "That's fine, go ahead."

Redfarl nodded. "Ok, here goes."

"The hawk who has forgot to fly,

And star of shining gold,

Must find the owner of a leaf,

And little flower bold."

Sayna stared at Redfarl in complete shock. That was the same verse Lightingflash had told her right before he died! But .. how in the world would Redfarl know it?

The mouse maid gulped.

"What??"

><>< Skipper Warthorn was a tough old river dog. He was an experienced campaigner, and had scars to prove it. He crouched in the dry cattails on the River Moss's banks, keeping watch over the half-frozen fords.

Verdauga's solders hated the Moss, for Skipper and his otters had killed many of them, and they had never discovered their slayers.

Warthorn looked at his armor with a smile. The secret to the otter's invisibility was what they wore. Their armor was stained different shades of indigo, causing them to look like huge fish when they swam through the water.

Verdauga's creatures did not know they were otters, they fell for the ingenious trick and believed the killers in the Moss were fish.

Skipper twirled his double bladed harpoon slowly. The vermin didn't try and cross the River often, but occasionally their master forced them to.

The otters guarded the fords night and day, because the woods on the other side was the place the meager remnant of true Mossflower creatures hid. While Verdauga claimed ownership of it, he and his soldiers never went there. Skipper intended to keep it that way.

><><

There was a slight splash as another otter reared from the water a few feet away. She shook her long brown hair out, spraying freezing water all over Skipper.

The otter chieftain sighed. "Spring, how many times have I told ya not to do that?"

Spring giggled happily. "Oh lighten up dad. Water won't kill ya, you're standing in it!"

Warthorn couldn't help but smile at his daughter. She was the only family he had left after Verdauga's attack, and he loved her dearly. She was a near image of her mother, and Warthorn saw his poor wife every time Spring looked at him.

"Ach be of with ya girl, I'm wet enough as it is. And shouldn't ya be at your post?"

Spring shrugged. "Ol' Duckweed took over for me. I've been up all night!"

Warthorn motioned in the direction of his holt, Camp Willow. "Well get yourself some shuteye girl, I need ya on duty again tonight."

Spring nodded cheekily. "Aye, Aye Skipper!"

Warthorn rolled his eyes as his daughter dove into the Moss, silent as a shadow, only to appear seconds later.

"Father, look! A vermin!"

Warthorn wheeled around. Sure enough, a lanky rat was riding an old dun pony towards the fords.

The otter chieftain growled. "He looks like he means to cross .. Spring, get me Streamer and Bula, and join us yourself."

His daughter dove into the Moss, excitement coursing through her veins. It had been to long since she'd killed a vermin!

><><

Whegg looked at the half-frozen fords of the River Moss in total dread. He was as terrified of the Moss as the rest of Kotir's soldiery, if not more so. He had seen vermin be killed in the river, and he did not fancy crossing.

However, if he stayed on this side, Tsarmina would inevitably catch him. He shuddered. Her tortures were slow and agonizing, he knew, for he had seen the way her father punished a deserter. She would be no different, if not worse.

The rat thought of the way the things in the Moss killed a beast. At least they were quick about the job, unlike the tortures of Kotir. Whegg decided to take his chance with the river.

He clucked to his pony, but the creature hesitated, as if he did not wish to go. Whegg patted his neck kindly.

"Now Thunder ol' boy, it'll be ok. Come on, ya'll see."

Thunder started forward as Whegg tapped his sides with his spurs.

"Get going boy, I don't like dis any more den ya."

The pony took hesitant steps into the water, nervously tossing his head. He reached the middle of the ford before he balked, refusing to budge.

Whegg kicked Thunder with the spurs a little harder, telling the pony he meant business. However the animal would not move. He could tell there was something in the water, and he did not like it.

All of a sudden, Whegg saw what was frightening his pony. A indigo colored thing was headed strait toward him in the water. Whegg's mouth went dry with fear as he dug his spurs into his mount's sides in shear terror.

"Curse ya Thunder! Move! Move I said!"

Thunder reared as his riders spurs dug into his hide. Whegg was catapulted from his saddle, landing in shockingly cold water up to his neck. The rat desperately tried to take his spear off his back, but the water made it extremely difficult. He felt a terrible pull on his footpaw as something reared from the river, seizing his terrified pony's bridle. The next second, he was being dragged underwater! Whegg fought against the thing that had an iron grip on his leg, but it was far stronger then him.

He felt himself slipping, and gasped in what he assumed was his final breath before he was dragged beneath the icy surface. There was a sharp pain in his head, and everything went black.

><><

Warthorn soothed the rat's frightened pony as his daughter appeared from the river holding the unconscious rat by his sodden cape. Spring had a bemused look on her face.

"Whoops!"

Bula reared from the water a few feet away. "What'ya mean 'Whoops' Spring matey? Ya got him!"

Spring studied the rat she had captured. "Yea, but I was gonna drowned him! He wasn't supposed ta hit his head on a rock!"

Streamer laughed. "Isn't that just your luck mate? Catch the vermin, and then not even get the satisfaction of killin' him!"

Spring sighed. "Yea. But I'm kinda glad I didn't now."

Warthorn gave his daughter an odd look. "Why not girl?"

Spring shrugged. "Here's the thing. Why would a vermin try an' cross the Moss alone? They hate the water cause of us. I think we need ta keep this one for questioning. What if it's an ambush or something?"

Warthorn nodded at Spring's common sense. "Good thinking daughter. Take him back to Camp Willow. I'll question him when he wakes up. Once he's told us what we need ta know, we'll deal with him."

><><

Sayna stared at Redfarl. "How .. Where .. where did you here that?"

Redfarl shrugged. "My father taught it to me."

Sayna just shook her head in bewilderment as her companion asked,

"I something wrong?"

Sayna gulped. "I .. My father's old horse told me that selfsame verse right before he died .. and I don't understand .."

Redfarl cocked her head. "It's part of an ancient legend of Mossflower. I wish I could remember the rest of the poem, because that verse makes a lot more sense with the others."

Sayna nodded shakily. "I .. I wish you could too. But it's fine .. I just don't know where old Flash could have heard that verse."

"Flash?" Redfarl asked.

Sayna nodded. "Yes, my father's old horse. I guess he must have heard it somewhere, and it came into his mind as he was dying. The ramblings of a dying beast often make little sense."

Deep down, the mouse maid knew Flash had been in his right mind, and what he had told her had importance. However she did not know what, so she brushed away the painful memory of the old horse's last moments. One painful memory led to another, and Sayna was trying to forget them all.

Redfarl shrugged, and asked,

"Sayna? Do you know any good stories?"

Sayna looked at the young squirrel oddly. She had used to loved to tell stories, but hadn't done so in at least a season.

"Yes .. I suppose I do."

Redfarl leaned forward eagerly. "I haven't heard a story since my father died! Please tell me one!"

Sayna hated to disappoint her young friend, so she told her a tale Groddil had told her.

"Once upon a time, there was a mighty badger, Brocktree by name. He was a mighty warrior, and was the only one who could stand against the dread wildcat, Ungatt Trunn ..."

><><

Whegg knew he was dead.

He had to be.

Hadn't the things in the River Moss killed him yet?

He could hear the soft patter of paws, and the air smelled damp, a bit like dead fish. The rat tried to open his eyes, but they felt like they were sealed shut. It took a monumental effort, but Whegg managed to force his eyes open. His vision was blurry, and he didn't have time to let it adjust. The next second, something had dragged him onto his paws, holding him upright in a vice-like grip.

"Father, he's awake!"

A muscular battle scarred beast with silver-streaked brown fur started toward him, and Whegg tried to scramble backwards. However, his limbs would barely move as it was, and his captor's iron-like grip only tightened. As his vision cleared, Whegg realized the beast in front of him was an otter. Huge and viscous, but an otter none the less.

Whegg was almost relieved that the 'things' in the Moss were not supernatural creatures, but he was not terribly happy to find himself faced with an angry holt of otters.

The otter in front of him seized his shoulder, and the one holding him released her grip.

"Alright vermin, why were you crossing the Moss? The kitty cat sent ya ta spy on us eh?"

Whegg shook his head, his voice failing him.

The otter shoved him against the sandy wall of the cave they were in, snarling,

"Speak! Or you'll never speak again!"

Whegg's voice came out as a cross between a terrified squeak and a desperate gasp.

"No! Milord Verdauga is dead! I am only trying to escape from the new queen, Tsarmina!"

The otter squinted his eyes dangerously. "What about the prince? Gingivere?"

Whegg gulped. "Most likely dead. Tsarmina framed him for her father's murder!"

The otter dropped him, and Whegg slumped weakly to the ground. His captor growled,

"Why should I believe one word you say scum?"

Whegg did not try to move. He figured his fate was sealed, for he had not one scrap of evidence to prove what he said. Even if he had, he doubted it would have saved him. He was facing one of those he and his kind had overrun and enslaved. There would be no mercy.

The otter seized a deadly double bladed harpoon from were it lay against the wall, snarling,

"You're a dead beast rat!"

"Wait father! Don't!"

Both Whegg and his executioner looked toward the owner of the plea in surprise. The otter frowned.

"Spring, why should we believe him? He and his kind are nothing but filthy liars, and besides, it was they who slew your mother and brother!"

Spring hung her head. "I know father, but if this rat says Verdauga Greeneyes is dead, I think we should ask what else he knows. What if we lost something important, because ya killed him in rash anger?"

Her father nodded slowly. "Alright, but I doubt I can get much more out of him. We can't let him go, he's seen us, and we need his scummy friends ta think we're giant fish or monsters or whatever they believe we are. We will have to kill him, and I think he knows it."

Spring shrugged as Whegg shrank against the wall miserably. "He knows for sure now. But I think I can get him ta talk."

Whegg gulped. Maybe he would have been better off letting Tsarmina catch him. It sounded as if these otters planned to torture him after all.

Spring smiled, and Whegg was a little surprised. Her smile did not look sadistic, but kind.

"I think we should take him to Bella, and let her decide his fate. She is wise, and she will know what to do with him. She may also be able to get him to talk."

She looked expectantly at her father, who slowly nodded.

"Very well, although I still think you're wasting your time. Get Bula to help you, and take him to Lady Bella, if that is your wish."

Chapter 10 Cold Hatred
Gingivere half growled, half moaned as Cludd and Ratflank threw him before Tsarmina. The wildcat prince's fine clothes were reduced to rags, and he was bleeding from many whiplashes.

Tsarmina tossed her head smugly. "Well murderer, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Gingivere remained silent, blood slowly running down his face from a cut at the base of his ear.

His sister snarled. "You are scum, one time brother, and I am ashamed to call you family. You shall be thrown into the cells for the rest of your miserable life, for I can't bring myself to kill you."

Gingivere's voice was soft, and he did not open his gold-flecked green eyes.

"If you would kill one of your family, why would I be any different?"

Tsarmina stared at him with a mixture of pure hatred and mock wounded innocence.

"Do you dare say that I would slay our beloved father? You have his blood on your head, and you dare say I was the killer?"

Gingivere blinked his eyes open, holding Tsarmina's gaze without flinching.

"If I am the murderer, then why do I see fear in your eyes?"

Green eyes met green eyes for a long tension filled second, and the silence was so complete the soft dripping of water could be heard, from far down in the damp cells.

Tsarmina broke it, her furious voice shattering the stillness like splintering glass.

"You vile, wicked beast! How dare you accuse me of the crime you committed! Take him away Cludd, and throw him in the cells! My subjects will see the mercy I show him, when all he deserves is death!"

><><

Cludd and Ratflank dragged Gingivere to the nearest cell, throwing him in. The young wildcat crumpled to the ground, weak from loss of blood and still tightly bound.

He couldn't move, and he didn't really want to try. A hot, unwelcome tear dripped from one of his fluid green eyes as he thought about all that had happened. Gingivere had never been close to his father or sister, but he was horrified that Verdauga had been murdered. As Tsarmina had mocked him, Gingivere had seen smugness and victory in her evil green eyes, and he was sure she was the real murderer.

The would-be prince shuddered to think of what his sister would do to his rightful realm. Gingivere had been bullied and pushed by both his father and Tsarmina, and the young wildcat had gotten his own ideas about some things. He was a thinker, and a dreamer, and he had hoped to become king and discover what had really happened to the woodlanders his father had conquered.

The stories of the mighty Lukes, the golden mice that fought like badgers when provoked, had always fascinated him, and he had long wished to discover if they were true. This was the reason he had stood up for the two gold mice his father had captured. Gingivere had always hoped, that when he was king, he would be able to find the long lost tribes of otters, squirrels, and all the other woodland creatures.

The only woodlanders he had ever seen were slaves under his father, and Gingivere had always treated them kindly, although sometimes with indifference. After all, they were slaves.

Gingivere came back from his remembrances to realize he was a prisoner in the castle that should have rightfully been his.

The wildcat prince's vision swam as his exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. There was no hope, Tsarmina would most likely leave him to rot. A burning hatred flowed in his veins as he thought about his sister. She had murdered their father, blamed him, had him scourged, and thrown him into the cells to die.

Gingivere snarled weakly as he slipped closer to unconsciousness. If by some miracle, some amazing magical intervention, he did not die, no power on earth would stop him from confronting his sister, and fighting her to death.

><><

"Milord?"

Gingivere couldn't think where he was. All he knew was his scratches stung like fire.

"Milord?"

The voice repeated. It sounded familiar, but Gingivere's thoughts were fuzzy, and his head ached terribly.

"Who .. who are you?" He rasped weakly.

"Milord, it is me. Ashleg, your general."

Gingivere managed to open his eyes a crack. Sure enough, Ashleg knelt beside him in the gloomy cell, and he realized he was lying on his back, with unbound paws. The pine marten dabbed a damp cloth on one of Gingivere's lashes, and he flinched.

"Why .. how .. but I thought you would be serving Tsarmina!" The wildcat prince murmured.

Ashleg did not look up from his work. "Tsarmina is not my queen. True, I obey her commands in part to keep my hide in one piece. However ye are my king, an the rightful king of Mossflower."

Gingivere winced as the pine marten bound up a particularly nasty gash in his arm.

"Th .. thank you Ashleg. I thought I was dead."

The old pine marten shrugged. "And that ye may be. I can do little for ye, except try an heal ye, an see ye are fed."

Gingivere took a drink of the water Ashleg gave him. "And for that I am ever indebted to you General."

Ashleg shrugged and finished his bandaging. "I shall be your eyes my prince. Whatever Tsarmina does, I shall tell ye. I too have some leverage around here."

Gingivere grabbed Ashleg's paw. "But what if Tsarmina catches you?"

Ashleg set a bundle of food down beside Gingivere, before standing to go.

"Then we shall both die. That is the short and long of it my prince, an I'm sorry I can't do better for ye."

><><

Whegg gulped as Spring and Bula led him through Mossflower woods. He had never been past the River Moss, so the surrounding forest was strange to him. He had entirely lost his sense of direction, and he was a little relived his two captors seemed to know exactly where they were going.

The two otters halted at the base of a massive oak, that stretched regally for the sky. Spring pounded her paw twice on the rough bark, and to Whegg's surprise, it sounded hollow.

A portion of the tree trunk swung inward, revealing a huge female badger. She stared at the two otters and their captive for a moment, before asking,

"Spring? Bula? Why have you brought this vermin to me?"

Spring bowed. "Me'lady Bella, Skipper Warthorn caught this rat trying to cross the fords. We questioned him, an he says ol' Greeneyes is dead!"

Bella nodded slowly. "I see. But why would Skipper send his prisoner to me?"

Bula answered. "Well, the thing is, we think he knows more then he's telling."

Spring broke in. "Aye, an my father let on we were gonna kill him once he told us what he knew, so I suggested we have you decide his fate. That way he has some reason to talk."

Bella sighed. "That sounds like Skipper. Alright, I'll question him, and I'll tell you what I discover, if anything. Thank you, Spring, Bula."

The two otters bowed, Spring speaking for them both. "Our pleasure Lady Bella. Skipper wants us back, so we'll leave him in your paws."

As the otters disappeared into the woodland, Bella took the rope that bound Whegg's paws.

"Well rat, I guess it's just you and me."

Chapter 11 Truth is Found
Luna was making her way back to the place she had grown up, her home with Polleekin. The horse was walking through the woods at this moment, oblivious to the beauty around her. She knew it was day because of the birdsong that twittered cheerfully in the leafy canopy far above her. Other then that, it might as well have been night to Luna. She lived in a perpetual night, one that would never, ever end.

Normally, the albino horse did not think about the fact she was blind, so she did not feel sorry for herself. After all, she had no idea what she was missing, for she had been born sightless. However, recently Luna had been thinking deeply on her condition and past. Who were her parents? Had she really been born blind, or had that condition befallen her due to some injury at an extremely young age? How much did Polleekin know about her past? The old mole wife had never liked to talk about how she had found Luna, and the horse had not pressed her adopted mother. However now Luna wanted to know the truth. This was part of the reason she had deiced to go to her mother's. It was only partially for Rose. The rest was for her.

><><

Rose stared at Emalet. "But .. but Emalet .. you're so young! What if something happens to you! What would I tell your parents?"

Emalet sighed. "But I want to help! I could do it! I know I could, I just know it!"

Midnight broke in. "Emalet, I'm sure you could. But without your parents consent, No. It's far too dangerous."

Emalet looked completely crestfallen. Rose felt bad. "Emalet, would you like it if we visited you tomorrow? We could have a picnic or something, and it'd help pass the time until your parents return."

Emalet brightened up. "Ok! That'd be really fun!"

The young owl watched the mouse and horse disappear into the forest, before she hopped back into her tree trunk home. She pulled out a piece of parchment, seizing a quill pen in one talon. Emalet wrote a short note, sticking it to her tree trunk with a knife, at perfect mouse height.

She had made her choice, and she was going to find the golden mouse she had seen once before. The warrior mouse called Martin.

Once Emalet got an idea into her head, she was not going to give it up, an nobeast could make her. The young owl spread her wings, flapping up trough the tree branches until she was far above them. She had no idea where Martin could be, but a voice in her heart whispered,

"Go south to find the Rose's Star."

She had not idea what it meant, but she had heard it many times before. Now was her chance to learn it's meaning!

><><

Rose and Midnight made their way back to Noonvale, oblivious to the fact Emalet had set out against their will.

As they entered the town, a creature approached them. The otter, for so he was, cleared his throat. "Rose .. you remember me?"

Rose grinned for what seamed like the first time in seasons. "Keyla! Course I remember you! But I thought you'd be at Holt Willowglen with Starwort and Marigold!"

A familiar squirrel appeared behind the otter. Keyla motioned to him. "Well, me an me matey Felldoh here stayed in Willowglen until we heard you were alive. Then we wanted ta come see you!"

Felldoh smiled. "It's been forever Rose! Good to see you lookin' so well!"

He nodded to Midnight. "Hi Midnight! I'm glad you've recovered."

Rose sighed. "You don't know how glad I am to see you two! It's been horrible!"

Keyla frowned. "What's the matter? We came just as soon we heard your weren't dead. I guessed you might be pretty lonely."

Rose motioned they follow her as she led them out of Noonvale. "Lonely is the word for it. I can't say two words to my father without getting into an argument, my mother dotes on me constantly, Brome won't hardly talk to me, and my parents are always fighting! Not to mention the entire population of Noonvale pities me like I'm the victim of some evil creature .. and you know who that is .."

She broke off as Keyla placed a paw on her shoulder. "Hey, it's ok. If I'd of known, we'd have come long ago. What about The Rambling Rosehip Players? Don't you get along with them?"

Rose looked shamefaced. "Well to be honest with you, I've kind of been hiding from everyone. I didn't want to talk about what happened .. you know .. and I didn't want to hear beasts talk badly about Martin, cause I'm liable to get angry with them."

Felldoh looked sad. "You miss my ol' matey a lot, I can tell."

Rose sniffed. "Yea. I can't help thinking of what might have been .. you know, if he was here, all this wouldn't matter so much. But I'm all alone, except for Midnight."

Keyla tried to lighten the mood. "We're here, and we're your friends. How's Brome by the way?"

Rose frowned. "He's been so quiet and mournful since the battle. I'm guessing he's really sad about Sally, I mean she was his favorite sister. I miss her a lot too."

Felldoh nodded. "Poor Brome. That must be it, he's usually so happy."

Keyla smiled. "Well, we'll do what we can. I bet Brome'd be really happy to see us."

Rose nodded happily. "I bet he will! Just steer clear of Urran Voh, Please! He's not the beast I once knew."

><><

Polleekin the mole sat outside her home, knitting in the falling darkness. She did this routinely, sitting there and knitting until it was too dark to see. The old mole had been lonely since Martin, Sayna, Ghostdancer, and Wildfire had left, and her dear Luna had never come back.

The early night stillness was broken by the soft hoof falls of a loping horse. Polleekin looked up, complete hope shining in her old eyes.

And she was not disappointed. Even though the horse was a good ways off, there was no mistaking her shining white coat and soft, floating gait. It was Luna.

The mole wife struggled to her paws, calling, "Luna? Be that you?"

The beautiful mare did a neat sliding stop not ten feet from Polleekin.

"It is I."

For a few minutes, nothing was said. Luna broke the silence.

"Mother, I need to ask you, do you know what happened to Martin?"

Polleekin nodded slowly. "Burr io, he'm went south. he'm and missy Sally."

Luna gulped. "They're both alive? Sally's not dead?"

The mole nodded sadly. "Hurr yes, she'm not. But io'm thinkin' she'm not the same beast she was. Neither she nor Marthen."

Luna was worried. "What .. what do you mean? Is something wrong with them?"

Polleekin sighed. "Burr tis so. The weight of a broken heart tis hard to carry."

Luna blinked back tears. "But mother, you don't understand! Rose is alive! She thinks Martin is dead, and he thinks she is dead .."

Polleekin laid a paw on Luna's snowy white foreleg. "Chiold, this baint the end of the story. Nay, tis nearly the beginning."

Luna choked back a sob. "But how do you know? What if he dies .. and she never sees him again .. or the other way around .. what if .."

Polleekin smiled slightly. "Oi have something for thee chiold, an for Rose, an Marthen when you find him."

"But .." Luna asked as her adopted mother drew a yellow and blue plaited cord from her skirt, gently tying it about her neck. The horse could not see her new ornament, but she could tell there was something tied to it.

The mole looked sad. "Burr oi know you'm be going back now chiold, an I'll miss ye."

Luna tried to hold in her tears as she murmured, "No .. wait mother. I need to ask you this at long last .. How .. how ."

Polleekin seemed to read her thoughts. "How'm io found thou chiold?"

Luna nodded, a tear dripping from her eye.

The mole was silent for a few minutes, before she begin a tale of sorrow, but a tale of truth.

><><

''Polleekin was wandering beside the sea shore, enjoying the soft waves that played around her old footpaws. She wasn't the youngest creature, and she enjoyed a solitary, hardworking existence. The only time she wasn't working around her little home, she spent beside the nearby ocean shore. The mole was about to sit down in the gentle surf, but she heard a strange noise from behind some boulders. Curious, Polleekin walked around them, to see a sad sight.''

''There lay a full grown black mare. Her hide was scarred by many whiplashes, she was emaciated to death, but saddest of all was the tiny, snow white foal that ran up and down beside her, whinnying piteously. Polleekin knelt beside the mare, and her eyes flickered open. Mole and horse stared at each other in silence for a second, and Polleekin wondered what this poor thing's story was, and if she could even talk.''

The horse spoke in a strange, weak voice all of a sudden, startling Polleekin.

"Whoever ... ye are .., take care .. of Lunaglow."

><><

Luna stared at Polleekin, to shocked to cry.

"Did .. did the black horse .. my mother .. did she die?"

Polleekin nodded sadly. "Oi'm sorry choild, she did. Oi did what I could, but she'm died soon after that. Oi took thee 'ome, and raised thee as my own choild. An called thee Luna."

Luna was stunned. All she could do was murmur, "Lunaglow. My name is Lunaglow."

Chapter 12 Deepening Shadows
Timballisto winced as the whip dug into his back, adding another scar to the myriad he possessed, and leaving one more rip in his battered tunic.

He was used to pain, and one more whiplash wouldn't kill him.

It was the others he was worried about.

They were failing fast, especially his good friend, Coll who sat behind him. Timbal pulled an oar alone, because his rowing partner had died several months ago. The young mouse felt protective of Coll, who was a few season younger then he.

He snuck a glance at his poor friend. He was lagging, pulling slower then the others, and earning himself a lashing from Whiplash.

Coll did not even whimper as the lash scourged him, and Timbal wished he could take the younger mouse's beating. But he could do nothing. He felt so useless. He had failed to protect his tribe from Ripfang, and now they were dying around him.

If only he could have saved them! But he had been absent when Ripfang had attacked, just as useless as when Vilu Daskar had attacked long ago.

Timbal had not meant to remember, but he did.

He did not want to remember, but he still did.

''The winter wind was cold as Timbal played by the bonfire outside his tribes caves with his best friend, Fripple. He might have been as old as five seasons, and she must have been three. They were the best of friends, and did everything together. Tonight was a special night, it was a celebration because the tribe had finally found a place to live. After many seasons of running and living like nomads, they finally had a real home! Both Fripple and Timbal were pretty happy about not having to travel any longer, and Fripple was in the mood for a challenge.''

"Timbal, I bet'cha can't climb dat big rock!"

Fripple had challenged.

''"I bet I can!"

''Timbal replied stolidly, and set about showing his friend he could so do it. The young mouse reached the top of the boulder, intending to look down, telling Fripple he had beat her challenge and she needed to climb up too. However he had the misfortune of looking strait into the bonfire. Momentarily blinded, Timbal could not see what was happening in the camp, and before he had regained his sight, screams rang out. The young mouse groped for the edge of his boulder, desperately trying to get down. Something was wrong, and his friends needed him! All of a sudden, he found the edge. Too fast. Time seemed to stand still as he fell, and there was sharp pain as he hit the ground.''

The next second everything went black.

He had woken to see his father, Vurg, standing over him with worry in his stormy blue eyes, eyes so very like his son's.

''Vurg had broken the sad news to Timbal, Vilu Daskar had attacked, Fripple was dead, as was Luke's wife Sayna, and many more. And there had been something about another Sayna, a little gold mousebabe ..''

Timbal jerked himself from his memories. First they tormented him, and now they made no sense! What in the world was he thinking of? Was he going mad?

There was no other Sayna.

Only the one Vilu had slain.

Still, something nibbled in the back of his mind, something fuzzy and just beyond his reach. Something about that name.

Sayna.

There was something ..

><><

"Sandingomm!"

Sandingomm came running. She knew better then not answer when Ripfang's voice sounded like that.

"Capt'n?"

Ripfang paced the Bloodwake's deck, grumbling. He snarled.

"You sure we should go up 'ere? Our slaves is half-dead already, an now we hav'ta make em row up a stoopid river?"

Sandingomm looked toward the nearby coast, to see the wide mouth of a river. She shrugged.

"Capt'n, all I know is what Lord Malimore tells me."

She almost cringed every time she was forced to use that name. She hated and feared the beast it belonged to, yet she had to serve him.

Ripfang growled bad-temperedly.

"Wull it ain't me a'rowin and it ain't me a'whippin so it's nothin ta me but time."

He brought his paw down on the ship's rail.

"Time! That's what it tis, an I wants me mountin now!"

He waved a paw at his seer. "Git your tail lost cat, I've things ta do."

Sandingomm bowed before hurrying of.

"Yes Capt'n."

As she left, she felt her blood boil. The cat tried not to think about her past, or her present situation, lest she go mad.

She, the last living child of the mighty Sandcoat, was forced to serve a filthy rat. Sandingomm hissed as she thought of what had once been.

''Once, she had been a free creature. Not only that, but the daughter of a warlord! Her father had not really cared much about her, he had always been interested in her two older brothers. Still, she had been treated like a princess.''

