User blog:Laria Wavedeep/Redwall's Taggerung

Prologue
The Juskamor had come to Mossflower Woods! They were from the south, where it was all too peaceful and quiet, so they decided to come to Mossflower, where they knew was the fabled Redwall Abbey! Redwall was famous for their hospitality and good food. Aye, the Juskamor had come to Mossflower!

Chapter One
Trumin Mor was the clan leader of the Juskamor. He was an evil stoat, and deadly with a cutlass and two daggers, each with a pattern on the hilt with two red stones. He was grey all over except for his brown head, which made him odd out of the whole clan. This was made more barbaric by his tattoos on his face. He was short but sinewy, and his eyes were green. His horde was full of murdering foxes, stoats like himself, ferrets, rats and weasels, each of them born killers, but none like their Taggerung. The Taggerung was a weasel called Trun Juskamor Taggerung, or Trun for short, which was his original name as a babe. He had had an argument with the old Taggerung, and the old one had thrown a dagger at him, but Trun had ducked and run the old Taggerung through. He had grey eyes, so grey eyes that they looked like black. His fur was a reddish brownish colour, one of his footpaws were black and the other white. He was a better fighter than Trumin, though no one could best Trumin but Trun. Trun used a long sabre. The clan was fivescore altogether. They had been travelling for a few days in Mossflower when they came to a ford. They made camp there and started fishing, while some collected berries and edible roots to eat. Others collected cool sweet water in tankards, bowls and tins. Trumin sat in his tent trying to figure out what to do. Finally he gave up and went outside. He snatched a few berries and took a gulp out of a tankard. He shouted out for the horde's attention.

"Juskamor!" They turned and looked at their leader. "Juskamor! This will be our main camp, because there is water and food here. I will select a score of the best to scout out the land around and beyond us, and I will go along. My captain, Klotch, will be in charge of this camp while we're away. Our Taggerung, Trun, will come with us too. If Klotch reports any mutinous talk or rebellious things in this camp, I will deal with them." Trumin then picked the score and set out, exploring Mossflower.

Redwall Abbey gleamed in the sunlight. It was mid afternoon, and the night before there was a huge storm, and the garden and the lawns needed to be cleared up. The Head Gardener, a middle-aged mouse named Brother Dermin, had everybeast out and helping, even the Dibbuns, which are the Abbeybabes. Abbott Merlo watched as everybeast dashed about. He was an old mouse, and he soon was going to retire, and pick another Abbott or Abbess. He was so old that he needed a strong yew staff to support him wherever he went. The Skipper of Otters, a male named Romarc, got his otters to clear the debri that were floating on top of the pond's surface. Foremole Munjil and his crew were picking the unripe fruits and nuts that had fallen into wheelbarrows. The rest of the Abbey, which included the Dibbuns, cleared the branches and leaves that lay strewn on the wet grass. The Dibbuns were running around willy nilly, running and jumping on the leaf piles. The elders were getting frustrated, and had to keep sweeping up the leaves, which were just jumped on again. Finally the Abbey's cellarhog, Pirrel Barrbrew, straightened things up.

"C'mon ye rascally Dibbuns, I know that Friar Nirpol has baked some damson and cream pudden, mabbe if ye help us clean up these branches and leaves, and stop jumping on them, I'm sure he'll let ye have some pudden!" This got the babes excited, and they started running around collecting leaves and twigs to dump on the piles. An otterwife, Felia, whose husband was Skipper Romarc, with their fifteen season old daughter, Melba, and Melba's ten season old brother, Dayl, were helping to clear the leaves. Dayl was very energetic, and was the fastest runner in the whole Abbey. He could swim as fast as his dad, and he could throw a dagger accurately, which Skipper had taught him to do, and he practised on a leaf pinned against a tree trunk. He was that good! Melba had her father's eyes, but her mother's gentle and kind personality, while Dayl had his mother's eyes and was becoming muscular and sinewy for a young one. He was tall and had blackish greyish fur, while Melba was light brown and nearly cream coloured. Abbott Merlo walked up to them.

"Hello you three. Good to see you helping out. Enjoying it?"

Dayl pulled a face and replied, "No Father, not one little bit. I'm bored and my paws hurt from carrying tree branches." Abbott Merlo patted Dayl's head and smiled.

"Helping doesn't do any harm Dayl. Help others as much as you can and you'll get rewarded by being admired by elders and young 'uns. You'll be teaching Dibbun's good manners. But you are growing up, and the elders need somebeast young nearby to help them out sometimes. Don't forget what I just said to you, young Dayl, because it will help you throughout life."

"I promise I won't forget what you said Father, but I'm still young and want to play before I'm too old like you to play any more."

The Abbott chuckled and replied, "You are like an old head on young shoulders!"

Next Abbott Merlo went up to Skipper Romarc, who had finished fishing everything out of the pond, and said, "Your Dayl and Melba are rare treasures Romarc, you are lucky that they are your son and daughter." Skipper puffed his chest out proudly. The Abbott continued. "I heard Sister Alkina say that she needed some herbs, because she is running out. I was wondering if you would like to go with Melba and Dayl to pick some. Would you consider it?" Skipper replied.

"Hm, yes, they would love a walk outside the Abbey, they haven't been anywhere y'know, I think they'll love that very much Father!"

Abbott Merlo nodded. "Good. Pick half a score of your otters to go with you, in case you run into any trouble. I'll write down the things you need to get. Don't forget to bring Hunto along!" Huntilop Crunsaw Kerscutt, or Hunto for short, was the resident hare of Redwall. He was an unusual creamy brown in colour, and had arrived at the Abbey covered in wounds and bruises from a fight with a pack of toads. A while later they set off with a list of the supplies they needed, some afternoon tea packed by Friar Nirpol, a few tankards of dandelion and burdock cordial and cold mint tea and a basket to carry the herbs in. Dayl carried his dagger, which was not a fancy blade, just a normal dagger with some patterns on the hilt. Melba carried a sling which was loaded with a pebble. Skipper and the rest of the crew carried throwing javelins, pointed at each end. Soon they had the herbs they needed.

Meanwhile, Trumin and the score of hordebeasts had got a sack of crab apples growing wild north of their camp. Trumin bit into one, the juice squirting from the apple. He munched thoughtfully. Soon he would try to conquer Redwall Abbey, but he was not going to be added to the lists of dead warlords who tried. Cluny, Gulo, Kurda, Slagar, Vizka Longtooth and others. He had heard that there were many warriors in there. He decided he shouldn't try until he had at least tenscore more warriors.

Chapter Two
Skipper told the gathering party to sit and have a bite to eat. Everybeast immediately flopped down, and started unpacking the food. There was new baked bread with some cheese, some berries and nuts, apples, and dandelion aand burdock cordial and cold mint tea to wash it all down. They ate quickly and soon they cleared up.

Skipper winked at them and said, "C'mon mates, lets go home now." They had walked only a couple of spear lengths when suddenly they walked right into Trumin's group.

At first there was confusion, then Skipper roared, "Vermin! Up an' at 'em mates! Redwaaaaalllllllll!!"

Trun started drawing his sabre and yelled, "They're on'y riverdogs! Charge!" Melba started swinging her loaded sling, thwacking at the foe. Dayl didn't know what to do, but he saw his sister and his father fighting, so he started to parry and thrust, which Skipper hadn't taught him yet. Suddenly something came over him, and he saw the weasel fighting his dad with a long sabre. He had no idea what he was doing, but he threw his dagger at the weasel. Trun ducked from a thrust and stood up. He stopped and gurgled, Dayl's dagger in his throat, and fell dead. Skipper recognised his son's dagger and looked at Dayl, suddenly realizing what he just did.

Dayl tried to run, but Trumin shouted, "Capture the liddle riverdog! Quick! 'E just killed the great Taggerung!" A fox came from behind Dayl and brought his sling crashing down on the young otter's head. Skipper could feel his rage boiling when he saw his son being knocked out cold, and he charged, biting and kicking, snapping everything that came to cut him.

He shouted out, "Daaaayyyll!" But it was too late. Melba screamed as she saw Dayl being dragged away. Something hit her on the head, then she fell unconcious. Trumin had ordered his crew to knock out the otters, and they ran back to their camp. But Skipper had not been knocked out. He lay stunned, tears running down his face, mingling with the blood that was around. Then he wept, weeping for his captured son, Dayl, whom he would probably never see again. Weeping for his lost son, Dayl.

Trumin and the group didn't stop running until they were just half an hour's walk from their camp, half dragging and half carrying Dayl with them. They sat breathing heavily, eating crab apples to calm them down. Trumin inspected their prisoner. He was wearing a dirty habit which he wore to go out in. Trumin could see that he was a good swimmer, because of his thick rudder. He would have to test him in running. Trumin could not believe that this young otter was to be their new Taggerung, but he did half believe it because he had seen Dayl throw the dagger, and it hit Trun right on the throat. But the otter was only about ten seasons old, so how could he kill a living beast? Trumin told himself that Taggerungs showed talent at an early age. He suddenly remembered the otter's name. The big otter had shouted out his name, which was Dayl. Trumin smiled. A good name for a Taggerung. When they got their breath back, they started to walk back to camp. They arrived panting, and ran to the ford. But the rest of the camp could only stare at the otter prisoner. Trumin's Seer vixen, Zarol, could see that Trun was not there.

She approached Trumin and spoke, "Where is our Taggerung, and what have yew brought here Sire?" As she kicked Dayl's footpaw. A hush came over the horde.