''All that ended when Verdauga Greeneyes had attacked her father's small horde. Sandcoat had not led a vast group, and he fell quickly to Verdauga. The green-eyed wildcat had offered for Sandcoat to join his armies, but Sandingomm's father had been too proud. Verdauga and his horde slew the wildcat, as well as his two sons. However Sandingomm they left alive. She might have been five seasons at best, and she was forced to work as a slave in Kotir.''

''This was a hard change from the near-royal life she had led, but Sandingomm adjusted quickly, she had too. As she grew in beauty and learned the art of a seer however, Verdauga sold her to Ripfang, his second highest sea captain.''

Sandingomm spit in the water as she stared over the ship's rail. So here she was. A slave to a stupid rat, and she loathed it.

The wildcat snarled under her breath to herself.

"I hate 'em, all of 'em. Especially them Greeneyes. Every cat from that line should be dead, and it wouldn't hurt my feelin's ta kill 'em. After all dey did ta me .."

She broke of, quietly sharpening her claws on the ship's railing, remembering.

She had been bought like a dumb animal, sold like she was worth no more then a few silver coins.

Her voice was as hard as ice as she whispered,

"Someday, I'll find a way ta show ol' Greeneyes he never shoulda reckoned wid a Sandcoat. 'Im an his family."

><><

Ripfang sat in his cabin with his first mate Stumptail, and his best fighter, a young ermine named Lotor.

"Right, it shouldn't be ta hard ta take dis here village. Looks like dey don't even 'ave walls."

Ripfang explained, pointing to the map.

Lotor may have been young, but he was conniving and clever, and had earned much respect in the eyes of Ripfang's crew.

"Aye, Capt'n, de only thing we'll haveta watch for is beasts tryin ta escape. A quick pincer move should solve dat."

Ripfang drummed his claws on the desk. "Wull it shouldn't take us ta long ta git there, maybe three days at most. Let's do dis and git it done, I wants ta git ta Salamandastron!"

Both Stumptail and Lotor threw him a hasty salute. "Aye, aye Capt'n!"

><><

Little did they know, but their entire conversation had been overheard. Not by a over-curios crewbeast, but a little owl, who had alighted unseen on the cabin's room.

Emalet was up and flying before Stumptail and Lotor had finished their last 'Aye, aye'. She had seen the village Ripfang had pointed at, and had felt a sliver of dread pierce her heart. With mapmakers for parents, Emalet knew geography, and well.

The nasty gray rat had not been pointing at just any little village. He had been pointing strait at Noonvale!

Emalet flew back the way she had come, her wings flapping desperately. She had to tell the mouse called Rose! She had to!

Chapter 13 Mercy Undeserved
Whegg trembled, falling to his knees before Bella. He could barely speak, just managed to whisper,

"Mi .. Milady."

Bella looked at him quizzically. "You are a servant of Greeneyes'. Why would you give me homage?"

Whegg shuddered, unable to speak. The badger stroked her chin.

"Well I suppose you really have no choice. Tell me your name."

Whegg gulped, his voice shaky. "W .. Whegg .. Mi .. Milady."

Bella led the rat to a wooden bench outside her front door, sitting him down none to gently, and standing imposingly in front of him.

"Well Whegg, we have a few things to discuss don't we. What is going on in Kotir?"

Whegg was completely terrified. He had the vague thought that he could possibly barter for his life with his information, but he decided he'd best not push the line.

"Ol' Verdauga was killed by 'is daughter, Tsarmina. She got da blame put on 'er brother, Gingivere, an I'm a thinkin' 'e's dead by now. I'd 'ave served da prince, sure. But Tsarmina .. she 'as da makin's of a tyrant."

Bella fought to control her anger. "And what do you think Greeneyes was? Maybe not to you and your mateys, but to us? Why do we not still rule Mossflower? Why are our elders dead? Why are our children slaves? Why are we confined to one small piece of our land, hiding like a coward from battle? Answer me that rat, why?"

She didn't wait for his reply, just continued on, staring at him the whole time.

"You are young rat, I can tell. Maybe twenty-five seasons at best. You did not see how Verdauga conquered us, killing any in his path. Old, young, in the prime of life, he didn't care. Why do you think we hate your kind so?"

Whegg didn't look up, just slouched down miserably.

Bella sighed, wiping a paw across her face. "Continue rat. Tell me, why is the prince so different from his sister? Why is she so bad that even scum like you do not wish to serve her?"

Whegg looked up, surprised. He had thought the badger would kill him, instead she was asking him more. The mottled rat took a deep breath.

"Gingivere .. he's da kind dat'll listen. He's not one ta git angry all sudden like, and 'e's a real thinker. 'E can be a little strange sometimes, but all told, he's better'n 'is father. 'Is sister now, dat's a different story. She's wicked, just plain evil. She's da kind dat'll stab 'er own dad in da back, an blame 'er brother, just ta git da throne. An if you think Verdauga was bad, just wait. Tsarmina won't leave ya alone, she'll go after ya, trust me. Even if she has ta cut down every tree in Mossflower, she'll find ya. She don't like de idea any woodlanders is left, an you can bet your skin she'll try an change dat!"

Bella nodded slowly. "And what about Gingivere? What does he think of us?"

Whegg gulped. "Well Milady, 'e doesn't say much, but I think 'e leans toward leavin' you alone, or even help'n ya."

This caught Bella's attention. She glared at her captive in wary disbelief.

"What do you mean, help us? Why would a cat help us?"

Whegg shrank back, but managed to answer.

"Well Milady, it's my belief he'd like ta make peace with ye .. course, he's probably dead now anyways."

Bella was silent for a few minutes, before she spoke. "Rat, this land belongs to us, not the Greeneyes. Even if the prince was a good sort, one who'd like to have an alliance with us, what alliance can there be when he rules from a stolen throne?"

Bella took a deep breath. She did not trust her captive, not in anyway. She despised the thought of another Greeneyes ruler over them, but Amber's words rang in her head.

"Alright Lady Bella, Alright. But if your magic warriors haven't shone up by spring, me and the squirrels go to war, with or without any of you!"

The badger lady was in somewhat of a quandary. If the prophesied ones did not make their appearance soon, Amber might not wait til spring. Then where would they all be? Dead. The prophesy clearly stated that war without the coming ones lead to destruction.

She took the loose end of the rope that bound Whegg's paws.

"Well Whegg, we will find out the truth. Whether you're telling the truth, or you're just a dirty spy."

Whegg shook his head vigorously. "Oh no Milady! If I go back there, my head comes off. Dat's da short an long of it."

Bella gave him a wry glance.

"Don't think you're head's safe yet rat. I haven't decided your fate."

She looked up into the foliage of the huge oak her home was in and under.

"Ho up there friend! Are you in?"

Whegg found himself wondering what sort of friend Bella had that would be up in such a huge tree. He didn't have long to ponder. The still air was suddenly filled with the sound of huge, rustling wings. Like a stray sunbeam, a magnificent golden eagle glided down through a break in the foliage, landing not fifteen feet away.

The huge bird cocked his head, staring at Whegg with one of his fluid, golden eyes. His voice was an odd screech.

"Yeeerraahh! Are you planning to dispose of this one Bella?"

Bella shrugged. "It tempts me. But no Argulor, not at this time."

The mighty bird looked rather crestfallen. "Yeeerraahh! Well tell me when you do, those are rather tasty in a way you know."

Despite herself, Bella felt the odd impulse to chuckle at Whegg, who was very nearly fainting. She held it back, stating,

"No Argulor, I really don't know, and I have no desire to find out. What I do need to discover, is if what this rat says is true. Can you spy on Kotir for me? Just a quick flight about the fortress, don't get too close, and don't do anything foolish! See if you can spot Verdauga, and see if they have a heavy guard on. I will wish to send Gonff in later for a more extensive search, so I will need to know this."

Argulor nodded, spreading his wings and taking off with the sound of rustling feathers. Bella watched him go, before half leading, half dragging Whegg into Brockhall. The rat was trembling all over, and barely coherent from terrible fear. Bella took him to a small but comfortable room. She untied his paws, leaving him in the apartment and locking the door.

The badger lady sighed. She had stooped a bit to take information from a rat, but the visions in her dreams had been extremely unsettling and dark. She could tell Lord Ignasa was trying to tell her something, but for some reason, she could not comprehend his message. Bella was becoming very anxious, for her dreams were confusing, and every morning she woke with cold dread in her heart.

Every night it was the same. She could see four objects, a star, a feather, a leaf, and a rose. She had seen them for seasons, watched as they grew, and changed. For a while at first, they seemed fresh and healthy, but now they were frightening her badly.

In the past season, the star's glow had began to wane, becoming peaked and sickly. The feather had lost all it's luster, beginning to look decrepit and faded. The leaf was slowly curling up, turning brown as if lashed by a cold winter wind. And the rose? The rose frightened Bella the most. Until the last few seasons, it had been growing, trellising and blooming beautifully. However, it suddenly seemed to turn brown and wither, abruptly and without warning. Much to Bella's immense relief, the rose had began to sprout again, although it still looked weak and unhealthy.

The badger was sure the four things each represented a king or queen, and she was also certain that when they began to look sickly, that person was either hurt, or in grave danger.

Just when she needed the coming ones the greatest, the pictures in her dreams began to spontaneously degrade.

Chapter 14 A Warning is Given
Brome lay in his bed, tossing and turning. He wasn't asleep. He couldn't sleep. The young mouse finally gave up, staggering to his closed window. Despite the fact an inch of snow was on the ground, Brome flung his window open, ignoring the cold air. He slumped across the sill, staring out at the stars in the sky, which looked like shining jewels laid out on black velvet.

"Why?"

Brome's question froze a frosty cloud in the freezing air, one that slowly floated away. The little mouse shuddered. He, and he alone knew what had really happened to Martin and Sally. The rest of Noonvale didn't know the truth, just him. An unbidden tear dripped from his eye, splashing on the window sill.

"Why do I have to carry this .. all alone? It's so hard!"

Brome knew his sister was searching for the truth about Martin, and he knew he could tell her. But he was too afraid! Rose had almost died, and Brome had the picture of Badrang throwing her against Marshank's wall seared in his mind forever. Every time he almost got the courage to tell her, that horrific scene appeared in his minds eye. If he told Rose what really happened, she would try and find Martin. And then what would happen to her? Besides, Sally had made him swear to never tell anyone she or Martin still lived. Brome was sure Sally would have told Rose if she had known she was alive, but a promise was still a promise.

Brome shivered, the cold finally penetrating his fur. He stood stiffly, closing the window and stumbling back to his bed. He tumbled in, pulling the covers up to his chin.

He just didn't know what to do anymore.

><><

Early morning saw Rose and Midnight making their way through the woods toward Emalet's tree. They made it there just about the same time the young owl did, Midnight's hoof falls drowned out by Emalet's wings.

The owl alighted on a large rock, completely out of breath.

Rose smiled. "Out for a morning flight Emalet?"

The owl shook her head franticly, gasping,

"N .. no! There's .. a big .. pirate ship .. coming! I overheard .. this rat talking .. and he said .."

Midnight interrupted. "What? Where's the pirate ship?"

Emalet didn't really hear the horse.

"He said ..."

Rose stopped the owl. "Now just slow down Emalet, ok?"

Emalet nodded.

Rose sighed. "Alright, let's go back to the beginning and start over. What did you see?"

Emalet took a deep breath, controlling herself.

"You're right Rose, sorry. I .. well after you left, I .. I decided I was going to find out what happened to Martin .. whether you said I could or not."

Midnight flattened her ears slightly at this admission and Rose held up a paw.

"I see. So what happened?"

Emalet got a look of horror on her face. "I flew south, and there was a big, black ship sailing up the Broadstream River!"

Rose looked dubious. "A big black ship? How can a ship sail up a river?"

Midnight broke in. "It's possible Rose, if the bottom of the hull is flat. I've seen a lot of ships, being Clogg's slave and all."

The horse flicked an ear in Emalet's direction. "You say this ship was large and black? Was it a galley? and did it have a large fish skull on the prow?"

Emalet nodded. "Yes! Have you seen it before?"

Midnight pinned her ears back, shifting her fore hooves nervously.

"I've only seen such a vessel a few times, when Clogg would take the Seascarab to Mossflower in order to pay tribute to his master, Verdauga Greeneyes. If the ship you saw is the one I did, then it belongs to Ripfang, Verdauga's best sea captain. Tell me, did you see any of the crew?"

Emalet nodded. "I got up on the cabin roof, and saw this nasty looking gray furred rat with one very long fang. He was talking to an ermine about attacking some northern village, and I saw where he was pointing on his map. Rose, he was pointing at Noonvale!"

Midnight jerked her head up, pinning her ears til they seemed to disappear into her ebony mane.

"It's Ripfang, you described him perfectly! Next to old Vilu Daskar, Ripfang's the cruelest pirate to ride Verdauga's oceans!"

Rose gulped. "How long do we have?"

Emalet shook her head. "Two days at most! That rat was making his ship go as fast as he possibly could!"

Rose grabbed Midnight's glossy black mane, hoisting herself onto the horse's back.

"We need to get home!"

Midnight hesitated. "And .. what are we going to do there?"

Rose's face paled slightly as she thought of the unpleasant task before her.

"I'm going to speak to my father."

><><

Urran was reading some old parchments in his study, when the door creaked open. The older mouse looked up, surprised anyone had come to visit him. Then he saw who it was.

Rose stood in his doorway, staring at him with her huge emerald eyes. Her face was still somewhat drawn from the injuries she had received in the battle of Marshank, and this had a way of making her already large eyes look wider and slightly unnerving.

Urran wasn't really ready to be confronted by his daughter yet, the last time they had spoken was a heated argument over Martin. However she didn't go away, just stood there, silent and staring.

The chieftain of Noonvale dropped his daughter's gaze, for some reason, he just couldn't hold it. Maybe it was the intensity that glowed in her green eyes, or maybe it was the guilt that was weighing upon him. Whatever the case, Urran was forced to break the silence.

"What is it?"

He winced at the sharpness in his own voice, he hadn't meant to snap at Rose.

She shied away slightly, but spoke in a worried voice.

"Father, as we speak, a pirate called Ripfang is making his way up the Broadstream River!"

This piece of news succeeded in getting Urran's undivided attention.

"What? How do you know this?"

Rose had planned a speech, but for some reason it was all dripping away now, and she couldn't remember what she needed to say.

"I .. I .. I have a friend who saw them. An owl."

Urran fingered a quill pen lying on his desk.

"I see. And you say they are coming up the Broadstream? But how can they do that?"

Rose explained, relived that for once, her father was listening to her.

"My friend told me their ship was a flat-bottomed galley."

Urran set the pen down. "I see. But I'm sure if we leave them alone, they will not find us."

Rose shook her head franticly. "No! They are coming here. My friend saw them pointing at Noonvale on a map!"

Urran was a little taken aback. "Either way, we should try and leave them alone. Good things come to peaceful beasts."

"Father, they will not leave us alone! They want us for oar slaves! We have to fight them!"

As soon as these hasty words had left her mouth, Rose wished she could call them back, but they had done their damage.

Urran's brown eyes turned cold. "No! I will not hear talk of war. If we remain peaceful, the pirates are sure to leave us alone. We have seen the destruction fighting brings."

Rose's composure snapped. She just couldn't take it.

"Who are you to make that judgment? Have you ever seen the way vermin act? No! But I have!"

Urran felt his anger peak at this point. "And why is that? Because you followed that fool of a warrior into a battle, and he nearly got you killed!"

Rose's green eyes flashed with wrath. "Yes! And I'm glad I did! Doing that showed me what real life is like, and it let me see how necessary war is! Martin's not the foolish one, you are! And your stubbornness is going to get us all killed!"

She fled the room, slamming the door violently behind her.

><><

Rose sat outside Noonvale, sharpening the points on her arrow tips. Midnight slowly made her way to her friend.

"So .. he didn't listen did he?"

Rose touched one of the tips, jerking her paw back as the sharp point pricked through her fur.

"No. And he's not going too."

Midnight was a fierce fighter, but she liked to look to others for strategies.

"So .. what do we do now?"

Rose shrugged, laughing mirthlessly.

"What can we do? Fight until we die, that's about the only option."

Despite herself, Midnight found she was coming up with the plan, because Rose wouldn't.

"I think we should get the others together. You know, Keyla, Felldoh, Brome, maybe some of the Rambling Rosehip Players .. anyone who will fight."

Rose shrugged again.

"I guess."

Midnight snorted. "Look, Rose, I know you're upset .."

The mouse's angry bravado seemed to melt as her green eyes flashed with pain.

"Oh you don't understand! You don't understand! You can't! You don't have any family .. and I was so close to mine! But now it's like they don't care .. and I can't find Martin .. Midnight, I can't keep living like this! It's killing me!"

Midnight's brown eyes were a little sarcastic, but Rose could tell her friend was hiding something.

"Rose, I can see that. It might help if you'd eat a little more. As for me having a family .. I did. I had a mother anyways .. a long time ago .."

The black horse sighed. "Never mind."

Rose felt her normal compassion break through her anger. "Midnight, I'm sorry. Did I .. offend you?"

Her friend tried to look nonchalant. "No, it's fine. Don't worry about it."

Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Midnight sighed.

"Just .. just forget it. Forget I said anything. We need to plan, not mope over the past. Come on."

Rose decided not press the horse. She donned her quiver.

"Alright. Let's go."

Chapter 15 Send in the Spy
Gonff was standing in conference with Bella, and the young mousethief was in a hurry to be on his way. The last time he had been sent into Kotir was the beginning of last fall, so Gonff was elated to be sneaking into the fortress once again.

Bella raised an eyebrow at the young mouse.

"Do you understand Gonff?"

He nodded. "That I do! I'm ta go in, scout round for the ol' kitty cat, an see if his pretty little daughter's on the throne."

Bella rolled her eyes. "That's one way to put it young'un. Take a look around in the cells too if you can. Keep an eye out for the prince. Argulor said there wasn't a heavy guard."

Gonff nodded, eager to be on his way. "I'll do that Lady Bella."

Bella wagged a stern paw at him. "And more then anything, be careful!"

Gonff laughed. "Be careful? Why I'm as careful as a wee mouse!"

Bella tried to keep her face from breaking out in a smile. "You are a wee mouse Gonff. Keep your wits about you in Kotir."

Gonff waved a merry paw at the badger as he set off. "Since when did I not keep my wits about me, ever? I'll see ya soon Milady!"

><><

Gonff arrived at Kotir at about midday. He hid in a bush outside the fortress, donning a long, black cape with an enveloping hood. The pudgy mouse waited patiently for the afternoon patrol to come home, for they would be his ticket into the castle.

The mousethief begin to have the prickly sensation he was being watched, and it unnerved him. He had often been in this scenario before, only he had been the watcher. Gonff took in his surroundings casually, his eye catching no subtle movement, no indication he was anything but alone. The young mouse yawned silently. Maybe it was his imagination.

Though he pushed the thought away, he knew it would have to be a excellent woodsbeast to hide from his uncanny senses. Definitely none of the idiots in Kotir, you could always hear their clumsy paws coming.

And at that very moment, he did! The tramp of boots filled the air, announcing the afternoon patrol's return. Gonff slipped unnoticed into the back of the column, taking one last furtive glance behind him. He could have sworn he saw a shadow slip deeper into the woods, and deep down, he knew someone had been spying on him.

><><

Gonff had entered Kotir unnoticed, quickly shoving away his nervousness in favor of the task at hand. The young mousethief snuck around enough to guarantee Tsarmina was indeed Queen, before heading toward the cells.

When he reached the staircase leading down into the bowels of Kotir, he saw the guards, a stoat and a ferret. Gonff stifled a giggle as an ingenious plan came to him. He picked up a pebble, lobbing it at the stoat, Splitnose.

Splitnose grabbed his smarting ear. "Hoi Blackie! Wot was dat for?"

Blacktooth glared at his fellow guard. "Huh, I didn't do nothin' Splitnose, wot happened anyways?"

Before Splitnose could answer, Gonff did, in an amazing replica of the stoat's voice.

"Ya threw a rock at me ear, daft toad!"

Blacktooth dropped his spear, leaping on Splitnose and boxing his ears.

"Hoi, I'll teach ya ta call me a daft toad! Take this, an this .."

Gonff slipped past the fighting guards, a smirk plastered on his face. Vermin were so stupid.

As the sounds of the grappling vermin faded in the distance, Gonff heard another sort of sound. It was the quiet murmur of low voices, and they seemed to be coming from a closed cell. Gonff slipped next to the door, listening silently in on one of the most interesting conversations he had ever heard.

><><

Gingivere and Ashleg were conversing in the wildcat prince's cell.

"Tsarmina is a terrible ruler. Not to say she isn't intelligent and conniving, but to say the exact opposite. She's got her father's wits, an near four times his cruelty."

The pine marten looked away. "That is .. the cruelty ye saw in him."

Gingivere wasn't really sure he wanted to know what Ashleg meant, but something compelled him to ask anyway.

"What do you mean?"

Ashleg looked down at his wooden leg, almost involuntarily.

"Ol' Verdauga .. he wasn't always as laid back as he was in his last years. He was a good master .. all in all .. at least ta his horde .. or should I say his captains."

Gingivere nodded as the pine marten continued.

"You wasn't born when your daddy took Mossflower .. an I was a might younger then I am now."

The wildcat shook his head. "How longs it been since my father enslaved this land?"

Ashleg shrugged. "Lemme see .. I'd say around forty seasons ago. Might 'ave been a bit longer then that .. but I've lost track of time."

Neither beast spoke for a few seconds, before Ashleg continued.

"Anyway .. as I was sayin' .. things weren't always the way you knew 'em. Somethin' happened to Verdauga after Tsarmina was born .. after your mother died. He just slowed down. Was like he was content ta rule wot he had, an have his sea captains do his conquerin'. But I'll tell ya prince, when your daddy was in his element .. there wasn't a crueler beast to plunder woodlanders."

Ashleg paused, before asking,

"How do ya think I lost me leg?"

Gingivere gulped, whispering, "My father did that to you? And you still served him?"

Ashleg shrugged. "We was always good friends, me an Verdauga. We was since we was nothin' but wee lads, growin' up in King Mortspear's castle, way up in the north. We had lots a good times together, first as lads, then as horde leaders. Verdauga .. he'd go into insane rages .. I think, in my heart of hearts, your daddy had Bloodwrath. It was hard ta tell though, cause 'is eyes wouldn't never go red .. just glow an insane green. We got into a fight over ... I can't even remember anymore what we was fightin' over .. but he just went mad on me all sudden like. Lost me leg to him .. but afterwards he was sorry he'd done it .. said he couldn't even remember wot happened."

The old pine marten stroked his ornately patterned wooden leg.

"Had this beauty here made for me .. an we never argued like that again. Course .. it was probably cause I'd learned me lesson and didn't press him no more."

Gingivere wasn't sure what to think of this piece of history, but Ashleg didn't give him time to speak.

"Wot I'm tryin' ta say with all that is this. Tsarmina .. she's got all her daddy's cunning, and all her daddy's cruelty .. if not more so. Haven't seen total evidence she's got his madness .. but I wouldn't rule it out as impossible."

><><

Gonff wasn't sure what to make of what he had heard any more than Gingivere. At least he had learned a bit about the new queen's character .. although it had not pleased him.

More then that, he knew Prince Gingivere was alive, even if he was a prisoner.

Gonff scratched his head, a little confused. He wasn't sure why there was another creature in Gingivere's cell, or even what type it was, for he had only listened, not being able to see through the door. The only reason he knew the wildcat prince was in the cell, was because of the way his companion had spoken of Verdauga's relation to him.

Gonff slunk away, deeper into Kotir. He was fairly sure no one would spot him, and was beginning to relax. He would not of done so if he had known the drastic turn of events that was to befall him.

><><

Up at the top of the stairs, the guards Splitnose and Blacktooth were tired of fighting. They each had many lumps and bruises they had bestowed upon one another, and had worn themselves out.

Splitnose looked at his companion with a moan.

"Wull .. now that we've had it out on each other .. wot done started it in the first place?"

Blacktooth had a bloody nose, and so being, his voice was rather muffled.

"Mumff .. Yuh culled me a duft tud!"

Splitnose looked confused. "I never called ya a daft toad Blackie, but ya threw a rock at me ear!"

Blacktooth glared at him. "I nevah thew no wock at yuh eah, wots yuh tulkin' bout?"

Splitnose was very baffled. "Wull now .. if'n ya didn't throw no rock at me .. an if I didn't throw no rock at me .. wull .. who did?"

Blacktooth was getting perplexed as well. "Wull .. uf yuh didn't cull me no duft tud .. un .. I didn't cull me no duft tud .. dun .. sumbudy else must'u culled me a duft tud!"

Splitnose jumped to his paws, grabbing his forgotten spear from where it rested against the wall.

"Right Blackie, you're one smart beast. Dere's somebody else down 'ere, an whoever it is, is gonna git it, and git it good!"

><><

Sayna awoke slowly, the cold nipping at her nose. She pulled her raggedy dress tighter about her shoulders, looking over at Redfarl. The pretty little squirrel was wrapped tightly in Sayna's battered traveling cloak, and her bushy tail served as a pillow. The two would go to sleep back to back, but Redfarl had a habit of snoring, so morning saw Sayna sleeping in the corner furthest from her young friend.

Sayna sat up quietly, yawning softly. It had been at least a month since she had been thrown down here. She had absolutely no idea what had happened to Martin, or Wildfire, or her own best friend, Ghostdancer.

She looked up at the grate high in the wall that let in fresh air, and a bit of light. The sun was up, and it looked rather late in the day. But then, Sayna's days had lost all their schedule. She slept when she wanted, and woke when she wanted. The only interval was around evening, when the guard's would throw a few scraps in her cell. The rest of the time was spent telling stories to Redfarl, who never tired of them. Sayna was very grateful Groddil had told her all the tales he had, for they provided entertainment down in the cells.

Redfarl yawned, waking up. "Have they fed us yet?"

Sayna laughed softly. "No. It's still morning .. I think."

Redfarl looked slightly crestfallen. "Oh. Will you tell me a story then?"

Sayna yawned. "I've about told you all the stories I know. I think it's your turn now, how about that?"

Redfarl smiled. "Oh. Ok! I suppose it's not fair you have to tell all the time. Let's see .. I know! I could tell you the tale of how Verdauga conquered Mossflower!"

Sayna nodded. "Now that would interest me. I don't think I've ever heard that story."

Redfarl snuggled deeper into Sayna's threadbare cloak.

"Alright, here goes. How'd my father used to start out? Oh yes. Once, before you were born, the Woodlanders ruled Mossflower. We were happy and prosperous, with wise leaders, and freedom to do what we liked. Our land is cold and dark now little one, but come with me, and I'll tell you of how it once was. Come with me to far of, happier times. Close your eyes, and envision how it used to be ...

''There was once a mouse king by the name of Martin. It was he who lived in Kotir, and it is to his decedents Kotir belongs, not to Verdauga. How did the cat gain possession of this castle? Tis a long, sad story, but one that needs telling. You see, Martin wasn't the only king of Mossflower. There was the wise Barkstripe and his wife Bella, the badger rulers, there was Skipper Warthorn and his wife Moss, who resided over the otters. There was the young but valiant rabbit chieftain, Lady Lepus, and the sensible Foremole, who led the moles. Over the squirrels was the mighty Lord Blacktail, and his wife, Lady Amber, and over the skies and all the birds, was the fierce golden eagle, Lord Argulor.''

''These Lords and Ladies ruled for the most part, wisely, and though they occasionally clashed, they usually got along quite well. It came to pass, that after many seasons of wishing, King Martin's Queen, Sunflower, gave birth to their first child, a son whom they named Luke. To celebrate, they threw a grand feast in Kotir, and near everybeast in Mossflower came. Alas, they had peace for so long, that their guard was down. With only a minimal watch outside, and all the nobles of Mossflower congregated inside, it was an invitation to the waiting Verdauga.''

''There was no way to save Mossflower. It belonged to Verdauga in less then two hours, and the only way to live was to flee. Martin and Sunflower were slain, as well as Barkstripe, Moss, and countless woodlanders. Although there is no real proof, many believe the young prince, Luke, was somehow saved, and the valiant rabbit chieftain, Lepus escaped. Her people were decimated in the attack however, and those that were left scattered. A rabbit has not been seen in Mossflower or the surrounding regions since, and many fear they never will be again.''

''Both Blacktail and Amber escaped, although Blacktail was later captured by Verdauga. Our land is silent and cold now, waiting for those who are prophesied to save it. May they come soon.''"

Redfarl looked up, hope in her continence. "Did .. you like it?"

Sayna clapped her paws softly. "It was wonderful! You have talent Redfarl!"

The young squirrel looked down. "They were my father's words, not mine. I wish he could have told it, I'm bound to have left something out."

Sayna scratched her chin. "Was your father alive during the attack?"

Redfarl nodded. "Oh yes! He was .."

She paused. "He was Lord Blacktail."

Sayna stared at her young friend in amazement, but she never got a chance to say a word. The sounds of a violent scuffle erupted from the hallway!

Chapter 16 A Shattered Peace
Just outside of Noonvale, an odd assembly was being held. It consisted of twenty some creatures, Keyla, Rose, Midnight, Brome, Emalet, Rowanoak, and Ballaw were just a few.

Keyla was sharpening some thick sticks into javelins, as was his best friend Felldoh, who sat beside him.

"If the pirates are on their way, we need a plan, and a good one at that."

Ballaw yawned. "Oh righto. Sharps the word and quicks the action I suppose, wot wot? Ahhh .. an wot might the action be me lad?"

Keyla shrugged as Emalet ruffled her feathers. "Well what ever it is, do it fast. We have a few hours at best."

Flyingsparks, a red roan stallion that had served under Clogg with Midnight, sighed, "If only we had Luna. She could plan this out for us."

Brome got a tiny twinkle in his eye as a bit of his normal good humor returned.

"That's not the only reason you want Luna back Sparks, you like her!"

Sparks glared at his mouse friend. "Do not!"

Brome grinned at the horse. "Do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

As much as she liked seeing some of her brother's happiness return, Rose knew there wasn't time for distractions.

"You two, stop it. We need to be thinking about the pirates, not silliness."

Brome shrugged, falling back into his unnatural and yet usual silence.

Felldoh leaned forward. "Look, I've got an idea. It's risky, but I bet it's our only chance ..."

><><

Lotor stood on the rail of the Bloodwake, polishing his curved scimitar. The young ermine admired his shining white fur idly, waiting for his captain to appear.

Lotor's garb was a simple leather tunic and belt, well worn sea boots, and a few old, brass earrings. He sheathed his glittering scimitar in his belt as Ripfang came toward him, decked out in his war garb.

Lotor leaned against the rail nonchalantly. "What'cher want Capt'n?"

Ripfang glared at him. "Don't get ta big for ya britches ye swab, or ye'll be swabin da decks again."

Lotor flashed his captain a rather insolent white smile. "I don't 'ave britches Capt'n, so I can't git to big for 'em."

Ripfang curled his lip, making his overly long tooth seem even longer. "Nuff of da jokin' Lotor, 'for I 'ave you down dere rowin' wid da slaves."

Lotor knew when to drop the subject, although he acted like the threat meant nothing. "Awright Capt'n. I've got da plan ready."

Ripfang nodded curtly. "Good. Git 'em ready for da attack. I want's a quick plunderin' 'ere, dis is not ta be takin' all season!"

Lotor examined his claws, completely at ease. "Since when did any plan dat I made take a season? It'll be easier den robbin' a mouse."

Ripfang snarled. "See dat it is. An see dat it's done. Don't think you'll git off easy just cause you're Badrang's liddle brat."

Lotor watched his captain stride away, a nasty smile dancing in his yellow eyes. His voice was a grating whisper as he swore,

"Just cause I'm Badrang's liddle brat eh? Well I never asked ta git off easy Ripfang. I worked me way from da bottom, an it's no thanks to me dear ol' daddy, da one dat sold me ta ya. One day you'll be ta ol' ta fight, one day soon. An den we'll see who git's off easy ... Capt'n."

><><

Timbal sighed with relief as Whiplash called a halt. The sinewy weasel strode from the galley, leaving the slaves alone. They slumped over their oars, exhausted.

Timbal started as a timid paw tapped his shoulder, unfortunately on one of his healing lashes. He winced, and Coll's tired voice apologized.

"Sorry matey, I didn't mean .."

"Ahh it's fine." Timbal groaned as he shifted as far as his chains would allow, to better see his friend.

Coll shifted nervously. "Why are they stopping? Where are we?"

Timbal shrugged. "I donno Coll, Whiplash never told me."

Coll saw the twinkle in his friends blue eyes, and managed a tiny smile. "At least you can still joke about it. I'm too tired."

Timbal sighed. "Get some rest."

Coll needed no second bidding. As the younger mouse fell asleep, Timbal turned about, slumping over his oar with a tired sigh. He had only joked for Coll's benefit, his friend had looked like he needed a little light heartedness. In reality, Timbal's heart was far from light. It was heavy, heavy as stone. He and the few friends he had left were doomed, and there was no hope of escape. Worse yet, there was nothing he could do.

Timbal's father had always taught him of Lord Ignasa, the ruler of good. As a young mouse, Timbal had been intrigued by the tales, and when he had first been captured, they had given him hope. Hope that there was still some light left in the darkness. But now ... now he was near giving up.

Maybe Lord Ignasa .. didn't really care about a few mice in a pirate galley. Maybe the terrible dark wolf, Lord Malimore, was too strong. Maybe .. maybe Lord Ignasa wasn't even real.

Timbal tried to shut out these thoughts, but they would not be stopped. They defied everything he had been taught, everything he wanted to believe in. They intensified the question that had nagged him for his whole life, the one he had tried desperately to avoid.

What do I really believe in?

><><

Sandingomm sulked in the shadows below deck, gathering what meager supplies she could. The wildcat was done being a pawn of Ripfang's, and ultimately Lord Malimore's. She knew her master would be occupied with the attack, so this was the perfect time to run.

The gray cat slipped up to the main deck, silently observing Ripfang, Lotor, and most of the horde. They had assembled on shore, and seemed to be in some sort of meeting. Sandingomm hurried to the opposite side of the ship and threw one foot paw over the rail, before five sharp claws sank into her arm.

"An where da ya think ya is goin'?"

It was the slave driver, Whiplash. Sandingomm knew it was now or never. She might never get this kind of chance again, and Whiplash would see she got whipped for suspicious activity.

Sandingomm threw herself at the weasel, bowling him over with her superior strength and size. The two went tumbling across the deck, Sandingomm coming out on top. She yowled as Whiplash's needle-sharp claws sank into her arm, followed by his teeth. The gray wildcat slashed her formidable claws across her opponents neck, and the sinewy weasel went limp. Sandingomm pried his jaws apart, freeing her arm from the death grip the weasel had on her.

She bounded across to the rail, caressing her wound as best she could. The cat took one moment to glance down at the flowing water below, before she jumped.

Sandingomm hated water, and besides that, it was freezing! The cat sputtered, striking out for shore, but the current fought her. Under normal circumstances she might have made it, but her arm was considerably weakened by Whiplash's bite. She stifled a yowl of terror as she was swept downstream!

When Sandingomm finally reached shore, she was bedraggled, sodden, and thoroughly chilled. Normally, cold didn't bother her much, because of her thick fur. But now that fur was wet and freezing. The cat crouched in some bushes, wet, cold, bleeding, and utterly miserable.

At least she'd gotten away from Ripfang.

Maybe.

><><

Rose sat on Midnight's back, waiting. The two were sufficiently hidden by thick brush. Rose looked across to were Brome and Sparks stood silently. The two were nearly invisible, Spark's roan coat blended well with the brown of the woodlands, far better then Midnight's ebony pelt.

Felldoh came leaping through the tree branches, panting, "Rose, there's way more of 'em then Emalet thought! We don't stand a chance!"

Rose squinted determinedly at him. "We have to try Felldoh, it's the only way! What else can we do?"

Felldoh shrugged.

Midnight looked up at the squirrel. "Felldoh, how many would you say there are?"

Felldoh gulped. "At least a hundred."

Rose nodded, trying to shove away her fear. She loaded an arrow on her string. "Alright, let's move in. Just like we rehearsed it. Felldoh, start the diversion."

Felldoh saluted. "Right! You two be ready!"

><><

Lotor was organizing his troops as Felldoh jumped into a tree right next to them. The russet colored squirrel acted frightened, howling,

"Pirates! Sound the alarm!"

Lotor snarled. No dumb squirrel was going to mess up his plans. "Get him! Don't let him reach his village!"

Felldoh took of like a shot, the Bloodwake's crew hard on his heels.

><><

Rose braced herself, drawing her bow back. She could see the Bloodwake's crew charging after Felldoh, and she sighted in on the brown weasel that seemed to be leading them. She released her string, watching as the creature fell, her arrow in his back.

The corsairs halted, staring at their fallen companion and the surrounding woodlands in dismay.

A white ermine shoved his way through the crowd to the dead weasel, and started berating the nearby crewbeasts. Rose sighted in on him, aiming carefully. Just as she loosed her arrow, the ermine sidestepped to emphasis his point. It was his incredible good luck he did. Rose's arrow zipped past his torso like an angry hornet, slaying a dumb-looking ferret that stood unsuspectingly in it's path.

Rose loaded another arrow as one of Brome's javelins slew a corsair near the back. The vermin were getting nervous now, especially as Rose's next arrow took another of them down.

Things were looking promising for the Noonvale creatures, but Midnight was not so sure. The horse looked up at the mouse on her back, whispering,

"Rose, there's way to few of them down there, and I don't see Ripfang. There should be twice again that many!"

Rose gulped as a shout rang from the woodlands. "They snuck round the back those dirty rotters! Take that you vile vermin!"

Midnight flattened her ears. "That's Ballaw! He was supposed to be on the opposite side of Noonvale! That means .."

Sparks came running up to them, Brome clinging to his mane.

The roan horse stamped a hoof. "That means we're surrounded!"

Rose took immediate action. "Back to Noonvale at once!"

She looked up to where Emalet sat on the low branch of an oak. "Tell our creatures to assemble in the town square! Quickly!"

><><

It didn't take long for the few warriors who dared resist Ripfang to gather in Noonvale's town square.

Felldoh and Keyla were last. They bolted into the square, yelling,

"They're coming!"

Rose loaded an arrow, shouting, "Get ready!"

Her companions did so, just as Ripfang crested the ridge, mounted on a tired looking black horse. He kicked the animal into a stumbling gallop, sure of his impending victory. Rose saw the rat's crew follow their leader, and she knew her town was doomed. The mouse shifted on Midnight's back to get a good look at Emalet.

"Emalet, fly! Get out of here!"

The little owl fluttered her wings nervously. "But .. but I don't want to leave you!"

"Do it Emalet! Try to find Martin .. tell him what happened to us if you do! Somehow or other, he'll find a way to save us, if he still lives!"

Emalet had never heard Rose use the tone of voice she had adopted. The owl blinked back her tears as Rose ordered sharply,

"Go!"

The mouse watched her young friend fly off, murmuring, "Lord Ignasa go with you."

Midnight reared, bringing Rose back to reality. The mouse maid knew there was only one chance. If she could only kill Ripfang!

Rose sighted along her arrow, leveling it on the charging rat. The last thing she wished to do was slay his bedraggled horse, but it was a risk she had to take.

Rose let loose her string as Midnight sidestepped nervously. The arrow flew wide of it's target, killing a crewbeast.

The mouse maid desperately tried to load another arrow, but it was too late. Ripfang was upon them.

Rose grabbed one end of her bow, using it as a club. This attempt of defense did not last long, for the weapon splintered after a few hard hits. Rose seized two arrows from her quiver just as Midnight jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding a spear thrust.

The black horse succeeded in escaping injury, but threw her rider in the process. Rose landed on the hard cobblestone of the town square with a moan, the breath knocked out of her. As she was trying to recover, a weasel jumped at her, a knife in his paw. Rose hardly knew what she was doing. It was like some other beast was directing her paws as she thrust upwards with one arrow, using every ounce of strength she had left.

The weasel fell dead, and Rose stared at him in dumb amazement, completely shocked by her own deed. Then the world spun, and she collapsed to the cobblestone in complete exhaustion, barely coherent.

><><

Brome was fighting like a madbeast, scared to death. His terrible fear was allowing him to kill without remorse, for he normally hated the thought of slaying any creature, vermin or not.

All of a sudden, Ripfang's voice rose above the fighting.

"Surrender, or this one dies!"

Brome gasped as he saw who Ripfang had caught.

It was Rose!

Chapter 17 A Thief's Misery
Whegg was sitting in his room, miserably staring at his footpaws. He had been given quite a good supper the night before, but had been too depressed to eat most of it.

The door creaked open, admitting Bella. The stately badger set a tray of breakfast on a table, ordering not unkindly,

"Eat this. You might as well not starve yourself."

Whegg trembled, asking, "What's ya goin' ta do wid me?"

Bella shrugged. "You will remain my prisoner until the next full moon, one week away. Then I will bring you before the Corim, when I and the other leaders shall decide your fate."

Whegg gulped. "Milady .. If you're gonna kill me .. I wish you'd git it over wid."

Bella sighed. "According to our laws, I am forced to bring you before the Corim, where the majority vote of me and the other four leaders will determine what is to be done with you. I have no power of my own to decide your future. That will be done at the next Corim meeting, which is as I said, one week away."

Whegg said nothing, and Bella slipped from the room, locking the door once again.

As soon as the badger had gone, Whegg slid onto the floor. The once mighty captain of Kotir was reduced to a sobbing, miserable heap.

His life had always seemed pointless .. that's why he had served Verdauga, it had given him a reason to exist. Whegg didn't have any real plans for the future, so he didn't wish to live because he wanted to accomplish something.

No, the plain truth was, Whegg was simply terrified of dying. Life held neither purpose nor joy for him, and yet he did not desire to leave it. For Whegg had been told what happened to an evil creature when their life was over. They went to Hellgates, where the dark wolf, Lord Malimore reined. Whegg shuddered. He knew he deserved Hellgates, he had done nothing but evil all his life.

The mottled rat curled up in a pitiful ball on the floor, his breakfast forgotten. He closed his eyes as a soft voice called out to him.

"Whegg."

It was soft, yes, soft, commanding, terrible, and comforting all in one. Whegg swallowed hard, hesitantly raising himself on one arm and blinking his eyes open.

The next second he flung himself flat on his face, trembling and shaking all over. Standing before him was the most magnificent creature Whegg had ever seen. From the golden crown on his head to the aurora of light the surrounded him, the creature that confronted Whegg was pure awe.

The large cat blinked his brilliant azure eyes, saying once again,

"Whegg."

Whegg knew he must speak, he knew this mighty beast wanted it. His voice came out as a sort of raspy, stuttering squeak.

"W .. who are you L .. Lord?"

The creature switched his tail ever so slowly, remarking,

"I am Ignasa, Lord of Mossflower and the lands beyond."

The golden cat blinked his azure eyes. "I have a task for you Whegg."

Whegg trembled, speechless. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Lord Ignasa continued.

"At the meeting of the Corim, you must tell the five leaders they must free your rightful king, in order that Mossflower may be saved."

Whegg did not dare voice what he wished to say, but his visitor seemed to read his thoughts.

"Speak your mind Whegg, you cannot hide it from me."

The rat gulped, stuttering, "But .. but I've been a wicked beast all me life .. an .. an why would dey lissin ta me? I'm a vermin!"

The cat's azure eyes sparkled subtly as he asked, "Whose fault is it, which path you chose to walk?"

Whegg knew who was to blame, and he didn't try to hide it. "M .. mine .. Lord."

The rat shuddered. "An n .. now .. I .. deserve for da dark wolf ta put me in 'Ellgates."

Lord Ignasa blinked slowly, remarking, "Malimore is not your judge Whegg, I am."

Whegg collapsed into a trembling, sobbing heap of misery, thinking that the great cat was going to skip the Corim and send him to Hellgates directly. The rat sniffed, whimpering,

"Oh don't send me ta da dark wolf .. Please!"

Lord Ignasa's tail switched slowly as he remarked, "Just as I have the right to judge you, I also have the right to pardon you. But I do not pardon without a purpose. All your life, you have desired a reason to exist; now I shall give you one, if you will serve me."

Whegg stared at Ignasa, gulping, "W .. why would ya choose a wicked beast like me? What'd I do ta deserve dis?"

Ignasa blinked at him, asking, "Does any creature start life good? Does any deserve my forgiveness? I choose any beast who is humble enough to except my mercy. Are you?"

Whegg shook his head in complete amazement. "I .. I will serve ya ta me last breath Lord!"

Ignasa stood to go, ordering, "Then you shall tell the Corim leaders my message. Do not fear, I will be with you .. my son."

There was a flash of light, and Lord Ignasa vanished. Whegg shook himself, trying to believe what had happened to him. The rat felt a new sense of purpose settle on him, and he knew, that whatever happened to him, he had no need to fear. He never would have a reason to fear again.

><><

Martin was rubbing his paws together, trying to keep them warm. He had spent a lonely, cold, and depressing last few weeks locked in Kotir's cells.

While he did not like Sayna very much, and found her irritating and in some cases intimidating, he had to admit her company was better then nothing.

Well, sometimes.

Martin buried his cold paws in his tattered tunic, which offered little warmth. He shivered involuntarily, trying not to think. Without the company of another beast, his mind wished to rove back in time, recalling unwanted memories.

Martin was about to try and go back to sleep, when scuffling and yells erupted from the hallway.

"Hey, lemme go you dirty cowards!"

"Huh, ya shut ya big mouth mousy!"

"Ya I'll teach yuh tu cull me a duft tud!"

Martin stared in shock as his cell's door was flung open and something was thrown in. The door was slammed loudly, and Martin looked at his new cell mate.

He was a pudgy mouse wearing a green tunic and long black cloak. The creature shook his fist at the closed door.

"Yah, you're daft toads, both of ya!"

This done, the mouse turned to Martin with a broad smile. "Well, well looky what the kitty cat got. I'm Gonff, prince of mousethieves, and you're a golden mouse. What's your name?"

Martin blinked his brown eyes at Gonff, finally answering,

"I .. My name is Martin."

Gonff shook Martin's paw so hard his teeth nearly chattered. "Martin eh? Nice name. You just wait an I'll get this here door open. Then we'll have a quick drop in on the royal treasury, how's that?"

"I .."

Martin begun as Gonff continued, "You've never seen the royal treasury? Why it's simply chock full of gold an jewels an all sorts a boodle. An it's ours for the taking!"

Martin scratched his ear. "Isn't that called stealing?"

Gonff began fiddling with the lock on the door. "Ehhh ... not really. You see, the ol' kitty cat stole most of it from us in the first place. It's more like spoiling. Aye that's what it is, spoiling!"

Martin wasn't sure what to make of this at all. He decided to switch the subject. "So ... you think you can get us out?"

Gonff sighed. "Think? Think! Why no Martin ol' matey, I don't think. I know. You just cool your tail an I'll have us out in less time then it takes to loot a treasury! You see those two daft toads who threw me in here will go strait back to their posts, they were ordered to finish their guard, and they will. Soon as their relieved though, they'll tell the pretty little kitty I'm here. And then we're in real trouble."

He smiled delightedly as the rusty lock clicked. "But turns out, we won't be here! Come on, let's go raid the treasure house!"

Martin rolled his eyes. It seemed his new found companion had treasure on the brain. His paw fell to the broken hilt of his old sword, and for some reason, he thought of Sayna. She had a sword quite similar to his, maybe that was why he recalled her.

"Hey, wait! If we're escaping, I have a ..."

Martin paused. He had been about to say 'friend', but he thought the better of it.

"Acquaintance who was captured along with me. Can we free her too?"

Gonff shrugged. "Sure, if she'd like to raid a treasury."

Martin was about to say Sayna would probably not favor the idea, but Gonff was quietly opening the cell door.

><><

Sayna and Redfarl had stopped their conversation as the scuffle had broken out in the hallway. Now Redfarl was attempting to see out the iron bars high in their cells door by standing on Sayna's shoulders.

Sayna made a face as the squirrel stepped on the back of her neck, exclaiming quietly, "Ow! Redfarl, I wish you'd stay still!"

Redfarl's voice was apologetic. "Sorry, but I guess I'm not as agile as I once was. Seasons of slavery have made me clumsy."

Sayna wished she could rub her aching back, but she was forced to keep her hands braced on her knees, lest she fall. "Ahh it's ok Redfarl, just try and be a bit more careful. That's my back you're tromping all over."

Redfarl was trying to pull herself up on the iron bars when the cell door unexpectedly swung open. Both squirrel and mouse sprawled onto the stone floor outside their cell.

Sayna shook her unruly gold headfur out of her eyes, mentally reminding herself to cut the stupid stuff as soon as she got the chance. She found herself staring up at Martin and another mouse, who was shorter and a good deal fatter.

The strange mouse stared at her for a minute, before exclaiming softly, "By the fur Martin matey! Why didn't you say you're 'acquaintance' as you so put it, was a golden mouse?"

Martin shrugged, and Sayna raised an eyebrow.

"So what if my fur happens to be gold? I didn't ask for it, and I couldn't care less."

Redfarl interrupted with her usual cheerfulness. "Hi! Just asking, but can we get out of here already?"

The strange mouse looked at her for the first time. "Get out? First we have a little spoiling to do, and then, of course! I'm Gonff prince of mousethieves by the way."

Sayna stood, realizing she was a couple inches taller then Gonff. "Spoiling? What do you mean, spoiling?"

Gonff flashed her a secretive smile. "I'll show you. Follow me, and do it quietly."

Gonff led them silently through the echoing, foreboding hallways of Kotir. Sayna sighed. She wasn't sure what to think of the mousethief. Martin fell in step with her, and Sayna looked down. The last time she'd spoken to him was to bite his head off about Rose, so she wasn't sure what he was going to say.

Martin's voice was a low whisper. "As far as I can tell, our new friend Gonff here wants to raid this place before we leave it. Now on his own, he could possibly do it, but with us and your friend over there .."

"Redfarl." Sayna stated.

Martin nodded. "Right. Well the thing is, I don't think it's going to work. We'll be right back where we were, or worse."

Sayna gritted her teeth. "And yet we need his help. I see your point completely. What should we do?"

Martin's paw fell instinctively to his broken sword's hilt. "I don't know. If only we had some weapons .."

Sayna found herself nearly copying Martin's move. She told herself it was because she was so used to fighting with her now broken weapon.

"Gonff wants to raid something, doesn't he?"

Martin sighed. "Oh Yes."

Sayna's face remained emotionless as she stated. "Then compromise with him. We can raid the armory."

Martin nodded, something reminiscent of admiration in his brown eyes. "Good idea, I'll talk to him."

Sayna felt something stir within her, and she knew what she had to do. "Martin .. wait. I want to apologize for what I said before we got captured .. You aren't a coward, and what happened was more my fault then yours."

Martin stared at her in surprise. He hadn't expected Sayna to ever say she was sorry for telling him off, he'd always thought she would be to proud. "Well .. you were probably right. I need to do something with my life. Rose saved it, so I will use it for her ... so .. thank you."

It was Sayna's turn to stare. She had thought Martin was far to arrogant to admit he had learned anything from her, let alone take her advice. She thought he wouldn't even forgive her. "Oh. Well .. at least I helped .. even if I wasn't very nice about it."

Martin pulled a wry smile. "You weren't at that. But then, you never are. I'll go talk to Gonff."

Sayna nodded, her face expressionless again. "Good luck."

><><

Gonff was far from adverse to raiding the royal armory, in fact he was delighted by the idea. The mousethief clapped Martin heartily on the back.

"You're getting the idea of things mate! We'll make a respectable mousethief of you yet!"

Martin opened his mouth to protest that he really had no desire to be any such thing, but Gonff was already dragging his new found friend down a corridor, followed by Sayna and Redfarl.

Gonff led them to a large room that was lined with rows upon rows of spears, swords, bows, knives, and all other sorts of weapons and armor. Sayna stared about her surroundings, her eyes coming to rest on one particularly elegant bow with twin knife blades on the ends.

She let loose a little gasp, running over to where it leaned against the wall. The mouse maid seized it like she had found an old friend, and her amazement only increased as she looked down on the floor next to where her bow had rested.

For there lay her leather belt, with her eight beautiful throwing knives still stuck in it. Sayna grabbed it, fastening it about her waist with relief. She had bitterly regretted the loss of her bow and knives, for they were all she had left of her mentor. Now she had them back.

Gonff nodded approvingly at her. "See Martin matey, your sister knows how to loot an armory!"

Martin and Sayna looked first at Gonff, then at each other, then back to Gonff.

Their question came out as not two voices, but one.

"What???"

Redfarl looked up from where she was examining a bow. "You are aren't you?"

Gonff didn't give either mouse a chance to speak. "Of course they are! Why a blind toad could tell you that! Have you ever seen two beasts look so the same? I bet an acorn to an eggshell they're twins!"

The mousethief looked quizzically at his two dumbfounded companions. "That's right, yes? You are twins aren't you?"

Martin got his voice back first. "Uhhh .. friend, I'm afraid you loose both acorn and eggshell. We aren't even distantly related .."

Sayna broke in. "That's right. I have no relation to Martin. We're just uncanny lookalikes."

Gonff looked from one to the other in surprise, before shrugging. "Huh, I could've sworn you were twins. Oh well, no matter. Let's take what we want and head across to the royal treasury!"

Sayna sighed as Gonff exited the room with speed and agility that belayed his girth. Martin stuck a long knife in his belt.

"We've got to do something about him."

Sayna rolled her eyes. "Before he gets us all killed, preferably."

Redfarl's eyes widened. "She's right you know. I want to get out of here .. I can barely remember what the forest looks like. All the treasure in the world means nothing to me if I have to give up the hope of freedom."

Martin nodded. "Let's go catch up to Gonff. I'll talk to him."

Doing this took some effort, seeing as Gonff had reached the end of the corridor and was staring out an oak door onto the parade ground.

Martin placed a paw on the mousethief's shoulder. "Look matey, I know you want to pillage this place, but .. we need to get out! We're not as clever or as silent as you, and every second I'm afraid we'll be caught."

Gonff's face fell. "Not raid the royal treasury? But .. it's just across the parade ground!"

Sayna stared across the courtyard, noting the many vermin guards. "Gonff, we can't get across there. For us, it'd be suicide."

Gonff crossed his arms, complaining, "But I haven't had a chance to raid this place properly for ages! And who knows when I'll get back in!"

Redfarl sniffed. "But mister Gonff, we want to get out of Kotir!"

Gonff got a sour look on his face. "Yes, well I've been waiting two seasons just to get in! And I'm so close ..."

Martin looked at Sayna over Gonff's head, mouthing,

"What are we going to do with him?"

Sayna rolled her eyes mirthlessly as she glanced out onto the parade ground. The next second her heart leapt. Her sharp eyes had caught sight of the stables, and two very familiar horses. She motioned Martin over franticly. The mouse walked past Gonff, who looked slightly sulky. He followed Sayna's pointing finger with his eyes, a smile spreading across his face.

"It's Wildfire and Ghostdancer, I'll stake my life on it!"

He looked over to where Gonff was staring grumpily at the ground. The mouse slipped over to his irrepressible companion.

"Gonff, how'd you like to raid the royal stables?"

Gonff stared at Martin in awe. "Now you're one smart ol' thief Martin, you must have been a regular terror before you got caught. I've looted a lot of places in my young life, but horse-stealing .. why I'd never thought of it before now! Come on! Let's raid the royal stables as you so poetically put it!"

Sayna felt the odd impulse to laugh. Martin looked so exasperated! She filled in for him.

"No Gonff, like I said, we can't get across that courtyard. But you can. Now look, we just want the dark gray mare with the star on her forehead, and the copper bay pinto stallion. They talk, just tell them Martin and Sayna are your friends!"

><><

As the mousethief left, Martin turned to Sayna. "What are we going to do when he frees them? How are we going to sneak out with the horses?"