They had to wait until Trumin had finished drinking his fill of water and replied, "This riverdog killed our Taggerung." There was a shocked silence. Trumin continued, "We walked right into a group of riverdogs, from the Redwall Abbey I assumed. They charged at us, and we started fighting. This young one threw a dagger at Trun's throat, and it got him right in the gullet. Trun fell dead, and he was fighting a big riverdog, this one's dad I think. Anyways, we knocked him out cold, and the big riverdog started shouting 'Dayl!' and so I figured out that was this one's name. We knocked all the other riverdogs out, so they couldn't follow us back. So this is our new Taggerung." The was a silence.

Zarol walked up to Dayl respectfully, and even though he was unconcious, she spoke out loud, "Dayl Juskamor Taggerung!"

Skipper Romarc was still weeping when the others awoke. They saw their chieftain crying. Melba started crying when she realized Dayl was gone, and she sobbed next to her father. The rest held a repectful silence until Skipper stopped. He dried his tears, and clenched his fists.

He shouted to the heavens, "Dayl, I promise that one day, I will find you and kill the scum that took you! I will make that promise to you my son! Dayl!" He stood up, shaking with rage. He calmed himself down, and said, "Pick up the basket. We're gonna have to tell them the news." On the way back, Skipper stopped talking to everybeast. He had his paws clenched the whole time, and his teeth gritted. He kept whispering to himself, "I will find you my son. I will find you." They arrived at the Abbey. Abbott Merlo had noticed they had been gone for a long time, and he organised a party to be on the walltops to see if they were coming back. One of the party, a squirrel named Regan, dashed down the steps and opened the gates. Soon Abbott Merlo was there with Felia. She could see that Skipper had been crying. When she was about to ask why, she noticed Dayl was not there. She cried out and flung herself into Skipper's arms, crying into his shoulder.

Abbott Merlo didn't know what the crying was about, so he asked, "Felia, why are you crying?" Skipper replied for her.

"Dayl was captured by some vermin. We fought with 'em, and suddenly he threw his dagger at a weasel that I was fightin'. Got him right in the throat, Dayl's a real thrower. Anyways, he kills the weasel, and I realize what he did. "He has never harmed anybeast, I swear, but he killed a weasel! Then I think the leader of the group shouted out, "Capture the liddle riverdog! Quick! 'E just killed the great Taggerung!" and then they knock Dayl out cold, and I charges at them, but they knocked out all of us. They hit me with a stone, but I was just stunned. Then they retreated, the cowardly scum! And Dayl with 'em!" His voice rose to a deafening roar. Then he broke down sobbing. "Why Dayl, why, why must they take ye from us! Oh Dayl!"

Suddenly the Abbey's Recorder, a middle-aged bankvole called Grollen called out, "Excuse me Skip, but what did the vermin look like?" Skipper looked up surprised that he should ask.

"Well, they were tattooed like Juska clans, they had two black rings on their cheeks, with orange dots in the middle of each one, then a strip of red going down from their forehead to the nose, with green circles around the eyes and I think thats it. Why?"

The Recorder answered promptly, "Well, Skip, as you said, Juska clans have some sort of clan tattoo. So the Juska clan that took yore son is the Juskamor! And also, I remember reading somewhere that a Taggerung is a warrior, somebeast who can outrun the wind, swim as fast as a pike, has eyes as keen as a hawks, and can be silent as a shadow. It also said that if the Taggerung gets killed by another beast, the beast who killed it becomes Taggerung himself!" A gasp arose from the crowd.

Skipper yelled out, "So that means that my son is a Taggerung of the Juskamor! As soon as we can, we're setting off to find this Juskamor, and get my son back!" Abbott Merlo stepped forward.

"But Skip, our Abbeydwellers are not warriors. There is only your otters and Foremoles crew, besides some others. We have no idea how many Juskamor there are Skip, we cannot just dash out and start fighting. I'm sorry Skipper, but maybe we won't be able to until we get enough warriors." Skipper saw that the Abbott was right, and they walked back to the Abbey building, for it was getting dark and it was near dinnertime.

Chapter Three
Dayl woke up to a massive headache, but he could not remember his name, where he came from or what had happened. He pushed himself upright and looked around. He was in a cave, and a vixen and a stoat were watching him.

He looked around in confusion and said, "W-who am I? Who are you? Where am I?"

The stoat glanced at the vixen and said to her, "Thank goodness he has amnesia. What a fortunate thing!" He turned to the bemused otter. "Can yew not remember who yew are? Or where ye from?" Dayl shook his head. The stoat continued, "Yew are the greatest warrior of our clan, Dayl Juskamor Taggerung, an' yew are ten seasons old. We was out scouting when yew were 'it on the 'ead and knocked out cold." Dayl clasped his paws to the side of head and fell back on to the pillow and groaned.

Trumin and Zarol rushed over and said, "Are ye alright Dayl? Is ye head painin' ye?" Dayl slowly nodded and closed his eyes. Zarol soaked a towel in a bowl of cool water and layed it on Dayl's head. "Are ye tired Taggerung?" Dayl nodded again. Zarol and Trumin crept out and sat drinking water and nibbling some cooked fish that some Juskamor had caught.

Dayl fell straight asleep. In his dreams a mouse walked up. He was dressed in armour, and in his paw he held a magnificent sword. He looked strong and firm, but yet friendly and kind, and for some reason, Dayl seemed as if he had knowned him for countless seasons, and his face was familiar, but he could not remember where he had seen it.

He said to Dayl, "Dayl."

Dayl answered back, "Who are ye?"

The mouse shook his head angrily and said, "Do you not remember me Dayl?" Dayl shook his head. The mouse started fading away.

Dayl shouted, "Come back! What is your name?" The mouse did not reply and faded away altogether. The dream turned pitch black and Dayl tossed fitfully for the remainder of his sleep.

He was woken by Zarol, and she asked, "Is yore headache still hurtin' yew?" Dayl shook his head. Zarol lead him outside in the warm night. Everybeast was chatting, eating or sleeping. They all grew quiet and watched their new Taggerung.

He sat down next to a dish of roasted trout and a tankard of water from the ford layed out for him, and he picked up the fish and started nibbling and commented, "This is good fish. I like it." He resumed eating it and spat out some bones. A while later it was gone, and he was swigging water. He sighed contentedly.

Trumin nodded at Zarol and she said, "Now is the time to realize yew are the true Taggerung of our clan." She held her paw over the campfire and suddenly opened it, and the fire rose in a green flare. She started to chant:


 * "Who can run like the wind,
 * Yet turn on a single leaf?
 * Stand silent as a firefly,
 * And steal the breath from a thief?
 * The Taggerung!
 * Who can outswim a pike,
 * Has eyes as keen as a hawks,
 * Who brings death in his wake,
 * Yet leave no trail where he walks?
 * The Taggerung!"

Zarol started painting the clan's tattoo on his face. A black circle on each cheek, a blue lightning bolt in the middle of each one instead of an orange dot, to signify that he was different. A red stripe going down from his forehead to his nose, and green circles around his eyes. Dayl had been staring right into Zarol's eyes, and he sat there unblinking while she painted his face. His eyes meant that he was scared of nothing. They shone brightly, the campfire reflecting in his eyes. Zarol shuddered. They were so...intimidating. Nearly hypnotising. Dayl was now part of the Juskamor clan! His face was a frightening sight. They were made more frightening because of his blackish greyish fur, and you could hardly see him if it was pitch black. He melted right into the shadows of trees, bushes, and shrubs. Trumin went into the cave, and swigged some grog, thinking on what to do next. He would have to gain more hordebeasts if he wanted to conquer the Abbey. He suddenly realized that the Abbeydwellers would probably come out and search for him and the Juskamor, looking for Dayl. He decided he would tell his clan on the morrow.

Skipper Romarc could hardly eat anything, nor could Felia or Melba. She had been treated by Sister Alkina for a few cuts and bruises, so was Skipper. Abbott Merlo could not help but notice their faces, and he put his paw on Skipper's shoulder.

"You are welcome to take your crew out tomorrow and search, but you can't fight them. Just spy on them, and see if your son is there." Skipper nodded but said nothing. He could not even eat a bowl of watershrimp and hotroot soup, which he loved the most. Dayl's best friends, a squirrel named Brill and a mousemaid called Swerl sat stone faced. They were the same age as Dayl, but they could not get over their best friends capture. Brother Junish, an old mouse, shook his head sadly.

"Pore Skip and his lovely wife Felia, Melba and Brill and Swerl too. Pore beasts!"

Sister Velio the hedgehog answered, "Aye, what a shame. They'll never get over it. Dayl was the nicest Dibbun, never upset or down." Skipper pushed away his plate of food, and Hunto the hare shot off with it. Normally Skipper would have shouted and chased him, but today was different. Hunto noticed this, and he came back with the food, munching on the salad leaves.

He sat down next to Skipper and said, drooping his ears down, "Are you alright Skip? I know you lost yore son an' all that, but ye need to at least flippin' eat sumthin' y'know, otherwise how are you gonna find yore son on a empty stomach? Food is jolly well important doncha know?" He left off eating and brought Skipper a bowl of shrimp and hotroot soup with heaps of hotroot, a beaker of elderberry and burdock cordial and a few scones spread with rosecream and plum preserve. He tried to coax Skipper to eat, and everybeast watched in astonishment as the hare of Redwall got Skipper Romarc to eat a few scones.

Hunto continued, "I have seen many mates of mine lose their son or daughter, but they still eat so they could hunt down the foebeast, and that they won't die of starvation and not find they're son or daughter at all. Which one would you prefer, sir, t'flippin' die of starvation and not find yore son at all, or bloomin' eat somethin' so you can track the foebeast down and get yore son back? Which one would you prefer, eh Skip?" Skipper, for the first time since Dayl's capture, smiled and started spooning shrimp and hotroot soup down.