Sayna gave Martin a stare with her unnerving black eyes. "We aren't going to sneak out. I doubt we could anyway, and I'd refuse to leave our friends even if it was possible."

Redfarl broke in. "But Sayna, how are we going to get out then?"

Sayna leaned against the wall. "Dancer is the fastest horse I've ever seen, and Wildfire is far from slow. The gate is open and the drawbridge is down. I know there'll be guards, but with the horses size we might get through if we stampede them."

Martin looked worried. "It's risky .."

Sayna nodded in total agreement. "It's very risky. But we don't really have another choice do we?"

Chapter 18 Slaves Once More
Brome's heart froze in shear horror, and he couldn't breath. This couldn't be happening, not again.

"No! Don't hurt her!"

Brome's cry was a furious, horrified sound, and it made the entire battlefield freeze.

Ripfang glared at the young mouse. "Do ye surrender?"

Brome looked around at his friends, who reluctantly dropped their weapons. Brome growled as his paws were tied tightly behind his back. Once the fighters had been bound, Ripfang dropped Rose, sneering,

"Did you really think you could defy me? This one did, and for that she will die."

Brome couldn't believe what he was hearing. He could only sob, "No!"

But someone else said 'No' as well.

><><

Rose didn't have the strength to fight, and she didn't really want to. She was frozen in numbing hopelessness as Ripfang raised his cutlass.

The next second Ripfang was knocked backwards by a flying black thunderbolt. Rose slowly opened her eyes, to find Midnightshadow was standing over her as a mare would her foal.

Ripfang snarled at his crewbeasts. "Get 'er out a me way you swabs, she coulda killed me!"

One over ambitious rat approached the black horse, only to be kicked halfway across the square by deadly hind hooves. Midnight's voice was a hate filled snarl.

"Get away you sea scum, unless you want some of what a gave that one!"

Rose weakly touched one of Midnight's white forelegs. "Friend, I'm not worth this .. you can't fight them all."

Ripfang's crew was not overly excited about taking on a maddened horse, but it was only a matter of time before their shear numbers would overwhelm her. Midnight knew this all to well.

The horse kicked another approaching crewbeast, yelling, "You, Ripfang! I'll make you a deal!"

Ripfang growled at having a horse defy him so, but he snarled, "An whats dat?"

Midnight raised a hind hoof at an overly-zealous corsair, who backed away wisely.

"If you leave my friend alive, I will serve you!"

Despite himself, Ripfang looked slightly surprised. He had never heard of such a crazy sacrifice. "If I let da mousy live, you'd serve me without a fight?"

Midnight dipped her head. "That is correct."

Ripfang pondered this for a bit. His horse was on it's last leg, worn out from starvation and whipping. Breaking another horse would be hard and dangerous, and he was becoming to old to accomplish the task. The rat shrugged.

"Fine. Chain da wench wid da other slaves."

Rose was stunned as rough paws shoved her among the occupants of her village. She couldn't believe what Midnight had just done for her. The mouse maid stared at the horse, whispering,

"Oh Midnight .. I wasn't worth that!"

><><

Timbal was slumped across his oar in a fitful sleep, when shouts and stamping announced the crew's return. The galley's door was flung open by a white ermine and two rats.

The ermine snapped at his companions. "Come on, git 'em out a' there! Up on deck, da whole lot of em!"

The ermine unlocked Timbal's chains, pulling him roughly to his paws. The mouse could barely stand up, he had been off his feet so long. The mouse helped Coll stand, for his friend was to weak.

Timbal and his fellow slaves were herded onto the open decks, blinking in the sudden light. It was only now that Timbal began wondering why they had been brought up from the galleys. He was pretty sure it wouldn't be good.

His suspicions were confirmed as Ripfang drew his cutlass, snarling at a large group of soft-looking woodlanders. "Now you lot, watch an learn. Now you'll see wot happens ta beasts dat can't work no more."

Timbal wouldn't watch. He couldn't. He remembered the day he and his tribe were captured, and what Ripfang had done with his worn out slaves then. Now, all these seasons later, he would meet the same end.

He hardly knew what was happening as the white ermine shoved him to his knees before Ripfang. The sea rat captain growled at the ermine. "Whats got into dat fool head a yours Lotor? Can't ye see dis ones still good? He ain't gittin' out'a here, not yet anyway."

Lotor grumbled, dragging Timbal onto his paws and pushing him over with the new slaves. "Should I 'ave saved any more Capt'n?"

Ripfang laughed cruelly. "Na .. da rest is fish bait. An when I'm done wid em, dats really all dey'll be."

><><

Sandingomm shivered as she traveled cautiously through unfamiliar, winter-locked woods. Her arm ached something terrible, and even though her fur was beginning to dry out, she could not get warm. She shuddered miserably. Maybe she had escaped Ripfang, but she could not escape the cold knives of winter.

The gray wildcat stumbled along gamely, but she was slowly freezing to death. Her vision got blurry, her mind numb, and her pawsteps tripped and faltered. She felt like curling up on the forest floor and giving up. Suddenly, she caught sight of a wisp of smoke through the trees.

New hope flooded through her numbed limbs, giving her one last burst of energy. She stumbled out of the thick woodlands to see a sorry sight. This must be the town Ripfang had destroyed. Sandingomm could imagine it had been a beautiful little village once, but no longer. It had been ransacked, looted, and several of the buildings burned. The gray wildcat hurried over to a smoldering structure, standing as close as she dared.

The welcome heat warmed her cold, tired body, giving her new strength. Sandingomm was beginning to relax .. but she might have not if she had known what else she would encounter that day.

><><

Luna was trotting home toward Noonvale, desperate to tell Rose what she had learned. The white horse's mind was already in a whirl, due to everything Polleekin had told her. She could barely believe what she had learned about her past, and yet she did not doubt it.

''Lunaglow. My real name is Lunaglow.''

That's all she could think, and for some reason, the name seemed familiar. As if it was from a dream, or a dream of a dream. Like the shade of a forgotten memory, it taunted her, letting her almost remember, yet not quite.

Luna quickened her trot, but she could not outrun the feeling that something very important was just beyond her grasp. The horse tossed her head.

''Would she ever know who her mother really was? Would she ever know her mother's name? Who was her father? Did she have any siblings? What fiend had hurt her mother to the point of death?''

Somehow, Luna knew that her real name held the key to answering all these questions.

It echoed in her mind, tormenting her.

Lunaglow.

Would she ever learn the truth?

Luna sighed, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She tensed instantly, jerking her mind away from memories. In the one cold breeze she had inhaled, the blind horse could tell something was drastically wrong.

She had smelled three things carried on that cold north wind.

Smoke, death, and home.

Luna's heart froze in terror, and she galloped toward Noonvale, increasing her speed in every hoof beat, despite the danger.

Branches lashed her flanks as she thundered toward the place she had learned to call home. They stung, but she ignored the pain. Heedless of the fact she could not see and was endangering herself greatly, the blind horse's desperate hooves somehow carried her safely through the treacherous woodlands, as if guided by an unseen paw.

''Lord Ignasa .. don't let me be too late!''

><><

Luna arrived in the ransacked Noonvale like a white flash of lightning. She slid to a stop in the town square, desperately trying to sort out what had happened. Her sense of smell told her a lot, but with her handicap, she could not tell all that had occurred.

All of a sudden, Luna's sharp ears heard the stealthy scuff of a paw behind her. The white horse spun about like a whirlwind, driving the creature backwards and pinning it in a corner where two houses met.

She could tell the thing was a vermin, though she wasn't sure which kind. She had never come across a vermin whose scent was exactly like the one she had managed to corner.

Her voice was laced with fury as she snarled,

"Who are you, and what have you done with my friends?"

><><

Sandingomm had thought she could sneak past the white horse, for she was silent as a shadow, and she knew horses could not see directly behind them. However she realized she had grossly underestimated her opponent as the creature pinned her in the corner between two houses.

Sandingomm gasped as her wounded arm slammed against one of the two house's walls, leaving a smear of blood. She winced at the pain that lanced up her shoulder, and realized her injury was still bleeding a bit.

The wildcat's voice was strained as she moaned, "I don't know .. Ripfang didn't 'ave me on de attack .. I'm runnin' away from 'im!"

Sandingomm shrank back as her interrogator stamped a powerful hoof down a few inches from her footpaws. "So you didn't help do this, but you know who did?"

The wildcat nodded franticly, but the horse did not seem to notice this gesture.

"Speak!"

Sandingomm was slightly puzzled that her captor had not responded to her nod, but she wasn't about to argue.

"Yes! He's a pirate called Ripfang, an 'e came up 'ere ta git new oar slaves! I was 'is seer, but I'm tired a servin' 'im an helpin' 'im kill woodlanders. I ran away ta be free .. please 'on't kill me!"

There was a pause as the horse that had cornered Sandingomm stared at her with odd blue eyes. The wildcat looked up into them, hoping to see some kindness, but they were blank and sparkled dully. The pupils were defined only by their dark indigo coloration, while the iris's were sky blue. Sandingomm had the feeling there was something wrong with those emotionless eyes, but they seemed clear enough, so they couldn't be blind.

"You are a vermin, and yet you are trying to escape that life? Is this true?"

Sandingomm nodded eagerly again, adding, "Yes, I'm done wid bein' a rat's slave, an I'm done bein a seer .."

The horse placed one ivory colored hoof on Sandingomm's footpaw, not hard enough to cause injury or pain.

"Be still."

The wildcat went silent instantly, watching fearfully as the white horse pricked her ears at her, her blue gaze dull and unwavering. A few slow, silent moments passed as horse and wildcat stared at each other, never saying a word. Sandingomm felt numb, as though this white horse had her under a spell. All of a sudden, the creature lifted her hoof off Sandingomm's footpaw, nodding curtly.

"Very well, I believe you. Tell me, where is this 'Ripfang' headed?"

Sandingomm replied without hesitation. "'E's goin' ta Salamandastron, ta try an take it from da badger lord. Verdauga tol' 'im ta ya see."

A look of confusion passed across the horse's face, although her eyes never changed. "I know not of this place called Salamandastron, nor of a beast called Verdauga. Explain."

Sandingomm continued. "Salamandastron is da mountain dat stans guard over da west shores. It's long been da targit a Verdauga, da wildcat king a Mossflower."

She made a disgusted face, and the white horse swiveled her ears at her prisoner. "You dislike this wildcat king, I take it."

Sandingomm snarled. "I hate him! He took me freedom and sold me ta a rat for a couple silver coins! I'd like ta slay 'im, im an his family!"

The horse got an odd look on her face. "What would you do then, if one of his family were to turn traitor? Would you still go for their blood?"

Sandingomm was surprised by this question, she had never really thought on the possibility one of the Greeneyes' might turn. "I .. I 'on't know. Depens on what dey'd act like I guess. But .. s'not like dey would. Dose Greeneyes' are evil through an through."

The horse nodded slowly. "I see. It is not my business to ask thou such a question, but I felt as though I had to. I know not why."

She sighed, shaking her white mane. "I take it you wish to go south then? To have your revenge on this Verdauga?"

Sandingomm almost wished she could scramble backwards. This snow white horse with the strange, beautiful blue eyes seemed to be reading her thoughts.

The horse smiled faintly at her. "Your thoughts are not hard to discern. You allow much emotion into your voice, and you do little to guard your feelings. I cannot tell everything you are thinking, not hardly. But I can guess a little."

She looked down momentarily. "Not like some."

Sandingomm could barely ask her question. "Den .. are you a seer like I was?"

The horse shrugged. "I know not. But either way, I do not serve the dark lord you did, and I never will. I serve another lord."

Sandingomm gulped. "Another lord?"

Her captor nodded. "Yes, a righteous, just, and merciful Lord, the exact opposite of the vile one you were forced to serve."

Sandingomm had given up trying to guess why this horse knew so much. The creature smiled, almost amused looking. "My name is Luna. What is yours?"

"I'm .. Sandingomm." The wildcat answered slowly.

Luna blinked slowly, although she didn't really make eye contact with Sandingomm. "I must go south to Mossflower myself. Two are stronger than one."

Sandingomm stared at the white horse in total amazement. "But .. why would ye wanna travel with a vermin?"

Luna shrugged. "It would not be the first time Sandingomm. And I doubt, in your condition, you could make it to Mossflower. That bite on your arm seems likely to fester, and it must pain you greatly."

Sandingomm glanced down at her injury. "How did you know it is painful? And how do you know it will fester?"

Luna backed up a little, allowing Sandingomm more room. "You wince and hesitate every time you move that arm, and your voice becomes strained. Most bites do fester, and I can smell a twinge of infection in it already. If you wait, I will see if I can find a few herbs for you. In the meantime, use some clean snow to wash out the wound."

Sandingomm wasted a valiant attempt of a smile on her sightless companion. "Thank ye Luna .. I never woulda thought a goodbeast would help me."

><><

Timbal's mind was numb with sorrow as he was shoved back down into the galleys, along with the new slaves. Some of them were sobbing and snuffling, others were just smitten with horror, so much so they remained silent.

Timbal didn't resist as his paws were chained back to his oar. He had no desire to fight anymore.

Lotor shoved a black mouse on the bench next to him, chaining the creature to Timbal's oar. Timbal didn't even bother to look at his new rowing partner. He didn't want to talk to anyone.

His tribe was dead; he was the last survivor. And poor Coll!

If only his old friend Martin was still alive .. but it wouldn't really matter. Timbal would never get free, he would never see Martin again.

Chapter 19 Return of a Deadbeast
The winter sun filtered weakly through the trees around Kotir, shining down on three creatures. One was a pinto horse, slender and swift looking. The other two wore hooded capes, so it was difficult to tell their species. One was slightly larger then the other, and the smaller of the two's voice was feminine.

"What are we doing, hanging round out here? I want to find my daughter!"

The larger beast shrugged sadly. "I don't know, Erwin, I just don't know. I feel like Ignasa wishes me to wait a little longer. You do not have to."

Erwin threw off her hood, revealing her piercing blue eyes and jet black fur. "I have been traveling with you ever since I found you wandering around up north. You said you were headed to Mossflower!"

Her companion's voice carried no emotion as he stated, "And here we are. Erwin, I understand if you want to find your daughter, you are free to go. But I have a mission to fulfill, and I must obey Lord Ignasa's orders."

Erwin shook her head slowly. "Why did you leave us in the first place? You were supposed to fight against Badrang with us! What happened to you Groddil?"

The former threw his hood off, revealing his striking, shimmering silver fur and emotionless yellow eyes.

"It was not so much what happened to me as it was the continuation of something that's happened before. I knew they were coming; at least they took me and not my charges. Now by the grace of Lord Ignasa, I escaped their grasp and am returning to protect the ones I am commissioned to watch over."

Erwin looked utterly baffled. "Charges? They? Protect?"

Groddil turned away. "Forget I told you anything. That wasn't meant for your ears; it isn't meant for anybeast, not really. Only the ones that are true prophets and prophetesses of Lord Ignasa."

Erwin raised an eyebrow. "You are one?"

Groddil did not turn around, just sighed. "As unlikely and undeserved as it is, I hold that title."

><><

Martin, Sayna, and Redfarl were sitting in the shadows of the doorway Gonff had left them in. Redfarl was leaning weakly against the wall, and Sayna assumed her young friend was exhausted from all the activity. The squirrel maid had been a slave in Kotir longer then her two companions, and she was starved.

Sayna was feeling tired herself and she could tell Martin was too, much as he tried to hide it. She shivered against a breath of cold wind coming from the parade ground.

"Martin .. I've noticed something .. but I want your opinion on it before I make anymore assumptions."

Martin shrugged. "What?"

Sayna shook her head. "Has it struck you as funny that we haven't been caught yet? And I just haven't seen many vermin around here."

Martin nodded slowly. "Yes, I've noticed. I thought Verdauga had a mighty army .. and yet this castle seems nearly empty, just a minimal guard. So the question is .."

Sayna interrupted grimly. "If they aren't here, where are they?"

The clop of hoof on stone announced Gonff's return. The three waiting creatures looked up to see the small mousethief leading Wildfire and Ghostdancer. The two horses were wearing bridals and saddles, and Gonff had his hood up. If Sayna hadn't known better, she'd have thought Gonff was a small vermin going about his soldierly duties.

Gonff led the two horses into the doorway's shadow before removing his hood. His normally jolly continence was somber.

"Never thought I'd say this mates, but let's get out of here. There are way too few guards in this place, and I need to report to the one who sent me. Come on ... wait .. what's the plan?"

Martin stood. "Well, it's risky. we're going to charge the gate guards, in hope of getting past them."

A look of alarm flashed across Gonff's face. "Now wait one minute matey! You said I'd be stealing horses. Not riding horses! There's a difference you know!"

Martin ignored the mousethief, turning to the horses. "It's good to see you two! Do you think you can do it?"

Wildfire clenched the bit he was wearing in his teeth, asking, "Get past the gate guards?"

Dancer looked toward the gate, assessing the situation. Her voice was a tiny bit muffled from the bit in her mouth. "I think we can get past 'em, what do you think Fire?"

Wildfire nodded. "I think so Dancer, anyway we can give it a good try."

Gonff interrupted. "Mate, I can't ride! I've never seen a horse this close up in my life, at least not ones this size!"

Martin sighed. "Look, it'll be fine. I can ride, and so can Sayna. You'll be with me."

The gold mouse put a foot in Wildfire's stirrup, hoisting himself onto the stallion's back with a little difficulty due to the horses size. He held a paw down to Gonff, remarking,

"Here, grab my paw. I'll help you on."

Gonff tried to back away, but Dancer seized the back of his tunic in her teeth, setting him on Wildfire's back.

"Here's your reluctant rider Fire."

Gonff gulped, looking down to the ground. "But what'll I do? I'll fall off!"

Martin rolled his eyes. "I won't fall off, so just hold onto me ... Ow! Not that tight!"

Redfarl was eyeing Dancer nervously. Sayna noticed, remarking, "Redfarl, this is my friend Ghostdancer .. most creatures call her Dancer. She won't hurt you, I promise."

Dancer smiled at Redfarl's answer. "I'm not afraid of her Sayna, I'm just afraid of riding her!"

Sayna boosted the squirrel onto the horse's back, climbing up behind her. "I'll hold onto you ok. Just grip with your knees and try to move with Dancer."

Sayna gathered Dancer's reins, looking at them in disgust. "As soon as we get out of here, I'll get these things off you. Are you ready?"

Dancer looked at Wildfire, who nodded. The two horses leapt for the open gates, breaking into their beautiful, flowing gallops.

Sayna held onto Redfarl as her horse quickly outdistanced Wildfire. She heard the cry of a vermin howling,

"Raise the drawbridge! Escape!"

Sayna gasped as the drawbridge started it's ascent, and Dancer only increased her pace!

><><

Whegg was sitting in his room, when the door creaked open and Bella stepped in. She frowned as she noticed his untouched breakfast.

"I wish you would not starve yourself rat."

Whegg snapped his head up. "Starve? I never thought 'bout it til' now, but you're right milady, I'm starved!"

Bella gave her prisoner an odd glare. "Well you might not be if you had eaten what I fed you earlier. I don't want to cook for you if you aren't going to eat it anyway."

Whegg shook his head. "Oh no milady .. I'm 'ungry now, awful 'ungry!"

Bella set some food on the table, nodding, "I should think so. You haven't eaten a bite since you crossed my threshold."

Whegg fell to the food ravenously, not bothering with manners, because he knew very few to begin with. Bella frowned as Whegg wiped some crumbs from his whiskers.

"S'nice milady .. what'd ya call it?"

Bella sighed. "Meadowcream flan. And you'd do well not to eat so fast."

Whegg felt bad. "'M sorry milady .. I shoulda used some manners .. but we ain't very used ta such things in Kotir."

Bella rolled her eyes. "No, I wouldn't expect you to be. I'll get you something to drink."

Whegg looked eager. "Drink?"

Bella glared at him. "Water. Don't get your hopes up."

Whegg sighed. "Oh .."

><><

Bella locked the door behind her, puzzled. Her prisoner seemed so cheerful this evening, as apposed to when he had woken up. Was he planning some sort of escape? The badger resolved to keep a wary eye on him.

When she returned, she found the rat sitting where she had left him. Bella set a cup of water on the table, and Whegg proceeded to drink it with the best manners he knew.

The badger raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You might as well not try and escape rat, because it won't do you any good."

Whegg shrugged. "Wull .. I don't really wanna escape milady."

Bella stared at him. "Either you are a very strange vermin or a very poor liar, and at the moment I'm not sure which it is."

Whegg set his cup down, remarking, "Milady, I can't git outa here anyway, an besides, now I've gotta stay."

Bella frowned. "Yes you do. But why did you decide to be so cooperative all of a sudden? Just this morning you looked like eleven rainy days."

Whegg looked a little hesitant. "Milady .. do ya know .. someone called Lord Ignasa?"

Bella stared at Whegg in total shock. "What? How .. where did you hear his name?"

Whegg looked nervous. "He .. he spoke ta me. Told me .. a lot a things really .. but said I needed ta tell da five leaders something. Something about freeing me rightful king ta save Mossflower."

Bella tried to hold her composer together as she nodded. "Whegg .. I'll be right back. Give me a few minutes."

Whegg nodded as Bella shut his door and locked it. The badger shook herself as she put the key in her skirt. A thousand thoughts whirled in her brain as she walked down the hallway to the greathall.

Is he lying?

Is he honest?

Did Ignasa speak to him?

Is this all a trick?

''Lord Ignasa .. what are you doing?''

><><

Sayna's world froze as Dancer catapulted herself at the rising drawbridge as fast as she could. The mouse maid didn't have to guess what her horse planned to do, she knew. Dancer was going to try and jump the drawbridge anyway!

Sayna wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn't. They seemed like they were screwed open as Dancer literally ran up the slanted drawbridge and jumped! For a few terrible minutes they were caught in midair, and came down with a jarring thump.

Dancer kept running as Wildfire vaulted the rising bridge, coming down behind them. The gray horse neighed with exhilaration, asking,

"I didn't throw you around too much did I?"

Sayna held onto Redfarl, gasping, "Not ... too .. much!"

Wildfire's voice rang out behind them. "Hurry! They're putting it back down!"

The bay pinto lengthened his stride, managing to catch Dancer. The two horses galloped side by side, neck to neck, each fighting for the lead. Sayna realized they must be so joyful at being out of Kotir, they were turning the escape into a dangerously fast race. Dancer snorted almost playfully at Wildfire as she lengthened her stride even more. By this time, Kotir was out of sight, but neither horse would stop. They were racing, and the one who quit lost.

Sayna could tell Redfarl was scared to death, and although she had ridden at this speed before, it had been a while. The pace was making her just a little dizzy.

All of a sudden, Dancer did a quick sliding stop. Sayna was nearly thrown forward over her horses neck, and Redfarl dug her claws into the saddle.

Wildfire slid around laughing, "So this is one race you didn't win! Finally!"

Dancer flattened her ears. "Shush! Listen!"

Wildfire did so, stamping a hoof. "It sounds like another horse!"

Dancer did a half-rear as Redfarl exclaimed, "Oh please don't run like that again! I feel sick!"

Martin nodded. "I agree. Quick, into the underbrush!"

The two horses did so, much to Redfarl and Gonff's relief. Sayna put Redfarl behind her as she drew her bow, loading an arrow. "Whoever it is, if it's an enemy, they've had it. Don't move you two."

The rhythmic beats of the approaching horse's hooves grew louder as it and it's riders rounded the curve and into view. Sayna let her bow go slack and her mouth drop open, only one word forming on her lips.

"Impossible."

><><

The afternoon sun that shone down on Sayna, Martin, and the others, shone down on another part of Mossflower, a part not so very far away. The forest is usually quiet and serene, but not on this day.

The sounds of saws, axes, and falling trees rent the air, as well as the cries and curses of vermin. From across the fords of the Moss, two pairs of angry eyes watched all that went on, fury in their hearts.

Skipper Warthorn turned to the golden dun squirrel beside him, gritting his teeth. "First they enslave us and force us into hiding, now they start cutting down our trees! How long will we let this go on Amber?"

Lady Amber fingered an arrow in her quiver. "If I had my way, not another minute. But I promised Bella ..."

Warthorn shook his head. "I know, I know. I did too. But I think if she could see this, she might change her mind."

Amber nodded, snapping her fingers. A brown squirrel dropped down beside her.

"Yes Lady Amber!"

Amber pointed deeper into the woods. "Go get Lady Bella, Pear. I think she should see this."

Chapter 20 Not What We Thought
Sayna didn't have to urge Dancer out of the foliage, she stepped out on her own. The new horse slowed to a walk, pricking his ears up as Wildfire followed Dancer's example.

Wildfire perked his ears up in greeting, asking, "Stargazer?"

The sorrel pinto stopped entirely as he asked, "Wildfire?"

Sayna couldn't say a word as she stared at the familiar silver fox who sat on Stargazer's back. He could only be one beast, but he was a beast Sayna thought was dead.

"Groddil?"

The fox dipped his head, as Martin recognized the creature riding behind him.

"Erwin?"

Gonff shook Martin's shoulder. "Mate, why aren't we running? They're vermin!"

Martin looked at Sayna, as if expecting her to explain. She glared at Gonff a little irately.

"The fox is my mentor, and the ermine is my friend. They serve Lord Ignasa."

Redfarl blinked uncertainly. "They do?"

Sayna allowed herself a rare smile as she looked at Groddil and Erwin. "I guarantee it."

Gonff shrugged a little nervously as he stated, "Er .. haha .. sorry about that then. I'm .."

Martin interrupted. "He's Gonff Prince of Mousethieves. Can we get out of here?"

Erwin nodded. "Yes, and let's do it quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if we still have some Kotir solders on our tail."

><><

Amber and Warthorn stood watching Tsarmina's solders, impatiently waiting for Bella. Amber growled.

"I won't wait any longer Warthorn, I can't! This means war!"

Warthorn shook his head. "Not yet mate, it's too dangerous! You don't have half the troops the Greeneyes' have, you and your tribe'll be slaughtered!"

Amber simmered. "Very well, but I refuse to stand here and do nothing. It'll drive me insane."

Warthorn raised an eyebrow. "Don't do something foolish Amber, please."

Amber sighed. "I won't. Tell Bella I won't get myself killed, and I'll be back to make her life miserable."

Warthorn shook his head as the golden squirrel disappeared up a tree. A cheery voice rang from behind him, and he jumped.

"Looks like Amber's her usual self eh dad?"

Warthorn shook himself, exclaiming, "Spring, don't do that! I'm already old enough, without you scarin' the rest a' me seasons off!"

Spring laughed. "Oh lighten up dad, I'm not that scary."

She frowned as she pointed across the Moss at the Kotir solders. "That's what's scary. Why do they want to cut the trees down?"

Warthorn shuddered. "I wish I knew, and then again, I'm glad I don't."

Spring twirled her double-bladed harpoon slowly, remarking, "Still, we need to know. Otherwise we won't be able to stop whatever it is they are planning."

Warthorn sighed. "Girl, I don't think we can anyway. There's far too many of them for us to defeat. If only .."

Spring leaned on her harpoon. "If only what?"

Warthorn shook his head. "If only the four warriors would come."

Spring nodded. "I've always wondered what they would be like. They must be the most amazing beasts in the world .. you know, strong and fearless. I wish I could see them .. someday."

Warthorn echoed his daughter's last word. "Someday."

><><

Amber leapt from branch to branch with silence and ease, for her simple armor did not hinder her progress. She had her bow across her back and an arrow clenched in her teeth, ready for any vermin that chanced to see her.

The squirrel queen crossed the Moss in the trees, where two particularly large trees spanned the river, one on each bank. Once across, she doubled around, back toward the Kotir solders. Amber skirted them widely, not wanting to be caught in a tree that was being cut.

The squirrel observed all that went on as she made a wide circle around the logging area, assessing the full extent of the damage.

She curled her lip. Those filthy, scummy Thousand Eye Solders knew nothing about cutting trees. They couldn't hardly handle saws and axes!

If she hadn't been so disgusted, Amber might have found their attempts a little amusing. Still, they were managing to accomplish serious damage, as stupid and clumsy as they were.