Hunto nodded and said, "Good, I like t'see that, mind if I take some of yore soup, mate?" Skipper had no time to reply when Hunto grabbed a spoon and ate the spicy soup.

He stayed still for a moment, then you could see his face go red as a strawberry, and he ran outsde, clutching his throat, yelling, "Me pore mouth! Its burning! Its on fire! Hothothothot! Ouch! Oowww! Me burning mouth, move out of the way, chaps and chappesses, a hare is coming to the pond! Me throat's on fire! Heeelp!" He made an undignified charge at the Abbey pond and made a dive, well, more like a belly flop.

He started drinking it, and then he was flopping his arms around and shouted, "Help! I'm drownin'! I can't swim! Skipper, come an' help yore ole mate Hunto out o' this flippin' pond mess! Huh, leavin' a drownin' chap in the bally pond! Cads! Why aren't ye helpin' a chap? Heelp! I'd rather die from eating too much flippin' hotroot soup than die from drownin'! I'm gonna get eaten by the flippin' grayling! Ahhhh!" Everybeast watching could only laugh helplessly, and Skipper was laughing so hard he could hardly dive into the pond to fish Hunto out. In the end Skipper just managed to control his mirth and dove in to save the 'drowning' hare. Hunto had drunk so much pond water that he had gone slightly green in the face.

He said weakly to Skipper as he was hauled out and lead dripping to the infirmary, "If ye ever eat shrimp and hotroot soup, don't drink the bloomin' pond. Its not for drinkin'! Uh, does this mean I have to go to the infirmary? I'd rather die drownin' than take a fizzick from that Sister Alkina! Blurrggh! I sure don't want a dose of agrimony and nettle soup! Take my advice ol' chap, never take a fizzick, wot!" Unfortunately the hare did go to the infirmary. When he realized this, he started to struggle, but Skipper had a strong grip on him.

When they got to the infirmary, Sister Alkina said, "Open your mouth wide Hunto!" The hare refused and shut his mouth. Sister Alkina nodded to Skipper. Skipper held Hunto's nose until Hunto took a quick breath. The Sister poured near half a bowlful of the strong medicine down Hunto's throat. The hare's ears shot straight upright and he leapt out of Skipper's hold and ran out.

He ran to the kitchens and said to Friar Nirpol, "I need somethin' to eat! Jump to it sir! The taste of that fizzick near killed me, wot! I was nearly killed by eating shrimp'n'hotroot soup, I nearly drowned and I was just fizzicked by the Sister!"

Friar Nirpol, the middle aged squirrel, chuckled and replied, as he set some cheese and bread out for the hare, "I see Hunto. I would die of anything than get physicked by that old mouse."

The gluttonous hare shoved it into his mouth and said, "I'm grateful to ye, old chap, grateful for these vittles!" By then it was late in the night, and everybeast was starting to go to their beds and sleep. Melba could not sleep that night, so she wandered down in front of Redwall's greatest treasure, Martin the Warrior's tapestry.

She stared at him and softly asked, tears coming to her eyes, "Martin, where is my brother Dayl? Will Dad, Mum and I never see him ever again? Please tell me Martin." She stood there waiting for an answer, and when she decided he was not going to reply, she went back to her bed and cried herself to sleep.

Chapter Four
Dayl immediately made friends with a ferret called Juvern. Juvern was about the same age as Dayl, and his fur was a orange reddish colour, his eyes were as blue as the deepest ocean, and his weapon was a wooden club. Trumin gave a kilt and a brown belt to Dayl to put on, so his habit didn't give away that he was an Abbeybeast. The next morning, Trumin roused the tribe with a kick of his footpaw.

"Up on yer hunkers, ye lazy beasts, or I'll bury yew alive where yew sleep!" The crew hastily gobbled down some water and roots. Dayl was the only one who got some apple and a porridge made by Zarol. Trumin shouted, "We are goin' to march south for a week, then return here, explore the land a bit. Any objections?"

Some of the non brighter ones, such as a weasel like Fretrip, asked, puzzled, "Why are we goin' south again Chief?" Trumin answered, rolling his eyes, "'Cause I said we are goin' to explore a bit, and 'cause those are my orders. Understood?" The weasel nodded. "Now, let's go! March!" The Juskamor set off at a fast pace, going south.

Skipper had his crew search around the Abbey and nearby areas until lunch. With no luck, the dispirited searchers wandered back to the Abbey. Abbott Merlo welcomed them with a worried look on his face.

"Still no sign of him?" Skipper shook his head and let a tear drop from his eye. "Don't worry, you tried your best, all of you did." They walked to Great Hall for lunch. The rest of the Abbey were eating anxiously for Skipper and his crew. Melba and Felia were picking at their food and playing with it, and when they saw Skipper, They knew the search was in vain.

Melba sighed wearily and said, "I wonder where he is. I miss him."

Felia answered sadly, "I miss him too Mel, we all miss him." Skipper sat down and munched on a leek and mushroom pastie.

"Ye still have t'eat, otherwise Hunto will be after ye!" The trio chuckled, remembering the nights events.

"I heard that y'know, ole chap, these earlugs o' mine haven't failed me yet, wot wot!" Hunto came over to them with a massive plate of salad, cheese, bread, a few scones, a carrot and turnip turnover, a huge slice of woodland trifle, some pear crumble, some bilberry pancakes with syrup and cream and a beaker of dandelion and burdock cordial. He sat down next to Melba and devoured the carrot and turnip turnover in a matter of seconds. Melba watched in amazement as he ate his salad with surprising speed and started on the crumble.

Melba asked, "How could you eat that much sir?" Hunto answered while nibbling on a scone.

"I just get really hungry at mealtimes. Don't ask me how, even if Im just readin' somethin', I always feel a little peckish. Weird, eh wot?" Melba brought up a subject that interested the gluttonous hare immensely.

"It's soon going to be autumn, and we're going to have our Nameday feast soon, how long 'til, Mama?"

Felia answered, "I think its about a week and a half. I wonder how we're going to get through it without Dayl." There was an awkard silence.

Hunto interrupted it by saying, "Well, if its a feast, I'm jolly goin' to be there, wot! I won't miss it for nothin', absobloomin'lutely nothin', wot!"

Friar Nirpol was walking by just then, and he clapped a paw to his head, remarking, "If that hare is goin' to be at the feast, I'll just go on a holiday on some rainy isle away from that hare. I'd much rather do that then cook for an Abbey for a feast plus a hare!" Everybeast who heard the remark laughed.

Trumin had ordered his weapon master, a fox named Shawrin, to instruct Dayl the use of swords, spears, slings, bow and arrows, and to teach him strategies and skills. Dayl was willing, and he learned quickly. He soon was challenging the best fighters in the clan. Klotch, Trumin's captain, was fighting Dayl. The vermin had formed a ring around them, and Dayl and Klotch were circling each other, blades flickering, looking for an opening. Trumin was watching his Taggerung and his captain. Suddenly Klotch charged at Dayl, and he locked blades with him. They parried and thrust, Klotch with the upper hand. Klotch thrust his rapier at Dayl's head, but Dayl ducked and punched Klotch in the stomach. Klotch wheeled back, gasping for air. That was when Dayl made his move. He charged at Klotch, and Klotch managed just to block his adversary's cutlass from slicing his head off. But he could not block his opponents fierce onslaught. Their blades locked, then Dayl disarmed Klotch with a flick of his wrist. Klotch's rapier flew through the air and landed outside the ring of watchers.

Dayl smiled and said, "D'ye still want to challenge me?" Klotch stubbornly nodded.

But he added, "Yew must fight widout any weapons now, 'cause me rapiers gone. Deal?" Dayl answered by giving his cutlass to Juvern.

He turned back and and said, "I'm ready for ye now." Klotch ran at Dayl with his claws stretched. Dayl skipped to one side and his rudder dealt a blow to Klotch's legs. Klotch collapsed and fell down. He turned over as Dayl's rudder hit the space where he was a moment ago.

Dayl placed his grey footpaw on Klotch's chest and said, "D'ye still want to fight Klotch?" Klotch was panting, and he shook his head. Dayl smiled and took his footpaw off his chest. He helped Klotch up and said, winking at him, "Ye lucky that yer not my enemy, otherwise you'd be dead by now."

Klotch grinned back and said, "Yer a tough riverdog no mistake, mate, we're lucky to have ye in our clan!" Dayl retrieved his matching daggers which Trumin had given to him and cutlass from Juvern and gave Klotch's rapier back.

Trumin walked up to him and said, "Yew are getting very strong for yore age and size Dayl. When yore fifteen seasons, imagine wot yew will be like!" Trumin indicated a few crab apples and some water. "Thats the only thing we got, sorry, yew'll be without some nice food for a few days."

Dayl replied munching an apple, "No problem Chief." He walked over to Juvern, who was leaning against a broad oak. "Did I have a good fight back there mate?" Juvern shook his head in wonder as he hefted his club.

"I've never seen anybeast as strong as yew Dayl. No wonder you're Taggerung!" Dayl laughed, took out his two daggers and started twirling them, a two mini blurring circles of light. His friend watched as he weaved patterns with them, and suddenly he threw both of them at Juvern. Juvern yelled, covering his eyes, not wanting to see where they landed. Thunk! Juvern slowly opened his eyes and saw the blades quivering next to his whiskers. He jumped forward and peered at them.

"Hell's Teeth! They took off some off me whiskers! No wonder yew are Taggerung!" Dayl tugged his fancy daggers out of the tree and put them back in his belt, patting them.

"I'm sure you'll be as good a fighter as me when we're older mate!"