Suddenly, Amber heard the sound of approaching horses, more then one by the sound of it. The squirrel queen climbed higher in the tree she sat in, waiting for the creatures to pass underneath her.

When they did, she started. While two of them were vermin, four of them were woodlanders. One was that little scamp Gonff, but the other three .. Amber could barely make herself guess.

The squirrel queen flicked her tail, leaping onto a branch in clear view of the travelers. "Gonff you little ninny, why are you heading strait for a bunch of Kotir solders?"

The mousethief blinked. "Uhh .. I didn't know Lady Amber. Bella sent me out early this morning."

Amber directed a glare in the direction of Groddil and Erwin. "Who are they?"

Gonff shrugged, glancing at the golden mouse maid on the gray horse. "You'd better ask her, they're her friends."

Amber turned her imposing glare on the ragged gold mouse, expecting her to back away, or at least flinch. However the creature never shrank an inch, just returned Amber's glare defiantly.

"They are my friends, and you will not make me say differently. No beast can make me do that."

She stared at Amber, almost as if she was daring her to try. The squirrel nodded slowly, her sharp brown eyes searching the mouse's glittering black ones. After a few seconds she nodded curtly.

"Very well, although they will have to appear before the Corim, as will you, the other mouse, and the squirrel."

Amber allowed her gaze to rest on the young squirrel who was riding with the defiant mouse maid. The creature looked a lot like ... she shook her head. That was impossible. The squirrel queen motioned her new companions follow her.

"This way, quietly and quickly."

><><

Whegg looked up as his door swung open, revealing Bella. The badger shut the door quietly behind her, and sat down in a chair opposite the rat.

Whegg blinked expectantly, waiting for Bella to start the conversation. He noted she looked composed, but only just.

"Whegg, I have a few questions to ask you."

The rat nodded a little uncertainly. "Er .. go ahead milady."

Bella's eyes were searching as she asked, "How did you meet Lord Ignasa?"

Whegg shrugged. "Wull .. I'm not sure really. One minute I was all alone in 'ere, an den I wasn't. I don't know 'ow he got in .. da door was locked an all .."

Bella shook her head. "Never mind that. What did he look like?"

Whegg got an awed look in his eyes. "I'd never seen anythin' like 'im in me life. He was a cat, much bigger'n ol' Greeneyes .. almost da size of a horse, an .."

The rat paused, and Bella pushed him. "And?"

Whegg looked confused. "Milady .. you're gonna find dis 'ard ta believe .. but 'e glowed! I swear on me life!"

A smile wavered in Bella's eyes as she nodded, asking, "Whegg, if he was the size of a horse, how did he fit in your room?"

Whegg realized how crazy his story sounded. "I .. I donno milady .. 'e .. 'e just did. It was almost 'ike I wasn't 'ere .. I couldn't see nothin' but 'im. 'E tol' me 'is name was Ignasa, Lord of Mossflower and the Lands Beyond."

The rat hung his head, expecting Bella to utterly disbelieve him. However, when he dared to look up, he realized the badger was smiling at him.

"Whegg, you are telling the truth, I know now. I was not sure at first, but your story confirms your honesty."

Whegg blinked uncertainly at the badger. "But .. it doesn't make sense .. not even ta me .."

Bella shook her head. "The ways of Lord Ignasa rarely make sense, for his ways are not ours."

The badger cleared her throat. "Whegg, now that I know what you say is true, I feel as though there are a few things you need to understand, so as to be ready for them."

Bella paused before remarking, "First off, I hope you realize I have no power in and of my self to release you. You will have to appear before the Corim, and do not think they will be overly happy to see you. However, knowing your story, I will intercede that you have a fair hearing. After that, your fate lies in the paws of the five leaders. Me, Skipper Warthorn, Lady Amber, Formole, and Argulor."

Whegg paled slightly at the mention of the fierce bird, and Bella noticed.

"Despite his eating habits, his bark is worse then his bite, and you may be able to make him see sense easier then Amber and Warthorn."

The badger sighed. "It wasn't always this way. Amber and Warthorn have always been hot headed, but I can remember when they would listen to sense. Now they are hardened to the point that I'm not sure if they will believe you at all."

Whegg gulped. "And if they don't .."

Bella shrugged. "You will have to get at least three of the leaders on your side, or there is nothing I can do to help you. You understand this?"

Whegg nodded a little miserably as the badger continued.

"Your only hope is to give them a reason to let you live. Amber and Warthorn will not listen to pleading or blubbering on your part, they will simply see that as the cowardliness of a vermin. You must be brave and yet respectful, you must not let them bribe you to anger, you must ignore all taunts that may be aimed at you. All in all you must show them that you are not like others of your kind, and why. But even more than all that, you must give Amber and Warthorn a very good reason to spare your life, one that will benefit them."

Whegg looked confused. "But .. Lord Ignasa said somthin' about tellin' the five leaders ta free me rightful king .."

Bella frowned worriedly. "And that's another thing. Who do you think it is?"

Whegg gulped. "Gingivere I guess .. cause .. 'e's da rightful king a' Kotir .. wull sort of."

Bella glared at Whegg a little irately. "I don't think you really understand who the rightful king is. If you think Verdauga built Kotir, then you are badly mistaken."

Whegg shrank back. "Wull .. word is, it was just sitten empty .."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Do you honestly believe that?"

The mottled rat sighed. "No."

Bella nodded curtly. "You're right, it wasn't. That castle belonged to an old friend of mine, King Martin, and so it belongs to his decedents. They are that rightful kings of Mossflower, not any from the Greeneyes line."

Whegg looked utterly confused. "Wull .. den why would Lord Ignasa tell me ta ask da five leaders ta free my rightful king?"

Bella nodded. "Whegg, I think the key word is 'my'. Lord Ignasa is telling you to ask for help in freeing your rightful king, not our rightful king."

Whegg looked like he wanted to say something, so Bella ordered, "Speak your mind."

The rat was hesitant as he asked, "But .. if'n you have a king already .. den why'd Lord Ignasa want ya ta 'ave another one?"

Bella's shoulders momentarily slumped as she replied, "In all truth, there are four prophesied creatures, ones that are to take Mossflower's throne. But they have not come .. and we have no guarantee of when they will. All I can assume is that Ignasa wishes to raise up another deliverer, one to help us in this time of trouble, until the promised ones arrive."

She shook her head. "But I never would have thought .. that Ignasa would use Verdauga's son."

The badger stood a little stiffly. "One thing is for sure, I am glad I am not in your shoes. The Corim hates the Greeneyes' rule with the deepest hate, so I would not wish to do what you will have to."

Whegg watched Bella leave his room and heard the lock click. The rat sighed. At least he knew better what he was facing, even if he would most likely meet his end.

Whegg was a military beast, he had been the captain of The Thousand Eye Army, and one did not get that title easily. He was quite intelligent, and had a quick wit, but he was a bit of a coward. In Kotir, he had managed to sufficiently bully his soldiers to do his bidding, but he had no real courage. Now he would have to grow some spine, and fast.

He could think up a reasonable strategy for why they should set Gingivere free .. that hard part was telling them.

Whegg buried his face in his paws, sighing, "Oh Lord Ignasa .. help me be brave!"

><><

Warthorn and Spring were waiting rather impatiently beside the Moss, when there was a rustle of bushes, and Bella stepped out, followed by Pear. The badger lady looked a little disgruntled as she asked,

"Well where is Amber? And why does she want me? What's going on?"

Warthorn pointed across the river just as a large oak came toppling to the ground.

"That's what's going on."

Bella hurried to a better vantage point, groaning as another tree fell. She could just imagine how furious Amber would be.

Amber's voice rang from behind the badger. "Well? Are you ready to fight them now? Or are you just going to stand there and wait for the promised ones? We'll all be dead!"

Bella turned around, sighing, "Amber, I sent Gonff into Kotir to spy .."

Amber crossed her arms. "Yes and he's just got back, with some new friends I think you will want to meet."

Bella stared in shock as Wildfire, Ghostdancer, Stargazer, and their riders pushed through the foliage behind the squirrel queen. The badger did not hardly notice any of the others, just the two mice.

They were dirty and ragged yes, but they were golden furred!

Amber's voice broke sharply through her thoughts. "I vote that the Corim holds an emergency meeting tomorrow night, instead of waiting until the full moon. We need to figure out what to do!"

Warthorn interrupted. "I agree with you Amber. The Corim must meet, and tomorrow night is the fastest we can all be ready."

The stared defiantly at Bella, who gave in. "Very well, the Corim will meet at sunset tomorrow. I'll ask Argulor to inform Formole."

She glanced at the new creatures, sighing, "Gonff, bring your companions to Brockhall, I wish to speak to them."

Chapter 21 Fading Hope
Timbal was rowing silently, trying to block out his new partner's sobbing and sniffling. Under normal circumstances, Timbal might have found it in himself to feel sorry for him, but ever since Coll had been murdered, Timbal felt numb. It was like he couldn't feel anything anymore.

Timbal snuck a dull glance at his new companion. He was a mouse with sooty black fur, a white underbelly and tail tip, and flat brown eyes. He was shorter then Timbal, but then most mice were. However this mouse seemed a bit less then average height, and although he was well fed, it did little to change the fact he was scrawny.

He would not stop blubbering, and Timbal was finding this irritating. He leaned over, whispering so as not to attract attention from the new slave driver, who was berating a slave near the back.

"Stop that before you get us both whipped."

The mouse snuffled loudly, complaining, "I shouldn't be a slave, it's not fair! I should be free! I should be .."

His voice transformed into a scream as the new slave driver, a nasty rat named Scarflank, lashed him twice.

"You shut yer mouth slave, dat was a warnin! Next time I won't go so easy on yer!"

The mouse waited until Scarflank was out of hearing, before whining quietly, "See? The thought of me, Roderick, being a slave on a filthy vermin tub! Why it doesn't bear thinking about! I was going to be a chieftain, did you know that?"

Timbal could tell Roderick was trying to get his sympathy, and he didn't feel sympathetic.

"We were all something before we came here, I was the son of a king's advisor for instance. It doesn't matter any more what you were, just what you are. You're a slave now, just like the rest of us."

Roderick looked miffed as he gave Timbal a prideful glare. "Huh, you don't look like the son of a king's advisor, just a raggedy half-dead slave. You accept their rule over you, so you deserve to die down here. I on the other hand, am brave enough to dream about freedom, so I deserve to be free."

Roderick was very lucky Timbal was chained to the oar, or he might have wound up with a nasty bloody nose. Timbal felt like hitting his unsavory companion, but decided to ignore him.

Roderick however, was not one to be ignored. Misery loves company, and if Roderick couldn't get Timbal's sympathy, he could make him utterly miserable.

"I was in line to marry the eldest daughter of a chieftain! I deserve to be leader, not a rotten slave like you!"

Timbal glared at him, scowling, "I feel pity for the chieftain's daughter, she'd have done well to run away from you."

Roderick sniffed haughtily. "She did, and she got herself killed, the stupid wench."

Timbal could hardly believe he had to be chained to this repulsive mouse. He flattened his ears, muttering,

"She's probably better off dead, if she was going to have to marry you."

He tried to block out his partner, who was doing a lot more complaining then rowing. Timbal shook his head subtly, surprised Roderick could be a slave and still be so proud. Normally getting captured and enslaved would humble a beast, but not him.

Timbal sighed. Maybe his new partner would become more humble through time.

><><

Luna woke to the soft twittering of a bird who was brave enough to sing in the biting morning air. The horse moved stiffly, jolting onto her feet. She shook frost out of her shaggy winter mane, walking over to the embers of last night's campfire, where Sandingomm huddled as close to them as possible.

Luna could not see the wildcat of course, but she could sense her presence. Her voice was a little shivery as she mumbled,

"Wish I could git dis fire goin' better."

Luna didn't say a thing to this, for she knew nothing about fires. "How's your arm this morning?"

Sandingomm's voice sounded happy as she answered, "It's a lot better .. I wasn't sure I'd be able ta use it right again, it hurt so much. But yer 'erbs did a world a good."

Luna shrugged. "I hope they can cure you completely."

She sniffed the wound, remarking, "It doesn't smell infected. If you go easy on it for a week or so, it should be fine."

The two creatures lapsed into awkward silence as Sandingomm ate a meager breakfast. They weren't sure what to say to each other, so they said nothing.

Luna finally broke the silence, not really bothering to turn her head in Sandingomm's direction.

"If you are wondering why I suggested you come with me, I will tell you."

The horse could sense her companion's nervousness as she mumbled, "Ya .. go ahead."

Luna took a deep breath, knowing she couldn't hide her secret forever. "First of all, I felt as though I must. Like some other beast was making me. Second, I need to tell you this even if I don't want to .. I am blind."

Luna could feel the wildcat's shock radiate of her as she gasped, "But .. but 'ow can ya be blind?"

The horse smirked dryly. "Well I can't see you."

Luna could sense the whirl of thoughts and questions Sandingomm was thinking, so she sighed, "I was born blind ok? I can't see, but that doesn't mean I'm helpless, as you have seen."

Sandingomm nodded slowly, thinking of how Luna had pinned her when they first met. "Ya."

Luna sighed. "Ok. The thing is, I've never been to Mossflower. If I get into trouble on the way, I'll need someone to see for me."

Sandingomm shrugged. "An .. ya trust me?"

Luna flicked her ears back a bit. "I don't have a choice."

Sandingomm looked down. "Ah. I see. Can't blame ya after all."

She paused before asking, "Why's ya goin' ta Mossflower anyway? It's overrun by ol' Greeneyes an 'is cronies."

Luna shook her mane. "I have friends that went south. Friends of mine, and friends of some who Ripfang captured. They went south .. so I shall go south to find them."

Sandingomm shrugged. "Uhh .. but wot if'n ol' Greeneyes' got em?"

Luna blew a frosty sigh into the morning air. "I don't know. I really don't. I guess I'll find out."

Sandingomm's voice was hopeful as she asked, "Ya mean we'll find out?"

Luna turned her head in the cat's direction. "Yes. We'll find out."

Sandingomm poked the fire. "An maybe I kin finally git me revenge on ol' Greeneyes' an 'is family."

><><

Not too far from the spot Luna and Sandingomm were sharing breakfast, the dull clop of a horse's hooves interrupted the cold morning stillness.

Two creatures were traveling southward, subtly breaking the early, mist-filled silence. However it returned to it's serene quietness as soon as the two passed, as if they had never been there.

They were two beasts the world had forgotten, maybe even time had forgotten. Everyone they had ever known believed they were dead. They were used to silence. It was their life.

One was a small gray pony with a shaggy mane and tail, made even shaggier by the cold of winter. On his back sat a middle aged tawny colored rabbit. Many had mistaken her for an abnormally short hare, for she acted like one.

She showed no signs of the natural timidity that was usually found in rabbits, and this aided in the often mistaken identity of her species. She wore a thick cape that was wrapped around her, and had a purple scarf tied about her head in a band. Two glittering, identical rapiers were sheathed across her back. She had her paws buried in her pony's mane to ward off the chill of the frosty, misty morning.

The pony was smaller then most, if the rabbit had been standing beside him, his withers would hardly have reached her shoulder. He plowed through snowdrifts that might have not bothered a larger horse, but for him, they were monumental.

Still, he kept on bravely, skirting most of the deep drifts; only going through them if he absolutely had to.

The rabbit pulled gently on his mane, murmuring, "Hold on Gray, look!"

The pony looked were she was pointing, to see a tiny wisp of smoke through the trees. "Think we should?"

The rabbit nodded. "Might as well, whoever it is, they might give us some breakfast."

The pony shook his bushy mane. "That'd be nice. The road to Mossflower's a long one."

The rabbit got a far away look in her eyes. "I wonder if they're still alive. I wonder if they remember us."

The gray pony started toward the source of the smoke, sighing, "There's only one way to find that out."

The rabbit shoved her cold paws deeper into her friend's mane, muttering reluctantly, "Yea. I guess so."

><><

The two creatures made it to the edge of a woodland clearing, their sharp eyes noticing the fire instantly, and also the two beasts that sat beside it.

The rabbit's paws flew up to her rapier hilt as she growled, "A wildcat!"

The pony shook his mane. "But the other's a horse .. wait!"

The rabbit turned her gaze on the horse, gasping, "It's her .. Grayspark, she was one of the golden mice's friends! She'll know where they are!"

><><

Luna sensed the new arrival's presence before they showed themselves. She jerked onto her feet, whirling around and snorting,

"Who are you? Show yourself!"

The blind horse flared her nostrils, desperately trying to recognize the intruder's scent. It was faintly familiar .. Suddenly a voice asked,

"Luna? It's Luna right? You were a friend of Martin and Sally, I remember you."

Luna cocked her head, recalling the voice's owner. "Rosepetal?"

Her mind brought back the memories of the adventure she and her old friends had in the gloomy, lizard infested northern marshes, and the brave creature who had come to their aid. Rosepetal, the friendly but reclusive rapier-wielding hare. At least .. Luna assumed she was a hare, although she did not smell quite like one. She suddenly remembered Rosepetal's ever-present companion, asking,

"Grayspark?"

The pony's voice answered back. "Yea, it's me. Long time no see, Luna."

Luna nodded slowly, asking, "What are you doing here? I never thought we'd meet again."

Rosepetal sighed. "You aren't the only one. However, Grayspark and I have decided to go to our homeland, Mossflower."

Luna started. "Really? That's where I'm headed!"

She sensed Rosepetal's half curious, half suspicious gaze focused on something behind her, and she suddenly recalled her companion.

"Oh yea, sorry. This is Sandingomm, she's coming with me because she wants revenge on some wildcat king called ..."

The horse turned her head to the gray wildcat, who shrank back, answering, "Verdauga Greeneyes, Luna."

There was a startled gasp from Rosepetal. "You want revenge on Verdauga Greeneyes?"

Luna frowned, confused. "You know him? But I thought you lived up north!"

Luna could feel guilt coming from Rosepetal as she shrugged. "Er .. well I came from Mossflower. Verdauga conquered me and my people .. I guess I was a sort of chieftain, although I was very young then. And .. my real name .. it's not Rosepetal. That was an alias I used to hide. But now that I'm going back, you might as well know who I really am. My name is .. Lepus."

Chapter 22 A Vermin's Courage
The night of the Corim meeting was clear and still. It was not so cold as usual, and Bella was glad of that. The Corim meetings were notaries for becoming loud and occasionally violent, especially with emotions running as high as they were now.

And the addition of a prisoner.

Bella felt bad for Whegg; he seemed a decent creature. She knew he would probably be executed, but she couldn't help like him in an odd way. She wished he could have a future. Still, he had been the captain of Kotir, so it was partially his fault.

The badger sighed. At least it was warm enough that the Corim would not have to meet in Brockhall. They would meet in a clearing close to her home, but not in it. Bella was glad of this, the last thing she wanted was a fight in the confined space of Brockhall.

Gonff had taken Martin and Sayna to the meeting place already, along with Groddil and Erwin. Bella had not been able to get much out of the two golden mice, they did not wish to speak of their past. The badger was not sure if they were the coming ones .. although they were gold furred and did have broken swords. The prophesied warriors were to have a mark as well, either a star, a leaf, a feather, or a rose. However Bella had no idea which one would have what, or where it would appear upon them.

She was not sure what do .. and yet something must be done.

The badger sighed as she unlocked Whegg's door, stepping into the room.

The rat looked up expectantly as she motioned he stand. "Whegg, the meeting is about to start. You'll have to come with me."

Bella lead him from the room, not bothering to close the door behind her.

><><

Whegg snuck a glance at Bella as she led him outside. The rat felt his heart sink as Bella marched him quickly away from Brockhall and toward a nearby clearing. As they got closer, Whegg could tell it was lit by many lanterns, and was populated by plenty of creatures.

The rat suppressed a sigh. He had reviewed all the laws Verdauga had made, and he had found a loophole. There was a very legitimate way for the woodlanders to have peace, but only through the help of Gingivere.

If Gingivere was still alive.

If they would listen.

Whegg set his face as Bella led him closer to the clearing. He had been a cringing bully all his life, his bravado always fading when faced with real danger.

"Please," Whegg begged silently. "Please help me say what I need to say. Help me tell them!"

><><

Sayna was sitting in some shadows, watching as Gonff dragged Martin around, introducing him to one person after another. She yawned, glad it was Martin and not her.

"Hi!"

Sayna jumped, whirling around to see Redfarl smiling at her. The young squirrel still looked very thin and a little sickly, but she was clean, and clad in new clothes. It did her a world of good. Sayna failed to return the smile, but her voice was far from unfriendly.

"You're feeling better I see."

Redfarl nodded. "Yep! I want you to meet someone though .. or I guess someone wants to meet you."

Sayna sighed, nodding. "Alright."

Lady Amber dropped out of a nearby tree, a smile on her normally stern or angry features. She put her paws on Redfarl's shoulders, stating,

"Redfarl has told me about you, and how you saved her life in Kotir. I wish to thank you Sayna, for if it were not for you, I would have lost my daughter forever."

Sayna blinked, surprised, before she remembered Redfarl telling her that her father had been Lord Blacktail. Then it made sense.

Sayna nodded, shaking the squirrel queen's paw. "Well I hope she didn't make me sound too valiant, it was all a bit of an accident. Still, I did what I could, and I'm glad I could help."

Amber's eyes were friendly as she ruffled her daughter's headfur. "Isn't that what we all do? But I am forever indebted to you. Why don't you come sit with us? It's better then sitting here alone."

Redfarl grabbed Sayna's paw. "Please Sayna? Please, Please, Please?"

Sayna gave in. "Oh .. alright. Lead the way."

><><

Bella stood half in the shadows, hiding Whegg behind her as she called, "May this meeting of the Corim please come to order?"

Warthorn nodded. "It may Lady Bella. However, we otters have a question."

Bella shrugged. "Speak then."

Warthorn dipped his head. "As I recall Bella, my daughter brought a prisoner of our's to you. Has he been dealt with?"

Bella shook her head. "Not as of yet Warthorn. He has some valuable information to tell us, so he and his fate will be discussed at this meeting. However, first, I believe we have some guests."

She motioned to Martin, who was sitting with Gonff, and Sayna, who was sitting with Redfarl, Amber, and the rest of the squirrels.

"Come up here and tell us who you are and where you came from, and also of your two .. friends."

The badger snuck a glance at Groddil and Erwin, who were standing at the edge of the clearing, under the watchful eye of Spring, Bula, and Duckweed.

The two gold mice stepped forward, the lantern light turning their newly washed fur into spun gold. Martin cast a glance at his companion, who shrugged a little moodily. This seemed to be an unspoken agreement between them, and Martin spoke.

"I am Martin the Warrior, from the northern lands."

He broke off, and the mouse maid continued. "And I am Sayna the Warrior, also from the northern lands. The fox, Groddil, is my mentor, and the ermine, Erwin, is my good friend."

Warthorn snarled suspiciously. "But they are vermin!"

Sayna drew herself to her full height, which was tall for a mouse maid. "Just because a creature is not born a woodlander, does not make them evil! And just because a creature is not born a vermin, does not make them good! No beast has charge of what they are born as, none can choose their species. Did you ask to be an otter? No, I know you did not, you had no say in it. These 'vermin' as you call them, have fought their own kind to free enslaved woodlanders, and I saw them do it!"

She lapsed into her normal silence after this long outburst, which was by far the longest she had said in a good while.

Warthorn stared at her for a few moments, before turning to Martin. "What say you?"

Martin looked uncomfortable, as if he did not like speaking up for any vermin. He sighed. "Sayna .. speaks the truth. I have seen Erwin fight her own kind .."

Warthorn narrowed his eyes. "What about the fox?"

Martin shifted his paws. "Uhh .. Groddil? No .. I haven't seen him fight his own kind. He disappeared shortly before the battle we fought."

Mutters rang out from the assembly as Sayna spoke out, "That wasn't his fault!"

Warthorn growled. "Sounds like a typical vermin coward if you ask me."

Sayna's black eyes flashed fire as she glared up at the otter chieftain. "I didn't ask you. And as I already said, what happened was not his fault!"

Bella's voice was commanding. "Enough! I will not have a fight at this meeting! Lord Warthorn, kindly leave our guests alone; this is far from woodland hospitality. Besides, we have a prisoner to question."

Warthorn dipped his head to Bella, clearly more interested in questioning the prisoner then in starting a fight with Sayna. Bella nodded to the two mice. "Martin, Sayna, kindly step back and watch. I will speak to you about the fox called Groddil after the meeting."

Sayna nodded a little curtly as she stepped back next to Redfarl and Amber. Martin shrugged, returning to his seat next to his new friend, Gonff.

Bella took a deep breath. "Alright everyone, listen. I think our hostage can help us quite a bit, but not if you kill him before he has a chance to speak. Is this understood?"

There were some reluctant nods as Bella brought Whegg out into lantern light, muttering finale advise as she pushed him into the center of the clearing.

"Stand up strait, be respectful, and answer whatever questions you are asked."

><><

Whegg stumbled a little as Bella pushed him out into the clearing. He stared in total awe at the multitude of fierce looking armored squirrels, otters in full regimental war paint, tough looking moles, Argulor, and a motley assortment of other woodland creatures. His old mates in Kotir had never dreamed there were this many woodlanders still in existence. Even Verdauga thought the beasts he had conquered were nearly extinct.

Whegg wanted to cower in terror, but he remembered Bella's warning, and stood as strait as he dared.

The otter that had captured him in the first place twirled his double-bladed harpoon slowly. "Well rat, we meet again. An I have a question for ye."

Whegg said nothing, and it was the wise thing to do. It was not like he could have said anything anyway. Warthorn continued coldly.

"Since you are from Kotir, why is Tsarmina cutting our trees?"

Whegg stared at him in shock, gulping, "What? Tsarmina's cuttin' trees? On .. on dis side a da Moss?"

Amber snarled. "No scum, on her side. On the side her father took from us."

Whegg blinked in complete bewilderment for a few seconds, before venturing a question. "Wull .. what's she doin' wid da trees?"

Amber snarled at him. "She's having them piled near the river .. looks ta me like she's fixing to build something. Here's my question rat, What is her plan?"

Whegg's mind worked franticly as he stammered, "Err .. I .. wait! If'n she's pilin' em next da river .. I'd say she's gonna build a bridge."

Shouts and cries rang from the assembly as numerous creatures spoke at once. Bella quieted them. "Enough! How can our prisoner speak over all of you. Continue Whegg."

Warthorn didn't give him a chance. "Why would she want to build a bridge rat? Is she afraid of getting her paws wet?"

Whegg gulped. "Wull .. maybe, but more'n dat, she's afeered a wot we call da legends, or rather, 'er army is."

Warthorn snarled. "Talk sense rat, what are these 'legends'?"

Whegg shuddered involuntarily. "You an yer otters .. I never knew wot you were .. not 'til I tried ta cross da Moss meself. Back at Kotir .. dey thought you was huge fish or water monsters or somethin'. We never guessed ya twas otters .. Verdauga said he'd killed off da otters long ago."

There was stunned silence in the ranks of the otters for a few moments, broken by a loud giggle, which sounded like Spring. Warthorn twirled his harpoon coolly, shooting Whegg a blood chilling grin.

"She has right to be afraid."

A stocky mole with velvety fur stepped forward, stating, "Hurr, that moight be Skip, but you'm can't hold em off furever."

Amber nodded to him. "I agree Foremole. Which brings me to ask this rat of Kotir. Tell me rat, how many does the Thousand Eye Army number?"

Whegg looked a little reluctant as he stated, "Er .. I'd say seven 'undred in da castle .. an dat's not countin da outposts. So .. all in all I'd say an even thousand .. an dat's not includin' Verdauga's wave robbers."

Bella raised an eyebrow. "You mean his corsairs? But I thought he lost them all."