Chapter Five
Skipper and his crew searched for days on end, each time returning to the Abbey fruitless. Skipper was on the verge of giving up, and constantly he wondered where his son was. Abbott Merlo was glad when the feast preparations were beginning, to help Skipper take his mind off things. It was a day before the Nameday feast, and Abbott Merlo had asked him and his crew to make some shrimp and hotroot soup for the feast. Skipper obliged and instead of catching shrimp in the pond, they were frolicking around, splashing water at each other and having a good time. Felia was helping Friar Nirpol and his assitants with Melba to make all the delicious food. Pirrel Barrbrew was sampling drinks with different cheeses. The rest were helping to put up decorations up on the lawn and the Dibbuns' were just playing freely around the pond and eating strawberries from the orchard. Abbott Merlo was thinking about what the Autumn season was to be named. Skipper Romarc had finished catching watershrimp and now sat down with the Abbott in the orchard, sitting under the shade of a damson tree.

Skipper asked, "Whats on yore mind, mate?"

The Abbott replied steadily, "Just thinking up a name for the feast Skip. I have no idea what to call it." Skipper stroked his whiskers thoughtfully.

Then he said, "Well, whats been happenin' over the past few days, Father?"

Abbott Merlo replied knowingly, "Dayl was captured vermin an-I know what we'll call it!"

Skipper chuckled and said, "Aye, the Autumn of Dayl's Capture!" The mention of Dayl filled Skipper with sadness, but he didn't let it show. Suddenly there was a shriek, followed by screaming. Some of the Dibbuns' were playing in the pond. They were supervised by a molemum named Furbee and she was now waving frantically and shouting for help. Skipper jumped up and ran. He was guessing what had happened. He saw Bynio, a small mousebabe, floating on a piece of wood in the middle of the pond, screaming. Then he saw it. A silver fin shining in the sunlight. That could only mean one thing. Grayling! Skipper ran faster and did a long powerful dive over the rest of the Dibbuns' heads. He struck the grayling with his rudder on its head, stunning it. It wasn't stunned for long. It retaliated quickly and charged at Skipper, bulling forward. Skipper swam to the side and dealt a blow with his rudder on the graylings stomach, winding it. But it wasn't finished. One of Skipper's crew, a female called Grentail had fished Bynio out while the fight was on below. Skipper punched the grayling on the eye. It bit him on the rudder and wouldn't let go. Skipper roared with pain, but water came rushing into his mouth. Then a male otter called Trumlin dove in, sensing something was wrong. He saw the grayling and headed straight for it. His rudder hit the grayling on the nose making it release Skipper. Together they wrestled the grayling until it swam away. Skipper was fast losing conciousness, drifting to the bottom. Trumlin towed him along, and they broke the surface, and Skipper was taken to the infirmary. Trumlin nodded at Grentail.

"The liddle tyke alright mate?" Grentail smiled and nodded.

"Right after was tryin' t'bite my paw. Liddle rascal!" Felia came up and plonked herself in between the two.

"He'll be alright after Sister Alkina gives him a dose of her medicine! The feast is nearly ready for tomorrow. If only Dayl was here to enjoy it too." Grentail put an arm around Felia's shoulder.

"Don't worry marm, I'm sure he'll turn up sooner or later." Felia sighed and closed her eyes.

"I hope you're right Grentail." Hunto walked up and sat down next to Grentail.

"Pore Skip. He just had a dose of fizzick! I just went to check on him and he looks green as a frog! Um, you'll excuse me marm, but what kind of food will there be at the feast?" Trumlin playfully whacked Hunto with his rudder.

"Just wait an' see, you greedy hare, you eat way too much!" Hunto feigned hurt, and he stood up.

"Hmph! Not very much help! Just a simple question, wot!" Just then the Matthias and Methuselah bells rang, indicating afternoon tea. Hunto shot off, and nearly collided with Friar Nirpol. The friar looked at him.

"Hello Hunto, I'm guessing you'll be going to Great Hall for tea?" Hunto nodded and shot off again. Friar Nirpol chuckled as his helpers came out from behind the building and set up a buffet on the lawn. Felia, Grentail and Trumlin were leaning on each other laughing.

Friar Nirpol asked with a twinkle in his eye, "What are you three laughin' about then, eh?" Felia doubled up laughing.

"Oh hahahaheehee, you just told Hunto, hahaha, that tea was in, haha, Great Hall!" Friar Nirpol twirled his reddish brown bushy tail, smirking like a Dibbun who escaped bath time.

"At least I don't have to cook for him!" Everybeast sat down and started eating. There was a strawberry and candied chestnut trifle, raspberry cream turnovers, damson tarts, bilberry scones with meadowcream and plum preserve, arrowroot cake, carrot and celery pasties, oat farls, bread with cheese studded with nuts, raspberry jelly, October Ale, strawberry fizz for the Dibbuns', dandelion and burdock cordial, cherry wine and pear cordial. Then out of Great Hall stomped Hunto, with rage on his face.

He confronted Friar Nirpol and said, "You, sah, are a fiend! Telling a chap that tea is in Great Hall! Pish an' tush sir! Cad! How dare y-you tell me that tea is in Great Hall!" Friar Nirpol looked up from his carrot and celery pastie and said, "Well, after you sped off to Great Hall, Father Abbott told me that tea was to be served on the lawns. So I set it up here, and I was so busy I forgot to remind you. I'm dreadfully sorry sir." Hunto was not impressed.

"Hmph! Robbin' a chap of his food. Leavin' somebeast out who has hardly a crumb to keep fur an' bones together. Flippin' ungrateful of y-"

"Excuse me Hunto, please do accept our apoligies, maybe you would like some trifle to make up for it?" Felia asked, holding a plate of trifle out. Hunto immediately grabbed the offered plate of trifle and gobbled it down, leaving some cream on his whiskers and paws.

"Bless ye marm, of course! Er, is that arrowroot cake marm? D'ye think I could have a slice?" Felia cut a piece and let him try it. The hare's eyes lit up and picked some crumbs from his whiskers. "Just nice. Now I'll show you a trick or two." He got two slices of bread with cheese. On one slice he put a carrot and celery pastie, some arrowroot cake, a turnover, an oat farl and a piece of trifle. Then he put the other slice of bread on top, making it a massive sandwich. Everybeast watched in amazement as he ate it with relish, and it was gone in no time. He licked his paws and said, winking at them, "Best snack ever, eh wot!" Then he filled a beaker with some October Ale and drank it in one gulp. He patted his stomach and said, "That fit the bill nicely, wot!"

Shawrin, the weapon master, was reporting to Trumin. The fox shook his head in amazement.

"'E's the quickest learner I've ever seen Chief! He just got a bow and arrow, and fired it all in a split second! And he got bullseye each time! Same with a sling and spear! 'E's a quick runner, swift swimmer, and accurate. I fought him in a sword fight, with wooden swords o' course, and he beat me, prodding me everywhere, even though I used all the tricks I know. He was dodging every single blow I tried, 'e's a good fighter!" Trumin nodded his head in satisfaction.

"Good, good. Today we are going to march back to the ford. That's our main camp. Yew can go now." Shawrin left the tent. Some of the vermin had set up a competition, seeing who could hit a small vervain flower in the middle, growing against the trunk of an elm. A line was drawn on the soil and they had to throw their weapon from that line. The prize was a small cask of some grog. Some tried, but failed. Juvern the ferret, Dayl's friend, threw a dagger. It whizzed through the air and hit the elm, just to the left of the flower. Juvern tugged the blade from the trunk, grinning broadly.

"I'm winning so far! Who can beat that, eh?" Nobeast objected.

Then a voice said, "I might be able to, if I give it a go." There stood Dayl, one of his throwing daggers' in one paw. He walked up to the line, then took five paces backward.

The judge, a rat called Grunge, inquired, "Are yew throwin' from there Taggerung?" Dayl nodded and started twirling the dagger. It slowly spun, getting faster until it became a blur to the audience.

They watched as he stayed there for a few moments, then suddenly he shouted, "Hup yaaah!" He threw the dagger. It spun through the air, clearing the distance in the speed of a lightning flash. The audience watched with mouths hanging open as the dagger hit the flower. Grunge scurried to inspect it.

After a few moments, he shouted, obviously overawed, "'E's 'it it! The Taggerung wins!" There were wild cheers from the vermin, and they patted Dayl's back as he went to retrieve his dagger.

Juvern grinned at him and said sorrowfully, "I would love a sip o' that grog, pity, I thought I was the only one who could hit it. Well done mate!"

Dayl put a paw around his shoulder and said, offering the grog to Juvern, "Well, I'm not a grog drinker really. You can have it if ye want."

Juvern gave a shout of joy and hugged Dayl, grabbed the cask and opened it saying, "Are yew sure Dayl?" The otter nodded and Juvern swigged it, a grin plastered on his face. "Thanks pal, yew are a real mate, Dayl!"

Chapter Six
It was time for the Nameday feast! Everybeast was chatting excitedly, combing their fur and whiskers, washing their paws, dressing in a clean smock. The cooks were preparing the food, putting final touches. Dibbuns were being washed, yelling and screaming. Skipper, Melba and Felia tried not to think about Dayl, and set about being busy. Soon everybeast was ready. They went to the orchard and stood by the tables set up. Abbott Merlo rang a bell and they fell silent, waiting for their Abbott to speak.

He spread his paws wide, and said, "Friends, welcome to the feast. This season will be called, 'The Autumn of Dayl's Capture'. Now, a toast to all our good helpers, Friar Nirpol, Felia, Melba, Skipper, Foremole Munjil, and others to numerous to mention. A toast to our helpers!" "To our helpers!" They sipped their drinks. Now the Abbott said the grace.


 * "Grace this table,
 * With food and drink,
 * Flowers filling every corner,
 * Eat your fill but before think,
 * Who helped us grow these fruits,
 * And helped us make our October Ale?
 * Why Mother Nature of course,
 * Every breeze and rain and gale,
 * Was made by Mother Nature. Amen."