Whegg shook his head vigorously. "Oh no milady, he still 'as one Capt'n, Capt'n Ripfang of da Bloodwake. 'E used ta have three others, but word is his head Capt'n, Vilu Daskar, was killed in the wreckin' of 'is ship, da Goreleech. Den he had Vilu's nasty brats Badrang an 'is liddle brother Clogg. Badrang .. I think 'e turned traitor .. anyway 'e never came back. Nor did Clogg, who was sent out ta find 'im. But Ripfang .. 'e's still alive an kickin' .. at least ta me knowledge."

Amber curled her lip. "Where is that scummy rat then? I haven't seen hide or hair of him in over a season."

Whegg shrugged. "Wull .. all I know is he was gettin' plenty old, an Verdauga sent him west ta conquer dat mountain .. Salamand .. what ever it is. Verdauga tol' him if he took da mountain an got rid of da badger lord an 'is hares, 'e could have it for 'is own, an be some sort a ruler under 'im."

Bella gasped. "Salamandastron? Verdauga sent Ripfang to conquer Salamandastron?"

Whegg was frightened by the sudden change in Bella, but she waved a paw at him, her voice strained. "Continue."

Amber fingered one of her arrows, asking, "Here is the real question rat. If Tsarmina is building a bridge, why is she?"

Whegg stared at the squirrel queen a moment, before stating, "Why I'd thought you'd 'ave knowed that. The queen a da Thousand Eyes .. I never knew her as da queen, just da princess .. She hates all woodlanders. Hates de idea dere are any of you left."

Whegg let his gaze scan the clearing, exclaiming, "Back at Kotir, dey would've never thought dis many woodlanders still lived. Only four days ago, I'd never 'ave believed you 'ad dis kind of forces. A few 'ere an' dere maybe, but dis many .. not in me wildest dreams. An yet ye stand before me, alive an' real as I. Not creatures a dreams or tales, but beasts a flesh an' blood. An dat's de only thing you got on yer side, cause Tsarmina still out numbers ye. An if I know anythin' a her, she won't stop til' yer all dead .. not even if'n she has ta cut down every tree in Mossflower!"

Amber snarled. "I'd like to see her try!"

Foremole shook his head vigorously, exclaiming, "Hurr no you'm baint Amber, we'd be killed, all of us'ns."

Argulor spoke for the first time that night. "Yarrreeek! As much as I'd enjoy it, even I can not eat that many vermin!"

Whegg shrank down a little, looking rather pale at the thought of Argulor attempting to eat the entire Thousand Eye army.

Bella scratched her chin, stating, "If this is indeed the case, then I say we must have a plan."

She shot a pointed look at Whegg, asking, "Since you have served as the Captain of Kotir Whegg, what say you?"

Whegg swallowed in dread at what he had to do. He knew Bella was helping him, opening a window for him. However he was not ready; deep down he knew he could never be ready. It was now or never.

He forced himself to stand straighter. He could barely hear himself as he began, "Milords an ladies, da day after I was captured, someone spoke ta me. Someone called Lord Ignasa."

There was a collective gasp, before Warthorn narrowed his eyes. "How do we know this is true? What proof do you have?"

Bella spoke out. "Warthorn, I never told him of Ignasa, and being a vermin, how else would he know?"

Warthorn seemed a little taken aback, but he mumbled rebelliously, "Err .. I donno Bella, maybe he heard of him somewhere in his travels."

Bella nodded. "I too, thought of this. But I have spoken with him on the matter, and he described Lord Ignasa far to accurately to simply have heard of him in passing. Myself, I believe him. But please, listen to what else he has to say."

She nodded at Whegg, and he took a deep breath. "Lord Ignasa told me many things .. an I'll never know why he 'id. More'n anythin', 'e gave me a message for ye."

Amber broke the silence. "Of all beasts, why would Lord Ignasa speak through a rat? And the Captain of Kotir at that!"

Whegg bowed his head. "Milady, dat I can not answer. It makes as little sense ta me as ta ye."

Amber snorted, a bit surprised by Whegg's humility. She waved a dismissive paw at him. "Continue. What was this message?"

Whegg gulped. "Wull maybe it'd be better if'n I quoted 'im directly. This is wot Lord Ignasa said, no more, no less. "You must tell da five leaders dey must free yer rightful king, in order that Mossflower may be saved."

His voice rang in the total silence that followed, before Warthorn shattered it. "What? Free a Greeneyes?"

Amber's enraged voice shouted, "We already had one Greeneyes over us, an now we've got another! If we free Gingivere, what have we got? Another Greeneyes! They took our land, they killed our children! Why should we give aid to any of them?"

Shouts rang out from the Corim, filling the clearing and becoming overwhelming, to the point where Whegg couldn't hear himself think. Amber pointed an accusing paw at Whegg, shouting,

"Do you honestly think we would free Verdauga's son? Verdauga was a tyrant, and his son would be no better! We'd exchange one tyrant for another! We don't want your prince to rule us rat! Not now, not ever!"

Bella's voice was a half roar as she made herself heard above the noise. "Enough! Would you ignore the words of Ignasa himself?!"

Silence settled over the clearing, as Bella turned to Whegg, a tired look on her face. "Whegg, tell them what you told me, please."

Whegg nodded nervously. "Milords, I knew ye wouldn't like de idea, but listen, please. Gingivere .. 'e isn't like 'is sister an 'is father."

Amber flicked her fluffy tail up behind her back, snarling, "Well then, tell us. What is the Greeneyes prince like? He is one of them, just like you!"

Whegg gulped. "Wull not quite. Ya see, 'e's always been curious about yer kind, always wanted ta know if'n ya still existed. I think in me 'eart of 'earts, he wanted ta take the throne an make peace with ya."

This was greeted by a snarl of fury from Warthorn. "Peace? What peace? That isn't his throne, it is ours!"

Amber shook a paw at Whegg, growling, "Warthorn's right, that throne belongs to us! The Greeneyes have no right to it!"

Foremole raised his voice to be heard above the enraged crowd. "Hurr, listhen to'm what the rat beast has to say! Oi wants to hear him!"

Whegg continued hurriedly. "'Ere's da thing. If'n you can git Gingivere out, an' train 'im good enough, you can have him fight Tsarmina for ye! By the laws of Kotir, she has no choice but to comply if Gingivere challenges her to a duel for dis land."

Warthorn snarled. "Rat, the laws Verdauga made mean nothing to us!"

Whegg found himself replying without hesitation. "But ya can use 'em ta yer own good! Tsarmina cannot refuse 'is challenge, 'ot in front a 'er army!"

Amber stamped a footpaw on the ground. "Why do we need Gingivere? Why can one of us not challenge her? It was our land in the first place!"

Whegg nodded. "But dat ain't da way da Thousand Eye army sees it. A lot a 'dem don't like Tsarmina, an dey'd listen ta Gingivere if'n he could git da throne. Dis could save ye a war, an all da creatures who'd 'ave died in it!"

A shocked silence fell over the Corim as they fully realized the magnitude of what Whegg had told them, and how it could help them.

Bella spoke, her voice gruff. "Amber, you wanted a solution. You said if the four warriors did not come by summer, you would start a war. But the prophesy clearly says it would be suicide to do so. Perhaps Ignasa is raising up a new hero until the prophesied ones come."

Amber stared at the badger. "But a wildcat? The son of Verdauga?"

Bella sighed. "I know, I know. I don't like the idea any more then you. But I will not ignore Ignasa."

Argulor spoke up, turning his fierce golden eyes on Whegg. "Bella, what about this one?"

Bella sighed. "Argulor, can you please stop thinking about your stomach at a time like this?"

Argulor looked hurt. "I was not intending to say anything about eating him Bella. I was going to suggest he help us."

"What!?" Amber snarled.

"He'll tell Tsarmina all our secrets!"

Argulor stamped a formidable talon to the ground screeching, "Yeeerraaaeek! May I be allowed to speak Amber?"

Amber dipped her head, not wanting to tangle with Argulor when he was angry. The eagle nodded sharply. "Good. I was going to say that we should use him as a spy. Keep him under guard without a doubt. But having been in Kotir, he can tell us all it's secrets."

Foremole spoke up. "Hurr, Argulor speaks sense. We'm need to know all we'm can."

Warthorn curled his lip as Amber snarled, "But how do we know he even wants to stay here? He probably wants to go back to his scummy friends!"

Whegg's voice had terror in it as he gasped, "Oh NO milady! I don't wish ta go back ta dat life, 'ot after I met Lord Ignasa! An' besides, why da ya think I'd try an cross the Moss? I feared da legends as much as any of 'em! I was runnin' away!"

Warthorn stared at him. "You mean to say you turned traitor?"

Whegg nodded franticly. "Yes! An if'n I go back, Tsarmina'll torture me ta death as soon as look at me!"

He paused, before stating, "But I still 'ave friends in Kotir, friends who hate Tsarmina as much as me. If'n I can git in contact with em, in secret, I can help a lot."

A silence fell over the clearing, and Bella broke it. "Well? What do you say?"

Foremole raised a paw. "Burr, Oi say we'm try it. Tis only a matter of toime til the cat varmit's over here, we'm should go over there."

Argulor sighed. "Yaareek! I can always get a nice plump rat at Kotir, besides this one looks rather scrawny."

The bird nearly laughed at the sight of Whegg striving to make himself look even skinnier then he already was.

He ruffled his feathers, stating. "I vote we use him as a spy."

Bella crossed her arms, shooting a meaningful glance at Warthorn and Amber. "I agree with Argulor and Formole. He shall be the spy."

Warthorn looked disgusted. "He'll have to be guarded closely .."

Bella nodded. "Of course Warthorn, that is understood. I will keep him at Brockhall."

"Under lock and key .." Amber snarled.

Bella ignored the squirrel. "Is it decided then?"

There were reluctant nods all around as Bella nodded curtly. "Good. Then the meeting is over. We leaders will hold a council of war tomorrow."

Whegg stood frozen in complete awe as the Corim disbanded. He was still alive!

Chapter 23 The Quest Begins
Sayna came to reality slowly, to hear the irritating twittering of a bird who was brave enough to sing in the cold.

She moaned, pulling her sheet over her head. The mouse blinked her eyes open in confusion.

''Her sheet? Wasn't she in Kotir? Since when did the cells have blankets?''

It took a few moments for her vision to clear, and then she realized she was in Brockhall. All the events of the previous two days came rushing back, and Sayna rolled her eyes. She swung her feet out of bed and got dressed quickly, spending just enough time to slick down her short golden headfur.

She shut her door behind her silently, slipping quietly to the grand staircase leading into the great hall. The mouse maid ran her paw across it's glossy mahogany railing with a sigh.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her sharp ears caught the soft rustle of paper. She peeked into Bella's study to see the badger at her desk, reading an old book. Bella closed the volume, turning her chair around to face the doorway.

"Yes Sayna?"

Sayna blinked, a little surprised the badger had heard her. "Uhh .. well I wanted to talk to you about Groddil." She blurted abruptly.

Bella motioned to a empty chair. "Well then, please sit down. Now tell me how you can prove the fox is on our side."

Sayna sat down, sighing, "Well .. Groddil's been like a father to me .. he's the only beast who understands me .. besides maybe Ghostdancer."

Bella cocked her head. "What about Martin? Isn't he your friend?"

Sayna made a face. "No. We barely tolerate each other. He thinks maids need to be pretty and helpless, me being neither of those. So .. we don't get along very well."

Bella looked surprised. "But he's your brother!"

Sayna shook her head. "No, Gonff thought that too. But we're not .. I guess we look a lot alike right?"

Bella shrugged. "Yes, very. Anyway, tell me of Groddil. What has he done to prove he is not evil?"

Sayna crossed her arms. "He saved my life once, and had to fight a fox to do it. He also taught me how to fight, how to use the shadows to hide, and of Lord Ignasa. He disappeared shortly before a battle we fought .. and I really don't know why. But I'm sure it was not his fault. He's been a father to me .. and I'm so glad he came back."

Bella frowned. "What of your real father? Were you orphaned?"

A shadow passed across Sayna's face as she replied. "No. But I'd probably have been better off. Let's just say I didn't have a very understanding family, and leave it at that, ok?"

Bella nodded slowly. "I see. I have a question for you though."

Sayna looked up. "What is that?"

Bella shrugged. "It is for Martin as much as for you."

Sayna frowned as Martin appeared in the doorway. "What is for me?"

Bella motioned he come in. "Sit down, and I'll tell you."

Martin did so, and Bella took a deep breath, staring at these mice who were like twin shadows.

"I want you two to go on a quest for me. You listened to the meeting, you saw how desperate we are. I need you to go to Salamandastron for me, and ask my father, Boar the Fighter, to help us. At this time, I cannot send one of our own creatures."

Sayna held up a paw. "Wait .. you mean you want us to go on a quest .. together?"

Bella nodded. "Yes. Is that a problem?"

Martin snorted. "A problem? It's a catastrophe just waiting to happen!"

Sayna agreed wholeheartedly. "Yea, we can't go on a quest together .. we can't stand each other!"

Martin nodded. "Right. And now that we found other woodlanders, we were hoping to go our separate ways and .."

"Never see each other again!" Sayna finished.

Bella was confused. "But why did you travel together in the first place then?"

Martin crossed his arms. "Ask her. She followed me."

Sayna glared at him. "Did not! I didn't want to go with him, I just wanted to go south to get away from my past!"

Martin sighed. "You followed me all the same."

Sayna clenched a paw into a fist. "I didn't want to! It was a matter of necessity!"

Bella stared at the two mice, amazed. They could get into an argument with no difficulty, and made numerous and hasty assumptions. It was like talking to a couple of dibbuns.

She frowned. "But surely two warriors like you could do it?"

Martin crossed his arms. "Maybe. But .. I don't know if I'm going to stay here anyway."

This seemed to put things in a new light for Sayna. "Now wait a minute! They helped us, we'd still be rotting in Kotir if it weren't for Gonff! Maybe we should return the favor!"

Martin scowled. "We? Speak for yourself for a change."

Sayna's black eyes glinted dangerously. "Well then don't! I'll help, even if you're too selfish!"

Martin returned her glare coolly. "No, I never said I wouldn't do it, I'm just tired of you always making decisions for me. I want to help, but that's my choice."

Sayna snarled. "I don't always make decisions for you, but the last one you made got us landed in Kotir!"

Martin growled back. "I would have consulted you if you hadn't of told me off!"

Sayna crossed her arms. "I said I was sorry ok? Don't go blaming me for getting us captured!"

Bella shook her head in disbelief. "Why do you two dislike each other so?"

The two mice answered as one.

"Because she's arrogant!"

"Because he's proud!"

Bella raised an eyebrow. "I see. In my mind I think both of you are arrogant and proud."

The two mice glared at each other, and then at the floor, but neither voiced a reply.

Bella sighed, asking, "Will you go on this quest for me?"

Sayna huffed. "If I can stand to be around him that long."

Martin smirked mirthlessly. "Likewise."

Bella rolled her eyes. How could these two be promised ones if they loathed each other this much? The four coming warriors were supposed to work as a team .. and these two .. they couldn't hardly look at each other without getting in a fight.

Lord Ignasa, give me strength.

Bella prayed silently as she laid out the instructions Martin and Sayna would need. Maybe she was making a huge mistake by doing this .. but how else would she know the truth?

><><

Groddil was sitting in his room, when there was a knock on the door. The silver fox looked up, remarking flatly, "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Bella. She stepped in the room remarking a little gruffly, "Sayna has vouched for you, but I wish to question you myself."

Groddil's flat yellow eyes showed no emotion. "Go on."

Bella cleared her throat. "Sayna says you taught her of Ignasa. Is this true?"

Groddil nodded. "I am his servant Lady Bella, do you think I would not teach my apprentice of him?"

Bella shut the door a little cautiously, almost as if she was afraid of them being heard. "How much do you know?"

Groddil blinked. "I know much of the secret war that goes on under the less perceptive beast's nose .. until they are drawn into it."

Bella drew up a chair as the silver fox sat on his bed. She leaned forward. "Then you are a prophet of Lord Ignasa, as I am?"

Groddil nodded flatly. "I am. And it has been my mission to protect Sayna and Martin for many seasons, until they could defend themselves. Lord Malimore has many out for their blood."

Bella's eyes grew worried as she asked, "Are they two of the coming ones?"

Groddil looked down. "I believe so Lady Bella."

He got a fearful glint in his yellow eyes. "At first Malimore attempted to have them killed, but now .. he is using more deceptive methods. Methods that I cannot stop."

Bella's eyes took on a look of dread. "What do you mean?"

Groddil fiddled with the leather gauntlet that kept his mangled right wrist strait. "In other words, Malimore is no longer trying to slay them physically .. at least not yet. He is infiltrating them spiritually, breaking them, destroying them. They are not close enough to Lord Ignasa to know Malimore's tricks .. but I can see."

The silver fox looked up. "They can protect themselves physically .. but spiritually they are helpless. That is why my work is not yet over. I have prayed that Lord Ignasa let them see the danger .. that he confront them .. but his answer is always the same. "Not yet Groddil, not yet."

Bella closed her eyes. "Maybe I should not have asked them to quest for me .. maybe they are not ready!"

Groddil pricked his ears. "Quest? What quest?"

Bella sighed. "Well .. if I'd have known then what I know now .. I would have consulted you first. But the prophesy states two of the warriors will have broken swords, will go off on a quest, and return with them repaired."

Groddil nodded. "I see. So you staged a quest in order to test them."

"Basically." Bella admitted.

Groddil shrugged. "Where to?"

Bella blinked. "To Salamandastron, in order to bring back my father, Boar the Fighter .. and possibly the famed Lord Brocktree .. if he still lives. Last I knew he was, but that was many seasons ago, and he was already old .. are you alright?"

Groddil had gone completely ashen as he stared at Bella in shock. The silver fox shook himself, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, they looked tired and grief-filled, as if Bella had caused him to recall an unwanted memory.

Bella cocked her head. "Groddil? What is wrong?"

Her voice seemed break him from whatever he was recalling. Like wisps of fog melt at the suns first rays, all the pain in his eyes vanished, and they were emotionless again.

"Nothing. Anyway .. nothing you need know, not now. All will be dealt with in due course. But you understand that I must accompany them."

Bella shook his paw. "Of course. I wish you luck and the blessing of Ignasa Groddil. Perhaps the day will come, when you and I may meet once again, as friends."

Groddil returned the pawshake, a shadow of sorrow in his yellow eyes. "Perhaps Bella, perhaps."

><><

The wintery afternoon sun shone down on the shaggy brown and white coats of Wildfire and Stargazer, and the pewter gray coat of Ghostdancer. The three horses stood impatiently as their riders adjusted the meager tack they owned, for they were eager to be on their way.

"I haven't had a good run in forever!" Dancer exclaimed as Sayna saddled her.

Sayna rolled her eyes. "What about the one you had on the way out of Kotir?"

Dancer frowned. "Well .. yea. But that was two days ago! Besides, I didn't get to beat Wildfire!"

Wildfire teased her. "Like you could!"

Dancer stamped a hoof in indignation. "I could! I can outrun you any day!"

Wildfire tossed his head. "Is that a challenge?"

Dancer shook her mane. "Yes!"

Martin interrupted. "You two, wait til we get on the road, please?"

The two horses acknowledged him by flicking their ears, never taking their eyes off each other.

"You wait Wildfire! I'll race you to Salamandastron and back!"

Wildfire grinned. "I look forward to it."

Stargazer was more subdued, standing quietly as Groddil idly brushed some tangles out of his flaxen mane. The fox always rode bareback, so he had no need to tack his horse.

Bella came out of Brockhall, remarking, "I'm glad to see some of you are excited about this."

She handed Martin a map, stating, "Steer clear of Kotir as you leave, and please make all haste to Salamandastron. As you heard Whegg say last night, Verdauga did send Ripfang to conquer the mountain, so warn my father of this."

Sayna put a footpaw in her stirrup, swinging her leg over Dancer's back. She settled into her saddle, enjoying the feel of being mounted once more, as Martin mounted Wildfire. Stargazer stood still as Groddil swung effortlessly onto his back, despite his size.

Bella waved a paw as the six creatures started of, and she called, "Lord Ignasa go with you!"

The badger slipped back into her home, to prepare for the council of war that was to be held that night. She shut her door with a sigh. She hoped she had done the right thing.

><><

What both the questers and Bella were oblivious to was the fact that they had been watched.

By two pairs of eyes.

In two different places.

One sparkled with youth and excitement, but the other glittered with dark hatred.

As the six adventurers departed, the two watchers left, each their own separate way.

Each to their own plan.

><><

Gingivere awoke to the continual soft dripping that echoed from farther down in the cells. He sighed quietly, sitting up and leaning against the wall. The rations Ashleg managed to smuggle for him were not enough .. maybe for a mouse or a squirrel, but not a full grown wildcat. However, he didn't want to let Ashleg know. The pine marten put his life on the line every day just to keep him alive, and the last thing Gingivere wanted was to make him feel like he had to do more.

Gingivere buried his head in his paws. What was the point? Was Ashleg going to sacrifice himself so his prince could slowly starve down here, and then die anyway? Was there anyway he could get out?

Gingivere's head ran through the possible avenues of escape, each one more ridiculous then the last. He finally gave up, tired of trying.

Tired of hoping.

He almost wished Ashleg would forget about trying to help him.

Much more then that, he hoped the pine marten would not be caught.

Chapter 24 Face the Fear
Whegg hurried through Mossflower, Spring right beside him. The Corim had decided to send a guard with him, and had chosen Warthorn's dependable daughter. She wore a long black cloak instead of her normal fishtail costume, lest any Kotir soldier should see her.

Whegg held up a paw. "Quiet now miss .. we're almost dere."

Spring nodded curtly to show she understood. Whegg slunk through the thick undergrowth, a wraith-like Spring close behind him.

The rat paused as they came in sight of the worn red sandstone fortress, and Spring whispered, "Who are we meeting exactly?"

Whegg answered quietly. "Me ol' mentor an da grand general a Kotir, a beast called Ashleg. If'n any'd be on prince Gingivere's side, it'd be 'im."

Spring frowned. "How're we gonna meet him? Does he know you're coming?"

Whegg shook his head. "No. But if'n I know him at all, 'e likes ta spend time out'a Kotir when 'e's off duty. We kin see da scullery door easy from 'ere, an if 'e's gonna come out, dat's how he'll do it. Don't like ta make a big scene leavin' ya know."

Spring nodded as she and Whegg sat down to wait.

The afternoon sun was slightly warmer then it had been in the resent, cold winter days. Maybe spring was on it's way.

Whegg sighed. "Hope he comes out soon. I don't like hangin' round Kotir like dis."

A few minutes later, Whegg was staring intently at the scullery door as it slowly opened. A crippled pine marten stepped out, and Spring looked disappointed. However Whegg nodded to her before he stepped out of the fringes of woodland, calling softly,

"General?"

The creature started horribly, staring at Whegg in fright. He hurried over to where the rat was standing, gasping, "Whegg? But .. Tsarmina said she killed ye!"

Whegg looked around nervously. "Wull .. she didn't General, sorry bout that. 'Ere, git out a sight, quick! It's best all a Kotir thinks I'm dead."

The pine marten followed Whegg into the foliage, stopping dead at the sight of the hooded Spring. His paw fell to his saber hilt, but Whegg held up a paw.

"General, don't. She's not da enemy. You an I both know da real enemy is da one sittin' on da throne."

Ashleg nodded, asking, "So ye are against her as I?"

Whegg shrugged. "Why else d'ya think I'd cross da Moss? General, I'm guessin' yer for 'is highness Gingivere?"

Ashleg looked serious as he stated, "Most certainly .. He's the rightful king. I've managed to keep him alive this long, although I don't know how long I can keep it up. He's starving to death, slowly but surely. I just can't get him enough food .. he tries not to show it, but I can tell. Not only that, but he's giving up .. I don't know what to do."

Whegg's eyes took on a glint of fear. "Wull 'e can't give up, not now! Da woodlanders need 'im! I need 'im!"

Ashleg frowned. "What are you talking about Whegg? There aren't any woodlanders .. I mean, I thought Verdauga killed them all."

Whegg shook his head. "Oh no General! They's alive as you an me, I know. I'm workin' for 'em now, an they wanna git the prince out. Dat way 'e kin fight 'is sister for da kingdom."

Ashleg stared at Whegg in total shock. "What? You mean to say they want to help the son of Verdauga?"

Whegg shrugged. "Wull .. sort of. Their willin' ta help 'im .. if'n 'e helps em back."

Ashleg stared at Whegg in confusion. "But .. I don't understand. And there's something different about you .."

Whegg scratched an ear. "Uhh .. der is?"

Ashleg nodded. "You're not as cocky as you were before you left .. what happened to you?"

Whegg sighed, thinking of the occurrences of the previous days. "A lot General, a lot. Ta much ta talk 'bout right now."

He added with a glance at the silent, ever watchful Spring.

Ashleg took control of the situation. "How do these .. woodlanders plan to free Gingivere?"

Spring spoke for the first time, her voice slightly muffled by the hood she wore. "That is why we brought Whegg to find you."

Ashleg started, for he had not been expecting this. "Ye want me to come up with the plan?"

Spring waved a sleeve covered paw at the two vermin. "You two will make the plan. You've been around Kotir the longest."

Whegg nodded. "General, where is Prince Gingivere now?"

Ashleg shrugged. "Locked in one of the first cells. I'm surprised his sister didn't throw him into the lowest cells in the back, but she didn't. Probably has to do with Cludd's laziness."

Whegg gulped. "Wull, I'm not sure if'n that's good or bad. A beast'll be more likely to realize he's gone, but it might be easier to git 'im out."

Ashleg took a quick look at the sun, worry spreading across his face. "Whegg, I've got to go back. If Tsarmina finds I'm gone she'll have me flogged."

Whegg looked at Spring, who wave a sleeve in dismissal. "He knows very little. He may go."

Ashleg nodded his thanks to her, as Whegg shook his paw. "We must meet again .. when can ye git out?"

Ashleg glanced back at Kotir. "Tomorrow at noon, same place. Don't be late, because I can't stay long."

Whegg nodded, adding, "And General?"

Ashleg looked back.

Whegg gulped. "Be careful."

><><

Ashleg hurried through the halls of Kotir, to be met by Cludd. The dumb weasel bowed. "Uhh General, 'er majesty want's ter dee ya in 'er chamber."

A sliver of dread ran down Ashleg's spine as he nodded. "Then tell her I will be there with all haste."

Cludd hurried off, and Ashleg followed him a little reluctantly, unsure of what he was facing.

The pine marten hobbled up the spiral staircase to the wildcat queens room in the tower, pausing at the door. "Milady?"

The wildcat lounged on her throne idly, watching Ashleg with her evil green gaze.

He was jumpy .. she could see fear in his eyes.

What was he hiding?

Tsarmina decided to let this slide, but she made a mental note to watch Ashleg.

"How long til the bridge is finished?"

Ashleg felt like sighing in relief, but he held it in. "We have cut enough trees milady .. Ratflank should be starting actual construction today."

Tsarmina smiled. "Good, good. Make sure Ratflank keeps them moving, I want to have that bridge built in two weeks or less, understood?"

Ashleg dipped his head. "Yes Milady."

Tsarmina waved a paw at him. "Dismissed. Go about your duties."

Ashleg bowed, turning to go. "Yes Milady."

><><

As the pine marten shut the door behind him, Tsarmina stood, striding regally to her open window. She laid a gloved paw on the sill, staring out across the trees of Mossflower.

What was really out there? What was what her father had called 'The Shadow Woods' really? Was it empty forest waiting to be cut and farmed? Or were there real beasts out there, living under her nose?

Tsarmina stroked the window sill thoughtfully, thinking of the four prisoners who had escaped a few days ago. They had been creatures like those her father had kept as slaves .. a race of beasts called woodlanders.

Those four creatures had simply vanished .. chase had been given, but they had never been found. Tsarmina had made sure to execute the bumbling fools that had let them escape, but what infuriated her even more, was the fact she had never been notified of their presence! She supposed they had been held captive since before she had usurped the throne, but still!

The wildcat queen turned away from the window, returning to her throne. She sat down, stroking her chin thoughtfully.

Were there any woodlanders left?

She narrowed her mesmerizing green eyes. One way or another, she was going to find out.