"Amen." The Abbeybeasts sat down and filled their plates high with various foods. There was nutbread with fruits and nuts inside, bilberry scones with thick Abbeycream and plum preserve, a massive pot of shrimp and hotroot soup, deeper'n'ever pie, a leek and mushroom stew, a huge woodland trifle, mint potato and leek pasties, fruit flans, celery and carrot turnovers with onion gravy, apple puddings, summercream pudding with syrup poured over it, damson tarts, pear and rhubarb crumble, arrowroot cake and other delicacies. There was October Ale, strawberry fizz, cold mint tea, pennycloud cordial, apple cider, damson wine, greensap milk, horsechestnut cider, pear cordial, dandelion and burdock cordial, elderberry wine, plum cider and many others. The Dibbuns ran around the tables, snatching food off and smearing their face and paws with whatever food they got.

"Hmm, plum pudden, my favourite!"

"Anythin' is yore favourite food Hunto, anythin'!

"Here Felia marm, have some crumble!"

"Thank you Grollen, heres some trifle!"

"Melba, I saved some scones for you before they got eaten up by Hunto!"

"Thanks Swerl, I love scones!"

"Have shrimp and hotroot soup Skip, and a beaker of October Ale, they go well together!"

"Thanks mate, I'd have died if there hadn't been any left!"

"Try some stew Sister Velio, its very good!"

"Thank you Pirrel, I'm sure it is!"

Soon everybeast had stopped eating except Hunto, who was finshing some pudding. They watched as he demolished a leek and mushroom turnover, followed by some scones, salad, a flan, a slice of cheese, some bread, and then when he had finished all that, he got a beaker filled to the brimm with some elderberry and plum cider and drank it in one draught, finally satisfied.

Skipper put his paws to his mouth and shouted, "Walltop race everybeast! Sign up now if ye want to be in it!" There was a rush as Melba, a mousemaid called Fidapi, a hedgehog named Jukil, a squirrelmaid called Sarlo, an otter called Bretor, Felia, Binna, a squirrel, a middle aged hedgehogmaid called Hirlga and a mouse named Bron signed up for the battlements. The Dibbuns, Foremole Munjil, a few other moles, Swerl, Brill, Friar Nirpol, his assistant, a quiet squirrelmaid called Frella signed for the ground race. They took their places.

Brother Nyton, a hedgehog, who was the starter, shouted, "Ready...On y'marks...Get set...Go!" They shot off, starting at the north wall. Melba was neck to neck with Sarlo, Bretor, Binna and Bron. On the ground Friar Nirpol was in the lead with Foremole Munjil, Frella, Brill and Swerl slightly behind. They were now on the east walltop. The Dibbuns were running willy nilly, some stopped by the strawberry patch, others ran the other way, a few started playing by the pond, and a few were still running. Sarlo, Binna, Hirlga, Melba and Bron were on the south walltop now. Frella had caught up with Foremole and Friar Nirpol, and they tried to over take each other. Sarlo, Bron, Binna and Melba were racing, panting heavily. They were on the west walltop, when Melba, Binna and Sarlo sprinted full blown to the finish line. Bron was slightly behind, and he put all his strength and stamina to his footpaws, sprinting in front of the rest and across the finish line. Frella and Friar Nirpol were coming to the finish line, when Friar Nirpol put on a bit of extra speed. Frella gave a great leap and landed on the finish line, a pace before Friar Nirpol. Brother Nyton held both the winner's paws up and shouted, "Bron and Frella win the race!" There were great cheers and back slapping, followed by drinks to celebrate. Next was the greased pole competition, the prize a huge packet of candied chestnuts. Mainly the Dibbuns took part, and some young ones like Swerl and Brill. They teamed up with Frella, and stood on top of each other. Brill was at the bottom holding the pole, while Swerl clambered up onto his shoulders and stood there, while Frella climbed on top of Swerl, trying to reach for the packet. She was desperately trying to get the packet, which was only a few inches from her fingers. Then the squirrelbabe Rena climbed on top and took a leap, and grabbed the candied chestnuts, but the packet could not come off, leaving her dangling by the candied chestnuts. Then Frella jumped and snatched both the packet and the Dibbun, landing on the soft mat which was under them for safety.

"Frella, Brill, Swerl and Rena win the candied chestnuts! Divide it by four." It was getting to late afternoon, and now there was entertainment. Sister Velio got out a reed flute and played a little ditty. She had a jolly voice, and sang prettily.


 * "There was a mousemaid, called Primlin,
 * Whose friend was a frog, I'm sad to say,
 * Her mama was cruel, her papa was greedy,
 * She was beaten and whipped everyday!
 * Then one day she ran away,
 * And left a little note,
 * It said 'I'm off for a journey,
 * With me hat and me rotten coat!'
 * Her parents cried, all night of course,
 * For their daughter that ran away,
 * They forgave her and said when she came back,
 * 'We'll feed ye and pamper ye anyday!"

The Sister winked at the Dibbuns and said, "Thats why yore mama's look after ye so well!"

A small mousebabe wrinkled his nose and said, waving his tiny paws around, "But our muvvers are crool, 'cos dey make us have a baff!" There was a moment's silence, then everybeast who had heard the remark cracked up laughing.

Melba clapped her paws and shouted, "Lets do 'Dancing in the Reeds!'" Skipper's crew whooped and jumped up, grabbed paws, formed a circle and waited until an otterwife called Teloni got the notes on her flute. She nodded in satisfaction at the tune and did a brief introduction. Then the dancing and singing started.


 * "C'mon mates, lets dance in the reeds,
 * You stand here and I'll stand there!
 * Clap your paws, stomp yore feet, turn and bow,
 * Around once more and jump like a hare!


 * Dancing in the reeds, in the reeds,
 * Twirling and swirling in the light,
 * Wave yore rudder, tap yore snout, hop once more,
 * Lets dance in the reeds until its night!"

They did it again as an encore, but faster, and they collapsed laughing on top of each other, calling for drinks. Some dandelion and burdock cordial was brought out, and raspberry cream pudding with honey poured over it for anyone who wanted something to nibble on. Hunto took a slice big enough for two Dibbuns to live on for a two days. He poured so much honey on it that it looked like it was swimming in the sweet liquid! He took a huge spoonful and drank a beaker of dandelion and burdock cordial all in one go. Candles were lit and the entertainment continued through to near midnight, when the Dibbuns were being carried off to bed. They cleared up and went inside Great Hall. Skipper Romarc threw a paw around his daughter and wife's shoulders.

Melba said, "The feast was great! I wish Dayl was here though."

"It would have been better. Dayl would have loved it." A great yawn escaped from Melba's lips.

Felia ushered her up to the dormitories calling, "Can you help Friar Nirpol take out the loaves and scones from the ovens for breakfast?" Skipper nodded and went to the kitchens, wandering where his son was at that very moment.

Chapter Seven
The Juskamor had wandered back to the ford. They arrived when it was twilight, and they set up tents. Some started fishing for any dace or trout by the river bank. Others went foraging for berries and edible roots, and any herbs they could find. Sitting in one part of the camp were two squirrels, chained to an oak. They sat there slumped, unconscious. One was a small squirrelbabe, a Dibbun. The other was a young squirrelmaid. Dayl presumed that the squirrelmaid was the sister of the younger one, though he felt sorry for them. Suddenly the squirrelmaid came to and clasped her paws to her head, moaning and groaning pitifully.

"Ooh, my head hurts! Where am I?" She glanced at the squirrelbabe. She cried as she saw the bruise on the babe's forehead. One of the guards, a stoat called Wipback, started prodding her into silence with his spear.

"Silence, treemouse! Otherwise me spear will do it for yew!" The stoat kept prodding her until Dayl shoved his way over until he was by the squirrelmaid's side.

"Leave them be mate. Be about yore duties." Wipback nodded and returned to the campfire. Dayl squatted in front of the squirrelmaid. There was something in his eyes that told her to trust him.

She held her silence until Dayl asked, "What's yore name and how old are ye?"

She trembled as she whispered, "Rosie, I'm ten seasons and this is my brother, Sholler. Um, could you please get some herbs for my brother's bruise?" Dayl nodded and returned a while later, carrying some dockleaves and sanicle. Rosie set to work. Soon that was a bandage to Sholler's head, and she nodded gratefully at Dayl.

"Thanks. May I know where we are?"

Dayl answered, "You are in the Juskamor's camp, in Mossflower."

She asked, "But you're an otter. What's an otter doing in a vermin camp?"

"I don't know. Long story mate. I have no idea what's going to happen with you an' yore brother, but I'm sure you'll be free soon. Don't worry, I'll talk with our chief and see wot he says." The squirrelmaid sighed.

"I wish we were at our home. Our mum died y'see, our dad had to looked after us. We lived in the Northlands, a terrible place. Then one day our dad took us away from there. There was cannibal toads and lizards who took over, we had to flee. We made our home just south of here, then we were captured by your clan, dad was collecting firewood." Dayl listened to the squirrelmaid's sad tale. He felt sorry for them.

He winked at Rosie and asked, "How old is yore brother?"

Rosie promptly replied, "Two seasons a week ago."

"I'll go see our chief an' see what's going to happen with you an' young Sholler." He walked into Trumin's tent. Trumin was drinking some grog that he had found amongst the crew.

He looked up and said, "Yes Dayl?"

"What will happen to the two prisoners?"

"I don't know. I guess we could keep them. Whadda'ya say, Taggerung?"

Dayl scratched his head as if he was thinking and replied, "I says we keep 'em alive. Feed them and give them water. Doesn't harm us does it?" Trumin shook his head and continued drinking his grog. Dayl walked back to anxious Rosie.

"Ye won't get killed Rosie. You're being kept alive. Lucky, eh?" Rosie sighed in relief. She looked up at Dayl.

"Thanks. By the way, what's your name?" Dayl was beginning to like the squirrelmaid.

"Dayl Juskamor Taggerung, but just call me Dayl. I'm ten seasons too!" The squirrel's eyes widened.

"Taggerung?" Dayl raised an eyebrow.

"You know what a Taggerung is?" Rosie nodded vigorously and explained.

"Our dad told us." Juvern came striding over.

He looked at Rosie then at Dayl saying, "Wot are yew doin', Dayl mate?"

"Talkin' t'Rosie." Juvern looked at Rosie suspiciously then laughed. He extended a paw and bowed, making what he thought was an elegant leg.

"Welcome to the Juskamor camp Rosie mate, me'n'Dayl 'ere will look after ye! I'm Juvern." Dayl pushed his friend over and laughed, making Juvern fall into the ford. Dayl pulled him out, dripping wet. Rosie and Dayl laughed at Juvern, who was mock scowling at Dayl.

Rosie said, grinning, "I think we'll be great pals, eh?"

Laughing, Juvern replied, "I don't normally make squirrels me friends, but yes, we'll be great friends forever!"

Everyday since Dayl's capture, Melba had been asking Martin the Warrior where her brother was. Each time he had not answered. Melba would stand on the cold stone floor, waiting, until she decided that he would not reply to her. One day, she stood there, waiting patiently. She yawned from lack of sleep and focused her eyes on Martin's sword. It was an awesome weapon, from is lethal sharp blade, to its red pommelstone. She gazed at it, going over in her mind its history and its bearers. Dandin, Samkin, Matthias, Mattimeo, Martin II, Arven, Dannflor Reguba, Deyna, and when she reached Deyna, she remembered from Abbeyschool that he had once been a Taggerung. She told herself that her brother was a Taggerung, the mighty warrior of a clan. Did Martin nod, as if agreeing that Dayl was a warrior? Or was it just a breeze? She sighed and went to the kitchens to help her mother make lunch.

Chapter Eight
It had been seven seasons since Dayl had joined the Juskamor. He was now a fully grown otter, muscular and sinewy, deadly with any weapon that touched his paw. Rosie and her brother Sholler, now nine seasons, were allowed to wander freely around the camp, provided that they didn't escape and didn't cause any mischief. Dayl, Juvern and Rosie had become close friends over the seasons, seen everywhere together unless one of them had to do something for Trumin or the crew. Juvern had discarded his wooden club; he now carried a scimitar, which suited him well. He was not as tall as Dayl, nor was Rosie. Sholler had learnt to be a healer; he learned quickly and willingly, taught by Zarol, the old Seer vixen. Dayl had taught Rosie how to use a sling, and soon she was a deadshot with it. Most of the clan had got plumper, just drinking grog and eating fish. Dayl and Juvern did not. They practised fighting regularly with wooden swords or their daggers. Usually Rosie watched them, cheering each of them on. Most of the time Dayl won, but he would go easy other times and let Juvern win. They were both fearsome fighters, both never having killed a living being before. Trumin had gained twoscore and a half of recruits over the seasons, not gaining much because of the fact he was not known around the land much and that he had grown slightly fatter. He swaggered about, giving orders, swigging wine and tearing at fish with his teeth. Dayl and Juvern had come to dislike him, though they never showed their contempt. He had grown more harsher, angrier, always giving punishments if things weren't done his way.

One day Trumin was toying with his cutlass, when a rat guard came panting up and said, "Chief! We found a few mousies that we took prisoner. Shall we show yew?"

"Bring 'em 'ere Bloodclaw. I'll deal with them!" Bloodclaw saluted and came back with two mice who were huddling together, frightened at the sight of Trumin. Most of the crew had heard about the prisoners and they watched as the trembling mice were forced to kneel in front of him, terrified with tears running down their faces.

Trumin asked harshly, "Who are yew mousey?" The older one, a male mouse, looked at Trumin in the eyes, gritting his teeth but fearful inside.

"I am Prengal, and this is my sister Daffie. What do you want with us, vermin?" Trumin raised his eyebrow and chuckled evilly.

"Hoho, tough are yew? I'll show yew tough when I'm done with yew! Yew'll be crying for yore mammas! Where do yew live?" Prengal closed his eyes and sighed, clamping his mouth shut. Trumin saw this and he beckoned to two ferrets.

"Grogtail, Mudbail, tie this mouse to that rowan over there. Give 'im twenty strokes o' the whip. We'll see if yew can talk after that, eh?" He turned to the small mousemaid.

Prengal was dragged off shouting, "Don't tell 'em anythin' Daff! Absolutely nothin'! D'ye hear? Don't tell the blaggard anythin!" He was swiftly bound to the tree by the strong ferrets, and they whipped him across his chest, face, arms and legs. In the end he was covered in gashes and cuts, blood pouring out of them. Still he was silent, glaring hatred at his captor.

"Now, liddle mouseymaid, where do yew live, eh? Yew can trust me, I won't harm yew. C'mon, don't yew trust me?" Trumin asked, stroking his blade. The mousemaid shuddered but kept silent, thinking what her fate would be. Trumin poked her neck with his cutlass, whispering softly, his voice deadly.

"I'll give yew one hour. If yew don't answer by then, then I'll slit yore throats, both of yew!" He signalled for the two unfortunate mice to be tied to the rowan, hanging by their paws on a broad limb. Dayl felt sorry for them, hanging helplessly. Trumin came up to him and chuckled, rubbing his paws together. Rosie, Juvern and Dayl had watched the whole thing on the sidelines, watching it in silence.

"Been a while since I killed a living thing. Dayl, me ole Taggerung, would ya like somethin' t'kill t'night? A few mousies p'raps?" Dayl immediately caught on. He was stunned; he would soon have to kill somebeast!

He blustered for answers, "Well, er, uh, I don't, um, know if I really want to, er, Chief..." Something in his eyes told Trumin that it was obvious Dayl didn't want to do it.

He threw a paw around Dayl's shoulder, cackling, "Cummon matey, it'll be fun! I promise yew, it'll do yew good! Its time you slew somethin', yew're a warrior remember? Set an example to the younger ones, teach 'em how a real warrior does it!"

"No, you do it Chief, I'm sure it'll be more fun to you than me!" Trumin stared at him in disbelief, then shook himself.

"Alright, I'll do it. I haven't killed anythin' in five seasons!" He walked to his tent and began sharpening his blades for the execution... if there was going to be one. Rosie, Sholler and Juvern had heard Dayl refusing to kill the captives. They walked over to him acted as if nothing happened.

"D'yew know wots happenin' with the prisoners, Dayl?" Dayl nodded and looked in Trumin's direction.

"Aye, and its not good. Trumin asked me to kill them, but I refused. He's gonna kill 'em himself!" There was a gasp from Rosie. She looked in the Prengal and Daffie's direction, shaking her head.

"Poor things. We have to help them! But how?"

Dayl clenched his paws. "I don't know. We could help them escape I suppose, but not now. We'd get caught instantly by the guards."

At Redwall Skipper Romarc, Felia and Melba were relaxing by the pond's surface, breathing in the spring air after the day's hard work. They often wondered about Dayl, though they never spoke about him or mentioned his name. To them it was too hard to forget him, he was always at the back of their mind. They wouldn't say if he was dead or alive, though somewhere in their hearts they believed he was alive. Hunto flopped down next to them and skimmed a pebble out on the water. It bounced five times, making Skipper pick up a stone and fling it across the pond. It skipped seven times, and Skipper smiled triumphantly.

"Hoho, I beat you Hunto!" He turned to Melba and Felia. "You try." Melba picked up a flat pebble and threw it wildly. It hit and bounced six times.

Hunto sighed and said, "I was always bad at skimmin' stones. I say you chaps, I'm absoflippinlutely hungry, wot!" Skipper smiled at the hungry hare.

"You feedbag, stop thinkin' about food all the time! Dinner will be ready soon, so don't go runnin' willy nilly all over the kitchens and steal!"

At that moment, Friar Nirpol came outside and shouted, "Dinner's ready! Come and get yore vittles!"

Hunto sprinted off towards Great Hall, saying, "Good! I'm bally famished like a lizard who hasn't eaten in a whole bloomin' season!" Skipper groaned as he tried to catch up with the sprinting figure.

"Oh no, look out, he's goin' t'clear all the food before we even reach there! Cummon mates, hurry and lets get our dinner afore he eats it first!" They took off and when they arrived, Hunto was already eating. His plate was so high with food you could only see the tips of his ears! He had a huge slice of trifle, lots of salad, some scones with blackberry preserve and meadowcream, a massive mushroom and carrot pastie, a raspberry and apple crumble, plum pudding with syrup poured over it and a few damson tarts with a beaker of dandelion and burdock cordial to top it all off. The food was vanishing into the hare's mouth rapidly, and soon the plate was empty. He looked around for more food but saw the stern Sister Alkina watching him. He decided he would go and get more cordial and snatched a few candied chestnuts from a bowl. Everyone was either laughing, eating or drinking, patting each others backs. Abbott Merlo watched this. He knew that soon he would have to step down as Abbott and pick another Abbess or Abbott. The problem was he had no idea who he was going to choose!

Chapter Nine
It was near twilight. The Juskamor were getting ready to watch the execution of Prengal and Daffie, who had not spoken a word to Trumin or the guards. Everybeast crowded around as Trumin strode through the crowd, his cutlass in its scabbard. He confronted the frightened mice, and the clan grew silent. Dayl, Rosie and Juvern were watching at the front. They had racked their brains for a plan until they could not think clearly. They watched as Trumin drew his cutlass, tickling the throat Prengal. The young mouse looked at Trumin in the eye.