><><

Gingivere lay half asleep in his cell, when the lock clicked. Ashleg slipped in, shutting the door behind him.

"Milord, I have good news."

Gingivere sat up, leaning against the wall. "What do you mean Ashleg? What good news can there be?"

Ashleg knelt before him. "Milord and future king, no longer shall we sit and do nothing! Do you remember Captain Whegg?"

Gingivere nodded. "Of course Ashleg, I would not forget him."

Ashleg allowed himself a rare smile. "He disappeared shortly after you were accused .. Tsarmina told us he had turned traitor and been killed. But it is not so! Whegg escaped, and Milord he is helping me to free you from the outside!"

Gingivere looked shocked. "But .. two of you against all of Kotir?"

Ashleg looked this way and that, lowering his voice. "Milord, Whegg says he was captured by .. Woodlanders."

Gingivere started. "You mean they are real .. there's still some alive!"

Ashleg dipped his head. "Aye. And Whegg somehow convinced them to help free you! He does say they want you to challenge your sister for them .. but Milord .. at least you would be free!"

Gingivere clasped Ashleg's paw. "General, I must fight Tsarmina someday .. it is long overdue. But the thought that some woodlanders are left alive .. how I hoped it would be so!"

Ashleg shook the cat's paw. "Let us hope we can pull it off. For now, you must try to stay strong .. I meet again with Whegg at noon tomorrow."

Gingivere released the pine marten's paw, remarking, "Ashleg .. don't get yourself killed for me."

Ashleg sighed as he stood to go, answering, "I will do what I have to in order that my oldest friends only son may be free. It is a matter of honor Milord."

Gingivere slumped weakly against the wall as Ashleg shut his cell door and locked it. He could barely hope .. and yet he trusted Ashleg, as crazy as his story sounded.

The woodlanders must be real after all!

><><

East of both Kotir and Brockhall, there is a quiet water meadow. It is the picture of peace and beauty .. until one chances to look closer. Then they would see that this lazy, pretty place is infested with the darkest of all evil.

It was in this quiet spot, serene even in the grasp of winter, there stood a black shadow. His name was Ferran, and his dull black fur replicated his black heart. He was a fox, entirely black with the slightest shadow of silver on his muzzle, betraying his old age.

He slipped through the silent trees like a wraith, pausing at the almost hidden mouth of what seemed to be a cave. The creature slid into the cavern, slipping down the tunnel's black mouth.

He continued on in silence, until the tunnel opened into a large cavern lit by a weird green glow. The light came from a phosphorescent, bubbling pool, in the center of which was an island. And on this island stood a statue of one so evil, a good beast would hardly dare look at it. It was a depiction of Lord Malimore, the dark wolf.

Some would say it was just a statue, but there was something alive about it's glittering ruby eyes. Ferran knelt before it, speaking in a flat voice,

"I have come my Lord."

The dark wolf's voice echoed sadistically about the cavern, coming not from the statue, but all around.

"Make your report."

Ferran's voice never changed as he stated, "Bella sent the two warriors on a quest to Salamandastron. Groddil went with them."

Malimore's voice echoed back, "Tis not good .. Ignasa's prophets and Prophetesses are rising again, after their many seasons of hiding."

Ferran replied hurriedly. "But your forces are watching them closely .."

Malimore cut him off. "Tis not enough .. Martin and Sayna must not be allowed to find the other two!"

Ferran bowed his head. "What is to be done?"

Malimore's voice was a guttural sound as he replied, "Gather the shadow forces Ferran .. this must be stopped!"

Chapter 25 Hard Going
The three questers kept a low profile while leaving Mossflower, sticking to the thicker clumps of trees to avoid detection. The trees began to thin out as the sun sank into the western sky, turning the clouds many shades of red and orange.

Sayna snuck a glance back at the trees of Mossflower, standing like sentinels behind them, their shadows stark from the glorious winter sunset.

Groddil's voice left no frosty cloud in the air as he remarked, "Winter is almost over."

Martin nodded, a faint wistfulness in his voice. "It will be good to see warmer weather once more .. I have missed it."

Sayna blinked as the gentle evening breeze whipped around her. It still had a definite sharpness to it, but not so much as in previous days. She sighed quietly as Groddil and Stargazer started forward, followed by Martin and Wildfire. Dancer tossed her mane, catching up to Wildfire and matching his stride.

Some might have thought a peaceful silence rested over the six travelers, but it was not so. In reality, the silence was incredibly awkward and filled with tension.

Sayna and Martin might have been riding side by side, but it was not their idea, it was their horses'. Neither mouse spoke, and they made a point of looking away from each other.

Sayna thought she saw Groddil sigh as he passed them, but was not sure. The mouse maid closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift away from the present and into the past. The first thing she thought of, was surprisingly Brome. She didn't know why she recalled her little brother now, she hadn't hardly thought of him in the few days.

Sayna bit her lip. Brome was fun, and she missed him. Wherever he was, she hoped he was safe, and better off then her.

"This looks like a good place to spend the night."

Groddil's voice broke through her thoughts. Sayna looked up to see a lone outcrop of trees growing in the midst of the open flatland they now traveled upon. She nodded. "It looks good."

Martin muttered something, but it was illegible, and that was probably a good thing.

Sayna decided to ignore him, because she knew he was mad about having to travel with her and Groddil. Martin hated all vermin.

Sayna dismounted as they entered the thicket, as did her two companions. Martin shivered, muttering,

"Shall we get a fire going?"

Groddil nodded flatly. "We are far enough from Mossflower. Do it, but make it small."

Sayna could tell Martin resented being told what to do by a fox, but he didn't argue, just set about building the fire. Sayna unsaddled the horses, and by the time she was done, Martin had lit a small fire. The three horses wandered out of the thicket to graze, leaving their riders in uncomfortable silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Martin did not wish to talk with either Groddil or Sayna, Sayna had no desire to converse with him, and Groddil never said more then absolutely necessary.

Sayna had just pulled out her haversack to see what there was for supper, when a cheery voice rang from behind her.

"Hi!"

><><

All the creatures around the fire jumped, even Groddil. Sayna whirled around to see Redfarl staring up at her. The young squirrel frowned.

"Sayna, you never said goodbye!"

Sayna stared at her. "I .. err .. I didn't know where you were ... I thought you'd be with your mother. And what are you doing here??"

Redfarl plopped herself on the log Sayna was using as a chair. "I'm coming too!"

Martin spoke. "Oh no you aren't! It's far to dangerous for a child!"

Sayna grimaced. "Redfarl, I'm sorry, but he's right. You should be safe at Mossflower, not on a dangerous quest with us .. you don't even know how to fight!"

Redfarl did not allow this to disappoint her. "You can teach me! And Mossflower's not very safe."

Sayna sighed, realizing Redfarl had a point.

Groddil interrupted. "We cannot waste time taking her back .. and she cannot go alone."

Martin frowned. "You can take her back Groddil, you weren't even part of this in the first place!"

Groddil's yellow eyes flashed dangerously. "I have business at the mountain .. and I'll warn ye Martin, never say that again. Do not tempt me, least I should falter in my purpose!"

The foxes eyes went back to normal as he realized all his companions were staring at him. He turned his head away, muttering, "I can not tell you .. not now. But all will reveal itself in due course."

Redfarl scooted away from Groddil and closer to Sayna, a little afraid of the fox. Sayna herself was taken aback by the sudden change that had come upon her mentor, for he normally showed little or no emotion.

"Groddil .. is something wrong?"

Groddil turned back around, his face almost falsely calm. "It's fine Sayna .. nothing you should worry about."

Sayna wasn't sure if Groddil was lying or not, for he had never lied to her before. She hated the idea her mentor would tell her a lie .. and yet there was something odd in his eyes. Something not quite right.

"Alright Groddil .. I won't ask."

Something glittered in the fox's eyes, like regret. But he nodded silently.

Martin interrupted, indicating Redfarl. "But what about her?"

Sayna shrugged. "It looks like she's coming with us."

Groddil nodded, and Redfarl clapped her paws together. "Oh good! I've always wanted to go on a quest! This is gonna be fun!"

Martin buried his head in his paws, muttering something like, "How I let myself get talked into this .."

He stood, grumbling, "Fine. She can come."

The mouse stomped away from the fire, standing alone at the edge of the few trees they were camped in.

Redfarl frowned. "What's the matter with Martin? Does he not like me?"

Sayna sighed. She could guess what Martin was thinking. "No, I don't think that's it. I think he doesn't like the idea of you getting hurt."

Groddil motioned to the golden mouse, who hadn't moved. "Sayna .. can you go talk to him?"

Sayna stared at her mentor. "Me? He hates me!"

"He likes Wildfire." Redfarl observed.

Sayna rolled her eyes. "True, but Wildfire's out with Dancer somewhere .. I doubt we can find him."

Groddil sighed. "I suppose I'll .."

Sayna interrupted. "No .. don't. You better let me. Even if I'm not his favorite person, at least I'm a mouse."

><><

Martin shivered, staring out at the clear, star-strewn sky. The cold night wind swirled around him, cutting through his tunic and his fur, thoroughly chilling him. But he didn't care, and he didn't move.

He looked down at his paws, noticing the little star that the fur on his right paw made. It had always been there, but he'd nearly forgotten it until now. He shook his head slowly, recalling how his grandmother had always called it his lucky star. Apparently it hadn't been very lucky. There was a quiet rustle, and Sayna walked up beside him. She didn't look at him, instead she fixed her gaze on the night sky.

"Martin .. you can't stand out here all night, you'll freeze."

Martin didn't look around as he shivered, "Why do you care? I'd think you'd want me too."

Sayna shrugged, answering quietly, "And what kind of sister would I be then? Rose would never forgive me."

Martin winced as Sayna continued. "More practically, who knows what we shall have to face? Besides, didn't Bella send you on this quest? We need you .. as much as I hate to admit it."

Martin didn't reply as Sayna stated, "Let's face it .. the two of us will have to work together for now .. whether we like it or not. Why don't we just work on getting this quest done .. then we an go our separate ways for good."

Martin said nothing for a few minutes, before finally nodding. Sayna returned the gesture, before walking away.

Martin stared after her for a little, before taking one last look at the night sky. His breath froze a frosty cloud on the night air as he muttered,

"I hope you're safe Rose .. wherever you are."

The mouse turned away from the open flatlands, stumbling a little frozenly back to the fire. He curled up next to it, allowing sleep to claim him as it's own.

If he had known where Rose really was, he wouldn't have slept a wink. But alas, he was totally ignorant.

Chapter 26 Living Death
Ripfang and Lotor stood on the deck of the Bloodwake, the former being in a very bad mood.

"I leave da ship ta do battle with some stupid little village, an look what happens? Me seer runs off, an more'n dat, kills me slave driver on top of it!"

Lotor wisely said nothing, letting his captain rant unchecked.

"Not only dat, but I 'ave ta make a deal wid a dumb horse in front a me crew!"

Lotor hid a smirk, recalling how Ripfang had tried to punish one of the dumb woodlanders, and the black horse he now rode had successfully stopped him. The white ermine did not mind seeing his captain be bested, in fact he enjoyed it immensely.

Besides that, he now had the horse Ripfang had once rode. Sure, the animal was half-starved and worn out, but he was still a horse. Lotor felt like the tide of fate was turning in his favor, bringing him one step closer to his ambition of being captain. And not just that, but he planned on letting Ripfang conquer Salamandastron, then killing him and taking over. After that? Well Verdauga would be next. True, he was the mightiest warlord in the known universe, but he was old, and Lotor had the fires of ambition fueling him.

He, Lotor, the son of Badrang, the son Badrang had never cared for .. never even cared existed, would rule the whole world.

From Southsward to the Land of Ice and Snow, it would be his.

All of it.

One day soon.

><><

Contrasting drastically with Lotor's ambitious dreams of conquest, were the thoughts of the slaves below decks. All they could think of was the terrible reality of the living death they were trapped in. The reality they would never be free again .. probably never even see daylight again .. weighed heavily upon them. Their only ambition was to one day be free once more.

Well .. almost all of them.

Roderick had far greater ambition. An ant compared to that of Lotor's perhaps, but it was still there, still alive and dangerous.

More dangerous then any would have thought.

The black mouse was spoiled, used to getting his own way. Some might have assumed slavery would break him, maybe bend him into a better shape. And it would have too .. if only he had let it.

But this was not to be, for Roderick was too proud to accept the fact he was a slave .. that he was no better then otherbeasts, in fact far worse off then some.

Instead of growing despondent and hopeless, Roderick grew sly and conniving, waiting for any opportunity, any opening to get himself out of this mess. He didn't care what it took, didn't care who he hurt to get the job done.

After all, they were just some dumb slaves .. they deserved what they'd got.

But he deserved better.

><><

Rose was hungry, aching, always bleeding from stinging whiplashes, and always tired. So tired.

How long could she keep going like this?

Was she destined to live like this until she died of starvation and exhaustion? The mouse maid shivered, murmuring,

"Midnight .. you should have let him kill me. We'd both be a lot better off."

Rose sniffed as she thought of her brave friend. She knew how much Midnight loved to run .. a wild spirit, one with the wind and sky. Yet she had thrown away her freedom .. thrown away her chance to even fight! Just to save Rose, even if the rest of the mouse's pitiful life would be torn away as a slave on a pirate galley.

Rose knew why. She had seen the last glance Midnight had given her, and she understood what the horse had been trying to say.

"You are the only friend I have ever had. You are worth my freedom."

Rose did not feel worthy of the sacrifice that had been made for her .. she was so useless! All her life, she had been a drag .. no help to anyone. She couldn't save Martin from Badrang .. instead she had nearly gotten herself killed, and he had died anyway, probably saving her. She couldn't save her village from Ripfang, because she was too weak.

She couldn't save anyone, or anything.

Sally had been so lucky. All the skills in the world couldn't make her half of what her sister had been .. and Sally had always had a warrior's spirit. Even if it had killed her in the end, she was so much better off then Rose. Sally had always been good at taking care of herself, and Rose had always been helpless, needing others to protect her.

Yet everyone had seemed to think Rose was the sweet one, the kind one, the one who would amount to something.

Contrastingly, they had thought Sally was the weird one, the nasty one, the one who would amount to nothing.

Rose choked down a sob as she thought of how unfair they had been. Sally was the brave one, the one who had a purpose, and Rose was the helpless one, the one who couldn't do anything.

I'm useless.

The thought tormented her relentlessly, stealing any hope she had left.

Why did Martin care about me at all?

><><

Urran Voh couldn't understand it.

All his life, he had tried to be peaceful, to keep his village peaceful.

He had cared so much about peace he had fought his own family to keep it.

He had thought, that if he was peaceful, evil beasts would leave him alone. That Lord Ignasa would make them. But apparently it was not so.

What had he done wrong? What more did Lord Ignasa want of him? All his life he had made sure to dot every I and cross every T, made sure to do everything he could to please Lord Ignasa, who his town had supposedly served.

He had tried to make his town look perfect, tried to make his family look perfect.

He thought if a beast looked perfect, Lord Ignasa would be pleased with them.

His whole life had revolved around works and looks. And now he was a slave. No longer did he look perfect, like a servant of Ignasa's should. No longer did he rule a village, one that was perfect enough to make The Great One happy.

He had nothing.

He had nothing to give the one he said he served, so therefore, in his mind, Lord Ignasa must no longer care for him.

Maybe .. just maybe .. Rose had been right after all. Maybe Martin had been right after all. Maybe Sundew had been right after all.

Maybe .. maybe he had been wrong.

><><

Timbal was tired. Tired of rowing, tired of hoping, tired of trying.

He had been on this ship for seasons, somehow living while others died, somehow continuing on while others gave up.

But he didn't want to anymore.

He was saddened enough by Coll's death, but his new rowing partner made it ten times worse.

Roderick was continually either whining to him or snubbing him, and he did little or none of the rowing.

Timbal smirked a little ruefully, thinking how he used to feel like being in the same room with a spoiled bully was intolerable.

Now he was chained to one.

He had figured Roderick would get better with time, but he didn't. He had figured Roderick would be broken with time, but he wouldn't.

Timbal really wasn't sure why, it didn't make sense. Roderick was a sniveling bully, spineless and foolish. So why didn't he just give up? But he wouldn't.

Maybe it was because of his insufferable pride.

Timbal hadn't thought a mouse could be that proud.

But he was quickly learning differently.

Still, he had yet to realize how deep pride could go, and how dangerous it could be.

Chapter 27 Travelers From the North
Emalet could barely keep her eyes open, could barely keep flapping her wings. She had rested only when she absolutely had to, flying nearly every second of every day.

There must be someone who could help her!

Someone who could help her friends!

The little owl finally settled wearily in the branches of a large oak. She sniffed sadly, not wanting to think about what Rose and the others would be going through.

There was a scuffle in the branches behind her, and a bird's voice rang out.

"Yaarrreek! I thought owls slept during the day, and did not land in people's nests without warning!"

Emalet voiced a startled squeak as she turned to find herself staring into the luminous golden eyes of a huge eagle, whose plumage matched the glowing pools of amber that seemed to stare right through her.

She trembled, speechless. The eagle's eyes softened. "Yarreek! I won't hurt ye little maid. What are you doing here? I haven't seen ye around afore this, and I know the birds around these parts."

Emalet finally found her voice. "I come from the northlands .. and my friends are in trouble! They need help!"

The eagle cocked his head. "First things first. I am Argulor, and you are .."

"Emalet." Emalet stated.

Argulor nodded. "So tell me, what happened to your friends?"

Emalet choked down a sob. "They got captured .. by a pirate called Ripfang!"

Argulor's eyes grew very serious. "Ripfang? You'd better follow me. I have a friend that might be able to help you."

><><

The cold morning stillness was broken by the clop of two horse's hooves, as Luna and Grayspark made their way through the northern expanses of Mossflower.

Sandingomm buried her cold paws in Luna's wispy white mane, wishing it was a little warmer.

Lepus held up a paw, and Grayspark halted. The rabbit motioned to the woods they were in. "If I remember rightly, we are now in Verdauga's realm. So be as silent as possible .. for his creatures could be anywhere."

Sandingomm gulped. She had wanted revenge for so long .. but now that they were here, she wasn't sure she wanted to face the Greeneyes.

"I want to face them." She told herself. "I want to make them feel the hopelessness I felt .. I want to kill them. All of them."

Yet she knew she was lying. She knew she was afraid.

"I am not afraid!" She argued with herself. "I won't let fear stop me, I won't! I won't stop until they're all dead!"

A thought sprang into her mind, and she had not summoned it. ''You know Verdauga is wicked, and all you have seen of his daughter proves the same. But have you ever met the prince? Would you kill him because of his father? Would you even try to find out what he's really like? Or have you grown as heartless as the ones who enslaved you?''

Sandingomm nearly snarled. She was not like Ripfang .. she didn't want to be! But deep down, she knew she was acting like him .. thinking like him!

The gray wildcat closed her cobalt eyes despairingly. She wanted to be a goodbeast .. but it seemed like she couldn't break away from the shadow of a vermin.

An evil voice echoed cruelly in her mind, and she shuddered, knowing whom it belonged to.

"You are mine Sandingomm .. you can not run far enough. You read my omens, you spoke my words. I own you little cat; I will always own you. You know to many secrets."

Sandingomm clenched her paws tighter around Luna's ivory mane, mentally snarling, "No! I will be free of you .. I don't want to serve you anymore! I want to serve the Lord Luna does!"

Malimore's voice was an echoing, mocking sneer. "Ha, brave words my little seer, very brave. But the words of a fool. You have no idea what you're up against .. No little cat, you served me once, so you shall serve me forever."

Sandingomm knew he spoke the truth, but she thought of what Luna had told her. ''"I want to serve The Great One! I want to serve Lord Ignasa!"

The gray cat could feel Malimore's presence recoil slightly, before it swirled about her again, whispering,

"Ah, but what makes you think he wants you? In order to be free of my presence, you must have another to protect you. And why would The Great One want a wicked beast like you? No little kitten, you are alone. I will find a way to make you as evil as I .. and don't worry my little seer .. I always find a way."

Sandingomm crouched miserably down on Luna's back, as the horse halted. Lepus looked around.

"Luna? What's wrong?"

The albino horse shook her head. "I don't know Lepus .. but something's not right. Something evil is close by .. can you feel it Sandingomm?"

The wildcat's voice was strained as she murmured, "Yes .. Oh yes .. Maybe .. maybe you should not have let me come with you .. I'm putting you in danger!"

Grayspark flicked his thick mane out of his eyes. "Huh? How so?"

Sandingomm was not sure how to answer .. she had never told Lepus and Grayspark of her former involvement with Lord Malimore, and Luna did not know how far it had gone.

However she needn't have worried, for the next second there was a sharp order from the trees.

"Surround them!"

Sandingomm stared in total fright as ten tough squirrels dropped from the trees to form a circle around them. A tawny colored female stepped forward, her bow bent and loaded, pointing strait at Sandingomm.

"Who are you, and why have you entered our domain?"

><><

Sandingomm felt her breath catch in her throat as she stared at the amber furred squirrel. She was going to die .. but she wasn't ready. Not yet .. not yet ..

Her thoughts were interrupted by Lepus's voice. "Lady .. Amber?"

The squirrel slowly pointed her bow at the ground, allowing the string to slacken. "Lady ... Lepus? But how .. how in the world ..."

Lepus shook her head. "I .. escaped .. I should have returned sooner .. I'm sorry."

Amber was stunned. "Lepus ... I haven't you since you were a child .."

Lepus looked sad. "Lady Amber .. do any of my people still live?"

Amber slowly shook her head. "Lepus .. I know not. But none have been seen for seasons .. not since the attack. I'm sorry."

The squirrel queen looked at Sandingomm. "Who is she? She's a wildcat .. shall we kill her?"

Luna shook her mane, glaring challenging at Amber through eyes Sandingomm knew to be sightless. "That will not be necessary."

Squirrel and horse glared at each other fiercely, before Amber dropped her gaze. "Fine. Follow me, I'll take you to Lady Bella."

><><

Luna followed Amber and Lepus through the woods, listening to their conversation about all that had gone on since Lepus had left.

Luna sighed quietly, wondering what she had gotten herself into. She shuddered as she felt the same evil presence again .. the one she had been sensing ever since she met Sandingomm.

Did the wildcat have something to do with it?

Luna did not like to think it, but she had the feeling this was the case. She sighed. Why had she felt like she must help Sandingomm? Was it because Lord Ignasa wanted her too?

She tried to settle her fears. If Lord Ignasa wanted her to travel with Sandingomm, there must be a reason. She trusted him completely. Luna let her head droop slightly as she walked, thinking of her next move.

The truth was, she had no idea. She knew she had to get help for her friends, but she wasn't sure how .. why would anyone help her? She didn't know anyone, not really. She had the faint hope she would find Martin and Sally .. maybe even Erwin. She knew that Erwin had gone south.

The horse frowned as she thought of another beast .. a vermin like Erwin. Rupert. What had happened to him? Rose had defended Rupert once .. admittedly, from Martin, but the stoat might be willing to help her.

Luna sighed. What was she thinking? Even if she found Martin, Sally, Erwin, Rupert, Ghostdancer, and Wildfire, what could they do against Ripfang's whole crew? And how could they find him? He could be anywhere by now.

Anywhere at all.

Lady Amber's voice broke through Luna's thoughts. "We are almost to Brockhall. Follow me."

><><

Sandingomm had remained silent the whole time Lady Amber was leading them through Mossflower. She didn't really want to attract more attention to herself then necessary .. after all, Amber had threatened to kill her.

The squirrel queen motioned to a particularly large oak, where a badger was conversing with two birds, an owl and a huge eagle.

Amber shrugged. "I see Lady Bella is having an audience with Lord Argulor and ... someone I don't know."

Sandingomm surveyed the three new beasts with interest and a considerable amount of fear. The badger was tall and stately, clad in a regal cream and royal blue gown. Her black hair was worn in a long, single braid, and it had obvious swirls of gray and white in it, announcing she was no longer young. The owl was brown and black, and had the hugest yellow eyes Sandingomm had ever seen. It was obvious to her that the bird was very young, not even full grown. However, her attention was captured the most by the huge, golden feathered eagle. He had fierce golden eyes to match his plumage, and wore a chain with an amethyst set in it about his neck.

The magnificent eagle turned his head in their direction, screeching, "Yeerraaeeek! Who are these Amber?"

The badger's gaze had come to rest upon Lepus. She stepped forward, a look of stupefied amazement on her face. "Lepus .. is it you? How .. child .. how can this be?"

Lepus looked rather nervous. "Yes Lady Bella .. it's me. Us really. Grayspark and I .. we decided to find out .. what happened to all of you. We've .. come home."

Grayspark flipped his shaggy forelock out of his eyes momentarily, nodding. "Yes Lady Bella .. we have decided to return and help you defy the Greeneyes!"

Bella looked like she didn't know what to say or do. She shook her head. "How did you know that's what we'd be doing?"

Lepus and Grayspark exchanged a glance, before the rabbit spoke. "We'll we figured if you all had found some way to escape and live, you'd want to overthrow Verdauga. Is the wicked beast still alive and ruling?"

Bella shook her head. "No, but his daughter is. It is a long story, one that will have to be told. But first, who are your friends?"

She gave Sandingomm a sharp glance as Grayspark replied, "They were traveling to Mossflower, same as us. We met them on the way. The horse is Luna. The wildcat's name is Sandingomm."

Sandingomm winced as Grayspark said the word wildcat, for he said it with disgust. However if these creatures had been overthrown by Verdauga, she was in a tight spot. They must hate all wildcats.

Lepus was speaking. "Bella, in my absence, I have seen two whom I think to be .. promised ones."

The rabbit didn't give Bella a chance to speak. "Two gold mice, a male and a maid, as it was said. Not only that .. but I may have seen a third."

Bella interrupted. "A third? What did they look like .. tell me. I must know!"

Lepus shrugged. "It was a mouse maid, and she was traveling with the two others .. the golden ones. Didn't seem like a real warrior type to me .. I bet the other two had Bloodwrath."

The owl spoke for the first time. "Wait .. this mouse maid. Did she have red brown fur and green eyes? With head fur worn in two braids?"

Lepus gave her a strange look. "Why yes .. you described her very well .. maybe better then I could have. Why? Do you know her?"

The owl's eyes grew desperate. "Know her? Lady Bella, that's my friend! The one that got captured by Ripfang!"

Bella went pale and she stumbled backwards, sitting down on an outdoor bench with a tired sigh. This could not be happening ... and yet it made perfect sense. Why the rose in her dreams kept wilting, getting paler and sicker by the day. The leaf too .. but it was not as decrepit.

Bella couldn't be sure, but the last time she had seen the rose .. she could almost make herself believe it was growing fainter.

That it's very existence in her dreams was in jeopardy.

That the creature it represented, was dying.

Chapter 28 To the Mountain
The morning sun dawned bright over the questers, who were already up and going. It had been several days since the arrival of Redfarl, and Sayna was in a way, glad of her cheerful presence.

She managed to lighten the gloomy air that seemed to preside over them, and Sayna was grateful for this.

Though she never would have admitted it.

She had expected traveling with Martin would be hard and depressing, and she was sure he felt the same. It was Groddil who was acting odd.

The fox was usually very quiet, only speaking when spoken to, and then replying in as few words as possible.

So it was not his silence that bothered Sayna, not at all. It was his demeanor. Normally she found Groddil's silence comforting and friendly, a safe haven in her crazy world. But not now. The fox's mood had grown dark and foreboding, as well as a little snappish.

Normally Groddil would sit in silent, peaceful contemplation, but now he sat brooding, a shadow ever-present in his otherwise emotionless yellow eyes. All this worried Sayna. She had hoped it would go away before they reached Salamandastron, but on the contrary, Groddil's mood grew worse the nearer to the mountain they got.

He grew even quieter then usual, and his normally calm, emotionless voice developed a sharp edge. More then that, his mood seemed to swing from utterly depressed to angry and very defensive with little warning.

Despite his claims that everything was fine, Sayna had known her mentor to long to believe him.