Trumin brought his face close to Prengal's, and hissing in a soft voice, "Well, me liddle mousey, are yew ready to speak or ready to die?" Prengal shut his eyes and felt Trumin's breathe on his face.

"I'll give yew one last chance, otherwise its bye bye to yew! Now, tell me, where do yew live?" Prengal opened his eyes and glared at Trumin, his voice angry.

"I will never tell you where I live, vermin. Go on, kill me! But you will never find out where my home is!"

Dayl saw the stoat raise his cutlass for the kill, and suddenly the mouse who had visited him in his dreams seven seasons ago, appeared and said urgently to him, "Save them Dayl!" The strong otter ran towards Trumin and bulled into him, shouting, "Noooooo!" Trumin's cutlass accidently sliced through the ropes holding Prengal and Daffie.

"Run for it!" Dayl whispered to them, and they fled into the shadows wordlessly. Trumin was on the ground, lying on his back, stunned by the fall. Dayl pressed his grey footpaw on Trumin's chest, and said to him, "I stopped you from killing them because they do not deserve to die, you've grown too bossy for your own good Trumin. I'm leaving the Juskamor forever! I'm no longer yore Taggerung from now on!" He brought his cutlass hilt down on Trumin's head, making him fall unconcious. Dayl walked backwards, his blade flickering. "Try to chase me, and I'll kill you all." He melted into the shadows. Rosie, Sholler and Juvern quickly sprinted towards him, leaving behind an unconcious Chieftain, and the clan that they had stayed in for several seasons. They caught up with Dayl, who had found Prengal and Daffie hiding in some bushes.

"Its alright, I'm no vermin, I'm an otter." He looked up and saw Juvern, Sholler and Rosie. "Hi mates." He introduced them one by one, and they were chatting as if they had been friends for a long time.

"Where do you live Prengal?" Rosie asked.

"We live in just north from here, but we were attacked by a few rats, so we had to go," Prengal said. Dayl looked up at the moon.

"We have to travel fast. Trumin will be after me when he wakes up. He'll have a rare ol' headache. If he wakes soon, we have to hide. But if he's searching for us, where will we hide?"

"Hide from what, young 'un?" a voice said. Then a old squirrel popped out of the ash that the group were walking under. He looked at them one at a time, and when he decided they were not vermin, he introduced himself. "I am Varbol Strongbow, and I'll gladly hide you from whatever you're hiding from." They shook paws with them and walked back to his dwelling while introducing themselves.

"I'm Dayl, and these are my friends Juvern, Sholler, Rosie his sister, Prengal and Daffie. Nice to meet ye sir." He told them what had happened, and Varbol listened carefully. They came to a small cave which was covered by bushes. It was a homely place, and there were weapons that hung on one wall of the cave, and on the other pictures and decorations. Varbol went to a cauldron bubbling over a fire and filled six bowls to the brim with a stew. They ate hungrily and they were served beakers of mint and comfrey tea. He watched as they refilled their own bowls, asking him questions.

"So, Varbol, why do you have so many weapons?" asked Prengal.

"I lived with my family, these were all their weapons. One day we were attacked by a gang of vermin, and most of us got killed. I'm the only survivor. You're welcome to look at their weapons." The group gazed around. There were cutlasses, rapiers, sabres, slings, bows and arrows, spears, axes, pikes and daggers. Daffie yawned and lay down on a rush mat.

"G'night missie, all of ye should be gettin' some sleep too," Varbol said. They lay down and closed their eyes, falling to sleep instantly.

Everybeast were already in their beds at Redwall. They dreamed their own dreams; some dreamed about food and drink, others about what adventures they would have in the future. Melba was not one of these. In her dream she was in the orchard, sitting by the pond's edge. She saw Martin the Warrior glide over the water and stop in front of her, with his great sword in one paw.

He said, "Listen to me Melba. This season will be different from all the others. Listen to me Melba."


 * "Soon this Abbey will go to war,
 * As it has done many times before,
 * Five will come in time of need,
 * They are friends, shelter and feed,
 * One a ferret, a former Juska,
 * Two otters, one a former warrior,
 * Two squirrels, both of same kin,
 * None of them have done any sin!
 * They are fated to come here,
 * By the time an enemy is near!"

Martin faded away and Melba continued to sleep peacefully for the remainder of the night. When she woke up she felt bad, as if something was going to happen. She couldn't recall anything about the dream, or she would've gone straight to her father or Abbott Merlo. She continued to feel that way until she went down to Great Hall for breakfast. She lined up at the end of the queue, with Hunto in front of her. She watched as he piled some salad on to his plate, a bowl of porridge, with dried fruits and berries sprinkled on top, some scones, an apple turnover and a beaker of October Ale. She got her breakfast and sat next to Swerl and Brill.

She asked, "So what are you two up to today?"

Brill replied airily, "Nothin' much. I don't really know what to do. What should we do Swerl?" The mousemaid looked up from her beaker of strawberry fizz.

"Um, we could always help in the kitchens, or pick flowers, or help Pirrel brew October Ale and strawberry fizz, dandelion and burdock cordial, or we could get up to tricks, or we could play with the Dibbuns. Can you think of anything else Brill?" The squirrel shook his head.

"So what do you want to do Swerl?"

"Well, I always wanted to learn how to brew things, do you want to?" Brill finished his breakfast and nodded eagerly. The pair went off, paw in paw, to seek out Pirrel. Melba decided to help her mother in the kitchens. Skipper Romarc was out fishing for watershrimp for some shrimp and hotroot soup. She found her mother helping to make loaves for lunch.

Melba went up to Friar Nirpol and asked, "Could I be of any help here Friar?" The squirrel swept a paw across his forehead.

"Yes please Melba, I could do with some help. After your mother has pulled the loaves from the ovens, help her to make a damson and plum pudding, with lots of meadowcream and honey in it." She obliged cheerfully and helped to mix the ingredients. After that the pudding was a real beauty, with syrup poured over it. They gazed at it admiringly for a few moments.

Then Felia said, "Now, Melba, I'll show you how to make my special fruit pie. Pass the apples please." They put apples, plums, damsons, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and pears, chopped roughly, in a bowl. They made pastry, and they put it on a dish. They spread the mixture of fruits on it, pouring lots of honey over it, so they wouldn't fall apart. They spread the pastry over the top and put it in the oven. When the product was finished, the crust was golden brown, perfectly done. By then it was near lunch, and Friar Nirpol decided to have lunch in the orchard. They set up a buffet on the lawn, near the blooming fruit trees. The Dibbuns were made to wash their paws and faces in the pond, supervised by the elders so they didn't get up to mischief. There was Felia's fruit pie, the damson and plum pudding, a carrot and leek stew, celery and mushroom pasties, shrimp and hotroot soup, deeper'n'ever pie, a strawberry trifle, scones, pear and damson crumble and the freshbaked loaves with cheese studded with chestnuts. To wash it down was hot mint tea, dandelion and burdock cordial, October Ale, strawberry fizz, pear cordial, cowslip wine, elderberry wine, pennycloud cordial and apple cider.

"Hmm, that fruit pie that we cooked was delicious, wasn't it Mama?"

"The best one I've ever cooked so far!"

"Yippee! Me luvly trifle!"

"Don't 'og it all Hunto, leave some fer us too!"

"Nothin' like crumble wid lots of meadowcream over it!"

"Aye, washed down with some October Ale, thats the stuff!"

"Dis is good stoo, me likey it!"

"Troi some o' dis poi Rena, 'tis gurtly tastiful!"

Soon everybeast was chatting and laughing, frolicking in the pond, sleeping or playing games. Abbott Merlo was sitting under his favourite plum tree, listening to the sounds of his Abbey. He kept thinking over and over again. Who to pick to be the next Abbess or Abbott? He was thinking so hard that he didn't notice Pirrel, the Abbey's Cellarhog sit next to him.

"Ahoy there Father, what are ye doin'?

The Abbott looked up, startled, "Oh, what? Oh, er, nothing much, just thinking."

"Thinkin' about what Father?"

"Thinking...oh never mind. Lets go see what the Dibbuns are up to." They strolled over to the Dibbuns, who had made a ball out of moss. They were flinging it all over the place, jumping around. They were in a circle, and there was a few Dibbuns in the middle. They were trying to catch the ball, but failed. Abbott Merlo and Pirrel chuckled. The Abbott Then sat down under a pear tree. Pirrel sat down next to him.

"Ahh, thank the seasons we're not young any more, eh Father? Father?" Abbott Merlo had fallen to sleep. Pirrel quietly got up and tip toed away, so not to disturb him.

Chapter Ten
Dayl woke up around late morning, and he saw Varbol was no where to be seen.

He saw the note on the table and it said, "Gone to get some water. Theres some cordial in the jug and oat farls in the oven. Be back soon. Varbol". He shook his friends awake, and they ate the food hungrily. Soon Varbol came walking in, with canteens and a basket.

He winked at them and said, "Got some stream water. I caught a few trout and dace hangin' about too. That'll do for our lunch." Dayl shook his head.

Sorry mate, we've gotta go. Trumin will be after us."

"Alright Dayl. I'll pack some haversacks for you." They sat silently, and when Varbol finished, he quickly wiped a paw across his eyes, lest the friends saw him sad.

Dayl got up and said, shaking Varbol's paw, "Goodbye mate, good fortunes to ye, mayhaps we'll meet again?"

"Hopefully eh? If ye want, you can take some weapons. Go on, they're good an' strong. Pick one!" Dayl and Juvern didn't need any more, and they waited as Prengal, Daffie, Rosie and Sholler chose some. Prengal chose a dagger and a pike, Daffie a sling, Rosie a sling and bow and arrows and Sholler a dagger. They set off, waving goodbyes to the old squirrel.