Something was very wrong.

Sayna found herself almost doubting Groddil's loyalties, and she hated herself for it. Groddil was not on Lord Malimore's side .. he couldn't be! Not after how he had spoke of Lord Ignasa with such passion .. all the stories he had told her .. the time he had saved her life ..

No. Groddil was a goodbeast.

But all the same, something was wrong.

><><

Redfarl rode with Sayna, and the young squirrel loved to strike up conversations with Dancer. Ever since their rather impromptu meeting in Kotir, Redfarl had made a special friend in Sayna's horse.

Which was a good thing, because Dancer loved to talk, and Sayna wasn't in the mood at all.

"How fast can you run Dancer? Can you beat Wildfire? Can you beat Stargazer? Can you beat all the horses in the world? Can you?"

Dancer's reply was a half laugh, half whinny. "Well I don't know about all the horses in the world, but I can beat Wildfire. I don't know about Stargazer .. I've never raced him."

Redfarl looked over at Groddil and Stargazer, trotting a little ways behind them. "Well .. can we race Stargazer?"

The sorrel pinto had grown as sullen as his rider it seemed, and Sayna had to wonder if they knew something she didn't. His voice was flat. "I don't race."

Redfarl sighed. "Awww .. not ever?"

The reply was as dull as his first answer. "No."

Redfarl slumped disappointedly in the saddle. "Awwww .. I want Dancer to race somebody, and win!"

Martin sighed, almost amused. "Redfarl, no one wants to race Dancer .. she never looses."

Wildfire looked indignant. "I say Martin, there's always a first time!"

Redfarl got a cheeky look on her face. "Dancer, you and Wildfire like each other a lot, don't you?"

Both Dancer and Wildfire looked uncomfortable, and Sayna had the odd impulse to laugh. She couldn't see Dancer's expression, but Wildfire's looked utterly undignified.

Martin patted his friend's copper colored neck. "Oh you might as well own up Fire, you like her."

Wildfire shrugged, a twinkle in his eyes. "Oh fine. Yea, I like her Redfarl."

Redfarl grinned as Dancer rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

The little squirrel giggled, grabbing two fistfuls of Dancer's ebony mane. "I knew it! Come on Dancer, let's gallop!"

The dark gray horse broke into a gentle lope as Sayna sighed, "Oh Redfarl .. you're impossible."

><><

Dusk was falling gently over the questers when they finally reached the dunes. Far across the sea of almost endless sand, stood the hazy figure of Salamandastron. A brilliant glow seemed to radiate from it's top.

Sayna stared at it in wonder, before Martin's voice rang out. "Let's make camp. We will have to resupply anyway, and it's almost dark."

Surprisingly, Groddil answered, relief lacing his voice. "That is a good plan. We will rest, resupply, and reach the mountain tomorrow."

><><

In the forge of Salamandastron, the fires were burning hotter and fiercer then ever before. Lord Boar was working on a masterpiece, what was to be the crowning jewel of his career.

The silver badger wiped sweat from his brow, backing away from his forge as there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

A middle aged hare with silver speckled black fur and a striking white blaze running from between his ears to his nose stepped into the room.

"Thought ya might fancy a spot a tea Sah .. great seasons Sah, it's hot enough in here ta bake a hare's hair .. if you'll pardon the pun Sah."

Lord Boar took the tea tray with a smile. "Bake a hare's hair eh? I like that one Trubbs, and I agree with you."

The hare bowed. "Ah yes Sah, and how's that project of yours comin' wot?"

The badger dusted soot off his paws as he picked up a object wrapped in linen. "Look if you wish Trubbs. It has taken me many days to forge this one alone .. the other is very nearly done."

Trubbs undid the linen with shaking paws, and it fell away to reveal the sharpest and most beautiful blade the hare had ever laid eyes upon. Though hiltless, it gleamed elegantly in the fire light, the gently carved letters clearly readable.

'I AM THAT IS'

Trubbs shook his head admiringly. "It's flippen astounding Sah! But what do the words mean? And .. wouldn't it be a tad more useful with a hilt wot?"

Boar retrieved the blade, setting it beside the forge once more. "Even I don't know the words meaning Trubbs. Lord Ignasa appeared to me and told me to make two sword blades, exactly how to make them, and to make no hilts."

Trubbs nodded. "Ah, I see Sah. Followin' orders. But why is it so flippen hot in here? The forge isn't this hot for other protects, as I recall."

Boar smiled. "Do you remember the falling star that fell on our shores near ten seasons ago? Well I'll tell you .. I've never forged anything like it. It won't even bend until I've got the forge so hot I can barely stand before it."

Trubbs stared at the finished blade, and it's near identical twin Lord Boar was still forging. "I didn't think we'd be able ta do anythin' with that bally chunk of rock .. an you've amazed me once again Sah, wot wot?"

Boar's face grew serious. "Thank you Trubbs. But I have a task for you .. more appropriately for Corporal Wother and Captain Lupin, but you can carry a message for me Sargent?"

The black and silver hare did what was supposed to be a graceful bow, and nearly tripped over his own boots. "Yes Sah! Sargent Trubbs reportin' for duty eh wot?"

Boar suppressed the urge to laugh. Though a full grown campaigner with nearly forty seasons under his belt, Trubbs had never seemed to outgrow leverethood in some aspects. The badger nodded. "Good. Tell Wother to take you and that young greenhorn, Ffring out to do a lone patrol of the Mossflowerian border. Take horses."

Trubbs saluted instead of bowing this time. "Yes Sah! Will do Sah!"

He did a sharp about turn, asking as he opened the door, "Uhh .. Sah? Is there anythin' we should keep our eyes peeled for wot?"

Boar's eyes twinkled. "I'm expecting guests. Listen Trubbs, the creatures you are to meet shall be treated with utmost respect .. but do not let on your true natures. Stiff military form Trubbs .. as you would say it."

Trubbs grinned a little cheekily. "I like that Sah, don't let em know how crazy we really are eh wot?"

Boar looked amused as Trubbs closed the door and his pawsteps receded down the hall. "Exactly."

The silver badger strode over to his window, looking out into the growing dusk. While he couldn't see them, he knew they were there. The coming ones, two of the heroes of Mossflower. His mind replayed the strange verse of an ancient prophesy, one he knew by heart. The badger lord murmured it as he stared across his domain of flowing sands.

"Two warriors mountain lord shall see,

Two others not at all.

The first two must set them free,

While four trees answers fate's call."

Chapter 29 A Fool's Plot
Ripfang stood on the Bloodwake's prow, glaring at the tiny form of Salamandastron on the horizon. It had taken far to long, but he was finally here!

He turned to Lotor. "We stop here an' lay our plans, so's they can't see us. Give the order to ship oars, an I want all paws on deck."

Lotor nodded, hollering, "Ship da oars, stop rowin! All paws to da main deck! On the double!"

><><

Timbal sighed with utter relief as the order to ship oars was given. He could feel his strength waning, it was dripping away .. he didn't know how much longer he could keep going.

It wasn't like he really wanted to keep living, but for some reason, he didn't want to die. He didn't care either way .. in fact, he could barely feel anything at all.

Maybe it was because of loosing ones so dear to him .. over and over, time and again, while he continued to live. He wasn't sure he could even die.

He looked dully at Roderick, who sat sulking as usual. Timbal sighed, too tired to give a care about his unsavory partner. He slumped across his oar, drifting almost instantly into a shallow sleep that was anything but restful.

If only he had known what Roderick was planning! For now that he was no longer rowing, the black mouse had time to plan.

And, as it is said, An idle mind really is the devil's workshop.

Roderick was about to make this abundantly clear, through his selfishness.

The mouse snuck a glance at his rowing partner, glad to see the stupid idiot was asleep. He'd try and stop Roderick's brilliant plan .. and that was not going to happen. If the mouse would have had a knife in his possession, he would have permanently got rid of the dumb, goody-goody mouse he was chained to .. more the pity he didn't.

Roderick looked around the slaves, his gaze coming to rest on Urran Voh, chained next to his pretty but stupid daughter.

Ever since Noonvale had been captured, Roderick had been angry with his former chieftain. He had been so close to being chieftain .. it was all the fault of that dumb maid he was going to marry.

All his childhood, he had enjoyed picking on the Voh siblings .. the pretty gold one especially. He deserved what they had .. it wasn't fair they were a chieftain's children and he wasn't! And that stupid golden maid .. Sally .. she was the oldest! Whoever married her .. why they were in line to be chieftain of Noonvale! Roderick had enjoyed being mean to her .. he had thought it would get him attention. And it did .. admittedly, in a bad way .. Sally had not refrained from decking him when he picked on her.

Then she disappeared .. and Roderick had spent that entire time buttering her father up. Finally, all his hard work had paid off, when Urran Voh had betrothed them.

But then! Sally had utterly shamed him in front of all of Noonvale, throwing him into a wall and nearly killing him!

He almost shuddered, recalling the sudden, fierce outburst of power he had seen in her. She had thrown him ten feet like he weighed absolutely nothing. Then she had turned tail and fled, like the coward she was. Her father had been furious.

Roderick smirked nastily. Ha, that stupid Urran Voh! He had been so angry with his daughter .. when she had saved his life. For if Roderick had been allowed to marry Sally, he would not have been content to wait for Urran to die.

No .. there would have had to have been a convenient little ... accident.

Roderick nearly felt like laughing at the irony.

And that wasn't all .. she had saved her whole family, herself included. For as long as any of the Voh's were left, he couldn't be the sole ruler.

There would have been quite a few .. accidents.

Urran had thought Roderick had loved his daughter. Ha! Roderick had no time for the stupid emotion called love.

The only person Roderick loved, was Roderick.

And now he was about to make it completely clear. ><><

Roderick turned around to the forlorn mouse behind him, whispering a few things in his ear. The creature's eyes lighted with stupid, foolish hope.

His voice was a cracked whisper. "You mean that?"

Roderick's voice sounded sweet and innocent, like an old, trusted friend. "Yes friend, have hope. Our chieftain and his family will get us free! Pass the word along!"

Roderick turned away from the mouse with an evil snigger. That fool would spread his lie to all the other fools. His trap was baited and set.

He couldn't wait to see the Voh's get caught.

><><

Rose sat as far away from her father as possible. Despite the fact she was chained to him, she could not bring herself to speak to him. She was too angry.

She closed her eyes in hopelessness.

The only way a goodbeast left this place, was through death.

She wished she could die. Then she would be free .. and she would see Martin again.

Little did she know, how close she would come to getting this wish.

><><

Roderick's lie spread like wildfire. One slave told another .. who in turn told their partners and their neighbors.

Within hours, all the slaves were excited and murmuring ... all except four.

Urran Voh, Rose, Aryah, and Brome.

They were utterly confused, for they had planned nothing.

If only they had known who had.

Chapter 30 To Start a War
"Bella? Are you alright?"

Bella looked up at Amber, who had uncharacteristic worried expression on her face.

The badger sighed. "No. No Amber .. I am not ok."

She closed her eyes, worriedly shaking her head.

Emalet forced her to come back to reality. "Lady Bella .. what do we do?"

Bella shook her head. "I don't know .. I just don't know. If only I had not sent those two gold mice .. Martin and Sayna .."

Luna interrupted. "Martin! A golden mouse called Martin!"

Bella nodded. "That was his name."

Luna gasped as the puzzle begin to come together .. in a way she would have never imagined.

Bella continued. "I sent them to Salamandastron .. under the impression they were to bring back my father to help. However .. it was really a test. They had broken swords .. like the prophesy says. I sent them on a quest .. to see if they would return with those swords repaired."

Amber held up a paw. "Didn't that dirty rat of yours say Ripfang was headed to Salamandastron?"

Bella sighed. "His name is Whegg. And yes, he did. But Martin and Sayna don't know one and possibly two of the warriors are on that ship .. and there's no way I can tell them. We need Argulor here."

Emalet's voice was excited. "But you don't need me! I can go! Just tell me which way they went!"

Hope shone in Bella's eyes, but she tried to decline. "But you're so young .. I don't think .."

The owl interrupted, her voice determined. "I may be young .. and I may be inexperienced in the ways of fighting. But I am strong .. and my parents are mapmakers. I have studied geography my whole life .. it is my passion, just like it is theirs. I can read the stars by night, and the sun by day. Maybe this is part of my destiny."

Bella laid a gentle paw on Emalet's wing. "Well said youngster, well said. And who knows .. perhaps Lord Ignasa sent you to us for this very purpose. Go, you have my blessing, and may Ignasa watch over you."

Emalet nodded, spreading her wings and flying up into the sky. Bella watched as the young owl flew away, sighing, "I hope she makes it."

Argulor's fierce golden eyes sparkled. "Yaarrreeeaak! She will make it my friend, for as king of the skies I know much. Her parents are Boldred and Hortwingle, wandering mapmakers from the north .. I hold them in the highest respect. She is their daughter, and if she has half their skills, she will reach Salamandastron."

><><

On the fringes of southern Mossflower, was a group of bedraggled woodlanders. They were dressed in clothing foreign to the region they now traveled in, and their clothing was torn and dirty.

Even their leader, a middle aged female mouse with short, curly hair and a pair of glasses, wore little more then rags. She stood on the fringes of her follower's camp, watching sadly as her creatures huddled around a smoldering fire, trying to keep warm.

A young, hazel furred mouse maid crept up beside her, asking, "Mother Abbess, don't you want to stay by the fire?"

The abbess looked away, sighing. "I'm alright Amyl."

Amyl crossed her arms stubbornly. "No, you're not Abbess Germaine. You're as cold as the rest of us."

Germaine shook her head. "I failed you .. all of you. I couldn't stop the Dryditch Fever that forced us to leave Loamhedge, and now I don't know where to lead you."

Another mouse maid, just a few seasons older then Amyl walked up, her bare paws sinking into the somewhat melted snowdrifts.

"Ugg! Snow! I hate snow! I wish spring would come, this would be a whole lot easier!"

Amyl frowned at her. "Complaining won't help Columbine."

Columbine tried to give Amyl a glare, but she gave up. "Mother Abbess, Brother Scrittum wants to talk to you. So does Lavarose .. they think they've found something that will interest you."

Germaine sighed, following the pretty black mouse maid back to the makeshift camp. "Alright .. I'm coming."

The Abbess approached two creatures who were sitting next to the fire, and old gray mouse and a middle aged red tiger dun horse.

The horse looked up first, pricking up her ears. "Germaine, Scrittum has found something! In the records he managed to save, he has information on this land."

Scrittum adjusted his crystal glasses, reading from a parchment. "According to my research, this land is called Mossflower. Once, many seasons ago, travelers from Loamhedge came to Mossflower, finding it a good land, and it's inhabitants friendly. They say it is ruled over by an assortment of creatures, otters, mice, squirrels .. even some badgers."

He held up a battered, faded piece of parchment. "This is a map of Mossflower. Note the castle, called Kotir? That is where the mouse king rules .. or so my records say."

Germaine pondered this for a minute. There was an unknown forebodingness about that name, Kotir. But what else could she do? She had to find shelter for her mice, some of them were becoming sick, and they were all weak from traveling in winter, that seemed to want to cling on as long as it could. If there was a friendly king in Kotir, he might give her followers shelter.

She nodded. "Thank you Scrittum and Lava. This is just what we need. By the looks of this map, I think we can make the castle afore nightfall."

><><

On a normal day, these poor, misguided travelers might have been stopped and warned by Lady Amber's patrols .. but not today.

Amber was furious. After she had left Brockhall, she had been met by Beech, who had sadly informed her Pear was dead, having been shot by Kotir solders.

Amber was mad enough that the Thousand Eye Army was building a bridge across the Moss, but the loss of her Captain was too much.

The squirrel queen knew Bella would be furious if she knew what she planned to do, but Amber was past caring. She had assembled her squirrels, and they were bent on avenging Pear, who had been well liked.

The so called peace Tsarmina thought she had, was about to be brought to an abrupt end.

Lady Amber was elated just thinking about killing Kotir solders .. she had waited long for this. She left off watching her tribe and swung higher into the spreading maple that served as her headquarters.

"Brush!"

The burly male squirrel dropped from a higher bow to the one Amber stood on. "Yes Milady?"

Amber crossed her arms. "Brush, I am putting you in Pear's place. You are my captain."

Brush's jaw dropped as his leader continued. "I have decided not to attack any main forces .. it would be to deadly. What I want to do is simply insight fear. If some of them are slain, but the killers never found .. it may rattle them. If we can do this enough times ..."

She left her statement unfinished as Brush nodded. "I see your point Milady."

Amber motioned he follow her as she began her descent. "Right. So first off, we're attacking that bar .. The Bloody Axes. It's a favorite haunt of the Thousand Eye Solders, but there shouldn't be too many of them there, just enough to make a good example of. Also it's hard to defend."

The squirrel queen gave her new captain a glance. "We have waited too long. Brush, let's start a war."

><><

In a clearing near Kotir, Whegg and Ashleg were meeting again, for the fourth time. Spring had not come this time, according to Bella's orders.

Whegg was partially glad the badger lady trusted him, but on the other hand, Spring was a fierce fighter. At least Bella had returned his weapon now that she had removed his guard.

Ashleg's voice broke through Whegg's thoughts. "It's risky .. very risky. But I am willing to do it for my king."

Whegg looked up. "Eh .. wot General? Me mind was runnin' away wid me."

Ashleg sighed. "My thought is, to simply smuggle Gingivere out. You know there would often be beasts come into Kotir to sell goods? I hide the prince in a cart, and make sure it is allowed to pass. Then you and your allies must do the rest."

Whegg could see the sense in the plan, but he did not like all the variables in it. "That's ta risky .. wot if'n somethin' goes wrong .. wot if'n you git caught?"

Ashleg's face was grim. "Then I die."

Whegg shook his head. "Na General .. you can't die! I wants ya ta escape too!"

Ashleg looked sad. "Whegg .. you an I need to get a few things straight. I doubt I can escape. Tsarmina rules too vast a land .. I would be caught long before I reached the border."

Whegg shrugged. "But .. I thought ya could join da woodlanders .."

His companion held up a paw. "Whegg .. that is something I can't do. It's not so much the death that would await me .. I just can't face them. Maybe I'm a cringin' coward .. but I can't make myself."

Whegg frowned. "General .. they didn't kill me!"

Ashleg's eyes clouded. "Aye, but you are young. I know your age Whegg .. you are little twenty-three seasons. What part did you play in the conquest of their land .. the demise of their people, their freedom, and their way of life? Yes, you may have threatened one here, and bullied one there. But did you slay one of them? Did you force them to watch you kill their loved ones? No, you did not. You, they can forgive. Me?"

The pine marten hung his head in shame. "Me .. they can never forgive. My paws have shed too much innocent blood."

Whegg didn't know what to say. His heart had sank to his boots as Ashleg had attested to at least aiding in the murder of woodlanders. Despite many of them still hating and fearing him, he was quickly learning to take pride in old Mossflower. A feeling of anger toward Ashleg stirred inside him as he recalled Bella telling him Verdauga had murdered her husband. The rat shook his head, suppressing the emotion. Hopefully, Ashleg had nothing to do with the killing of Lord Barkstripe .. and Whegg told himself to believe this.

He wasn't sure he completely did .. but at least it appeased his anger.

Ashleg looked up at him, the tell-tale mist of tears in his eyes. "Whegg .. you've told me about him before .. an I didn't really listen to you. But tell me of Lord Ignasa again, and how he came to you. Please?"

Whegg blinked, surprised. He had not expected Ashleg to want to speak of Ignasa, for he had always wanted to avoid the subject when Whegg attempted to bring it up.

The rat nodded. "General .. I'd never seen nothin' like 'im in me life."

Ashleg's eyes were searching. "And you say he forgave you? Of .. everything?"

Whegg wasn't sure what his former General was getting at. "Yes .. 'though I don't know why, an I don't know how .. but .. 'e did."

Ashleg looked around a bit, finally asking, "Whegg, tell me true. Do you think he'd forgive .. me? Even if the woodlanders won't?"

Whegg didn't hesitate. "Sure 'e would General .. wot I understand is dat 'e forgives anybeast who's sorry, an wants 'is forgiveness. But .. somebeasts are ta proud ta listen .. an 'e won't forgive ya if'n you don't ask 'im."

Ashleg turned away. "How I wish .."

He swallowed hard, clasping Whegg's paw in a friendly shake. "How I wish I was you. You've got an amazin' chance Whegg .. a chance ta do somethin' with your life. A chance ta make things right. Don't waste it .. promise me Whegg, that you'll use your second chance. Use it to help the ones who need you .. use it for good!"

The pine marten looked away. "I had me second chance seasons ago .. but I didn't use it the right way. It's gone now .. and I'll never get it back. What's gone is gone Whegg .. sometimes you can't change the past."

Whegg didn't allow Ashleg to leave. "No .. the past is over an done wid. But General .. maybe you can't change yer past nor yer future .. but Lord Ignasa can!"

Ashleg gently pulled his paw away. "Whegg .. Lord Ignasa wouldn't want to save such an evil beast as I .. no one would."

Before the rat could say a word, Ashleg was gone.

Whegg shook his head sadly, murmuring to no one in particular.

"No General, Lord Ignasa would. An so would I."

><><

The Bloody Axes was indeed a popular vermin haunt, just as Amber had stated. It was a favorite place for all the vermin under Tsarmina .. except two.

These were the two maids who worked there. Supposedly, they were hired, if hired means food to eat and a place to sleep. However they were never paid, for they had been bought and paid for. They were slaves, no better off then the woodlanders that had been captured.

One of them had her paws buried in dishwater, hurrying least they not have enough dishes for supper. She was a pretty white ermine with jet black headfur, paws, and tail tip.

There was a squeak-slam as her companion, a small, tawny colored rat maiden with dark brown hair and overly long fangs, ran into the tavern's back room. She slammed the tray she was carrying onto the counter bad-temperedly.

The ermine looked up. "Somethin' wrong Gina?"

The rat, whose real name was Regina, grumbled. "Same ol', same ol'. Ye git me grog an be quick aboot it! Ye do dis, ye do dat .. Stell, Ah'm tired o' dis!"

'Stell', also know as Estella, shrugged. "Gina, we can't cut out .. ya know dat. Tsarmina'd catch us afore nightfall."

Regina slumped onto the counter, snarling, "Ach, Ah knoo. But Stell, 'ow long can we keep livin' like dis?"

Estella smirked mirthlessly. "Till we're dead Gina, ye know dat. I'll do some servin' if'n ye'll do some washin'"

Regina picked up her tray. "Ah'll right. Lemme finish dis order first."

><><

The rat threw some mugs of grog on a tray, picking it up and balancing it on one paw. She shoved the door open with her foot, fingering the hidden, yet ever-present bolas in her short skirt.

Let a drunk idiot try and mess with her, and he'd get it.

She'd laid out quite a few beasts in her career as a bar maid in The Bloody Axes.

She and Estella had to keep some semblance of order in the bar as well, so they were both good at fighting, with or without weapons.

Regina delivered the grog just as the door opened, and six creatures walked in. The all wore hooded capes, and the rat disliked the look of them. She scurried back toward the back room as quickly as possible, her paw clenched around the bolas, ready to use it at any moment.

She had just reached the back room's little door, when the leading hooded figure drew a rapier from it's cloak, barking out a simple order.

"Take them."

Regina was sober, whereas most of the tavern's occupants were not. This worked in her favor, as did her short stature. She ducked through the door, just as chaos broke loose. The rat threw herself on the floor, slamming the door shut with a footpaw, just as an arrow sank into it.

Estella had left of her dishwashing, trading her washrag for her old saber. "'Ellgates, Regina! What in the name a blood an fur is goin' on out dere!"

Regina shoved herself onto her paws, ignoring the shooting pain running up her right leg from landing on it so hard. "Some kinda attack .. let's git outa 'ere!"

For once, Estella made no attempt to argue. "Quick! The tunnel ta da root cellar .. go!"

The two maids ducked into the passage that gave convenient access to the root cellar, were the extra grog was kept, desperate to escape whatever massacre was occurring above their heads.

Chapter 31 In the Hall of the Mountain King
The morning sun dawned clear over Salamandastron, and the three mounted hares that were already traveling away from it.

Lord Boar watched them make their way across the blowing dunes for a while, before returning to his forge. He picked up the blade he had been working on, admiring it. He had completed it in the early hours of the morning, finally letting the fires die down. For one whole week, the fires had burned, hot and bright.

Even now, they still radiated heat, although not half as intense as the night before.

Lord Boar laid the finished, near identical blades beside one another, watching at how the light glinted off them. Though they were not terribly fancy, there was a strange elegance about them.

Boar smiled secretively, for he knew some of the things these two blades would do.

They were exceptionally forged, folded over and over, and sharpened to the point where you could barely tell where the sword's edges ended and the air began.

They were blades fit for a mighty king.

The silver badger returned to the window, waiting.

The two warriors would come soon.

><><

Morning saw Sayna filling the water gourds in a stream near their camp. She had just filled the last one and set it on the bank, when a cheerful voice rang from behind her.

"Good Morning!"

Sayna was still leaning over the water, and the voice made her jump. She landed in the shallow stream with an undignified splash, and crawled out, cold and soaking.

"Thanks a lot Redfarl."

Redfarl was trying to suppress her laughter, it was obvious due to her sputtering. "Hehe .. ehh .. sorry Sayna .. "

Sayna rolled her eyes, sighing, "Oh forget it. But you can help me carry the water back to camp."

Redfarl obliged willingly, picking up two of the water gourds. "Ok! I can't wait to get to Salamandastron .. I wonder what it's like."

Sayna carried the remaining two gourds, muttering, "Yea. You and me both."

When the two reached camp, Groddil was kicking dust over their campfire's embers, and Martin was tacking the horses.

Sayna laid the water gourds beside the other provisions, as Martin shot her a glance. "You look like you wrestled a rat in a stream."

Sayna scowled. "Well I don't know about the rat part, but yes, a stream was involved."

She gave Redfarl a pointed look. "And so was a squirrel."

Redfarl looked guilty, but Martin turned abruptly away, focusing a little to intently on fiddling with Wildfire's saddle.

Dancer just laughed, giving Sayna a nudge that nearly tipped her over. "Lighten up Sayna .. you needed a bath anyway!"

Sayna shrugged noncommittally as Groddil swung himself onto Stargazer. His voice was laced with something that sounded almost like fear.

"Let's go .. the sooner we get to the mountain, the better."

><><

As the sun rose toward it's zenith, the questers found it surprisingly warm. Thankfully, their three horses were Arabians, and were not effected by the loose, shifting sand of the dunes.

In fact, instead of slowing their pace because of the sand, they actually heightened it. This was because horses of their breed are desert runners, beasts who naturally live in sandy areas.

Wildfire and Dancer were continually racing each other off and on in high spirits. Only Stargazer never broke out of his trot .. Sayna could almost think he was reluctant about reaching their destination.

It was near afternoon, when Wildfire called their attention to something. The horse had crested a sand dune, and was staring intently at three mounted creatures making their way toward them.

As of yet, they were too far away for Sayna to tell their species, but they were moving quickly. Their horses obviously had no difficulty in the sand dunes .. they crested them like they were nonexistent.

Sayna looked over at Martin, asking, "Who .. and what do you think they are?"

Martin shook his head as Groddil and Stargazer came up to them. The silver fox's voice was flat. "They are hares, from Salamandastron. Long has the mountain been ruled by a badger, but every leader must have an army. And the hares .. they are the Mountain Kings ears, eyes, and paws. They are called the Long Patrol, and they are the defenders of the western shores."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "I take it you have studied about this mountain?"

Groddil stiffened, remarking a little too flatly, "I have been here, young warrior."

Sayna suddenly recalled a story Groddil had told her .. the story of how he met Stargazer. He had been Ungatt Trunn's slave then, and had been forced to help him conquer the mountain. She felt unconditionally nervous, but she shoved it away. Surely Groddil had not killed anyone .. no, he wouldn't.

She wouldn't believe it .. he had probably been behind the scenes the whole time .. after all, it wasn't like he was Trunn's greatest fighter.

TBC~