Trumin woke up to a aching headache. He was lying in a bed, and when he remembered the previous night's events, he shot up and went outside. His crew was sleeping.

Trumin roared, "Up on yer hunkers, fools! How dare yew sleep away the day! Its near midday and all yew can do is sleep? Get up!" At the first words of Trumin's burst of outrage the clan was up and about, and Zarol walked up with a plate of roasted fish and a beaker of grog.

"Here Chief, some roasted fish for yew!" Trumin grabbed the plate and flung it away, anger blazing in his eyes.

"Yew fool! Why was everybeast sleeping eh? Tell me!" He grabbed Zarol by the throat and shook her. Zarol gurgled and struggled. Trumin realized what he was doing and dropped her to the ground, gasping for breath. He ordered, "Gather the Juskamor an' get ready to march! We're goin' after that coward, Dayl and his pal, Juvern! They're traitors! Cowards!" After a while when everything was organized and ready, Trumin drove his clan onward in the direction that Dayl and his friends had taken. His headache forgotten, they marched until late afternoon. They rested for a while, before they started marching again.

Dayl, Prengal, Rosie, Sholler, Daffie and Juvern sped up their pace, knowing that Trumin was near. They sat down and had some cold cordial and some sandwiches that Varbol had packed for them. They continued walking until they came to a ten of mice, who were quarreling over something. They crouched behind some bushes watching the commotion.

Dayl cautioned his friends, saying, "Stay put mates, they could be dangerous."

But Prengal and Daffie recognised them. They shot out from cover, yelling, "Uncle Mettar! Auntie Poline! Its us, Prengal and Daffie!" The mice stared at them for a moment, then rushed towards them, and hugged them tightly.

"Prengal, Daffie! What happened? Why are you travelling with vermin? Where's your father?" There was a silence.

Prengal said sadly, "Papa is dead. We were ambushed by rats." Then he brightened up. "These are not vermin, they are my friends. Dayl, Juvern, Rosie and Sholler!" They shook paws with each other. Auntie Poline was still suspicious about Juvern and Dayl, but when she saw that they were great friends, she relaxed a little. Prengal and Daffie introduced them to their cousins, and they invited them back to their home. They arrived and saw a little hut made of wood, and they were brought food and drink. Dayl and Juvern explained what had happened, and the mice listened carefully. When they finished, most of them were sorry for the friends. To brighten them up, Uncle Mettar brought out a fiddle and tested it.

"Good tune, nice. Well, Daffie me liddle niece, are ye goin' t'sing a liddle song for us? Don't be shy!" The others started coaxing her on, and she obliged shyly. She had a soft voice, clear as a new day and as pretty as a skylark. Uncle Mettar did a brief introduction, then Daffie started singing.


 * "Over the hills and valleys,
 * Through the wood and the streams,
 * Where flowers bloom and birds do trill,
 * Is where the sunlight beams.
 * My spirit lies in the garden,
 * Of where I used to play,
 * Don't be sad, my little one,
 * Be cheerful each new day."

Uncle Mettar sniffed and sighed.

"Me late brother wrote this liddle song. 'Tis me favourite one too!" Dayl got up and shook Uncle Mettar's paw.

"I'm afraid we've got t'go mate. Trumin gets closer every minute!" Auntie Poline rushed about and filled their haversacks with provisions.

"If you've got to go, you got to go. Good luck go with you!" Juvern looked around and spotted Prengal and Daffie.

"Are yew comin' with us mate, or are yew stayin' here?"

"We'll be stayin' here Juvern. Goodbye friends!" They hugged and soon the four friends set off, laden with provisions.

"Fare ye well friends! Good luck!" The mice stood outside their hut until the four figures were mere dots in the distance.

Trumin had driven his clan hard, and now they lay panting by a small stream. Trumin prowled around, watching his crew as they sipped water gratefully from bowls or beakers. He sat down on a log next to Zarol.

"What have yew seen in yore omens, vixen?" Zarol threw her bones, sticks and shells, closing her eyes.

She opened them and said, "See the red shell, over there?" Trumin nodded. Zarol then lifted a small stick and four ants crawled from under it. She smiled and said, "Those are the ones who we're looking for. Juvern, Dayl, Rosie and Sholler!"

"What happened to the two mousies?" Trumin growled. Zarol shrugged her shoulders and continued.

"Now watch the four ants." The ants crawled in the direction of the red shell, then another ant joined them.

"What does this mean Zarol?" Trumin asked, curious.

"This means they might be going to Redwall Abbey!" Trumin chuckled evilly.

"Good. I was thinkin' of conquering that Abbey. I need reinforcements though. Get a score organized and tell them to gather new-"

"Maybe you would like to help me conquer that Abbey too?" Trumin whirled around, face to face with a fox. The fox smiled disarmingly.

Trumin asked surprised, "Who are yew fox?" The fox bowed.

"I am Brolun the Pike, and I asked, would yew like to join forces and conquer that Redwall Abbey?" Trumin decided he did not like the grey fox, but he did not show it. He sat stroking his chin, thinking of an answer.

Finally he said, "How big is your horde?"

Brolun spread his arms wide and said, "I've got about tenscore. What about yew?"

"Sevenscore and a half. Where do yew camp now?" Brolun waved his paw.

"Just a mile south from here. Would yew consider it friend?" Trumin saw the fox was holding an single bladed axe. He realized if he didn't join Brolun's horde, then he would most probably be killed and then his forces would join Brolun. He turned to Zarol.

"Rouse the crew. We're joining forces with Brolun." He turned back to Brolun. "Lead the way!" After a while they arrived at the camp. Trumin saw that Brolun's horde were much better fighters, his horde was fat and lazy.

"I'll get yew a separate tent," Brolun said. He saw that Trumin's horde backed away from his fighters as they bared their fangs at them. Brolun smiled to himself.

"Scared of a few teeth showing? Huh, a bird would be less frightened than that!" Brolun thought. Now he knew that Trumin's clan were weak fighters.

Chapter Eleven
Melba sat picking at her lunch, wondering what the reason was for her sudden out-of-sorts mood. She couldn't quite put her mind to it, but she decided that she would leave the matter at the back of her mind. Hunto was hovering nearby, watching as Melba made her salad into random patterns on her plate.

"Um, I say ol' gel, er, d'ye mind if I have yore plate o' salad, wot..." Melba pushed her salad towards him, and he dashed off with it, shouting, "Thank the fates that there are souls as kind as you to make a chap happy and his tum full o' good food, most charitable of ye, miss!" He collided with Skipper, making him upset the plate of food all over the floor.

Hunto gulped as Skipper lifted him clear off the floor by his collar, and shook him, saying, "Pray, tell me Hunto, who gave ye permission to eat some more, eh? You've eaten four portions of woodland trifle, two bowls of carrot and celery soup, an over heaped plate of salad, seven scones with honey, two mushroom an' leek pasties, two raspberry and apple turnovers an' to top all that off two, no make that three, three full flasks of dandelion and burdock cordial. What do ye have t'say fer yoreself, ye great empty sack on legs? Should I make ye drown in the pond?" Hunto shook his head vigorously and Skipper released him, watching as he scurried outside into the orchard. He and Melba bent to pick up the salad which lay strewn on the stone floor. A few minutes later they were still picking the lettuce leaves up when Hunto was dashing back into Great Hall, holding a mint potato and cheese pasty in one paw. Friar Nirpol came sprinting in, waving his ladle at the gluttonous hare.

"Come back, ye greedy hare, or you'll feel my wooden ladle on ye! Those pasties are for dinner!" Hunto then saw Skipper and Melba ready to catch him. He swerved to the side but Skipper tackled him to the floor. Melba picked the pasty from his paws and returned it to Friar Nirpol, who was panting heavily. Skipper hauled Hunto roughly off the ground by his ears, and gave him a severe lecture. Melba and Friar Nirpol fell about laughing at the scared face of Hunto and the outrageous face on Skipper.

"You great big famine foodbag, what made ye think you have a right to steal from the kitchens, eh? You've eaten so much I think ye deserve a blinkin' physick from Sister Alkina! A few doses of nettle compound with squashed dockleaf and agrimony shouldn't harm ye! Come now sir, if ye hadn't stolen from the kitchens then this wouldn't have happened at all!" Hunto was half dragged half marched to the infirmary, protesting loudly.

"I say Skip, put me down, you great thicktailed riverdog lump! Agghh, don't bring me to the flippin' infirmary sir, be like yore daughter here, kind and considerate, eh? Put me down at once! I'm not going to be bloomin' fizzicked by that ole relic again sah! Yaaggghh!" He struggled and kicked wildly but to no avail, and the infirmary door slammed shut, followed by shouts of Hunto. Melba and Friar Nirpol giggled helplessly. A few minutes later Hunto came charging out and grabbed the now cold pasty from Friar Nirpol and shoved it into his mouth, grimacing from the taste of the foul concoction.

"I say, grmmff mmmff, this pasty tastes nice after that, sninch grmmm, 'orrible fizzick, never take a fizzick from that, snch grrawwff, ole mouse relic, ever!"

The four companions travelled until sunset, making camp by a great elm. They built a campfire, and warmed oatcakes and apples and drank fruit cordial. They sat eating silently, watching the sun go down behind a hill. They began talking about their old days with the Juskamor, laughing at funny memories.

"Remember when Klotch got a termite sting on his footpaw? Zarol had to bandage it up and all the way Klotch was screaming like a madbeast! I swore that he would've won a compettion for the loudest and highest scream!" Juvern said, laughing.

"Aye, Zarol nearly got kicked and battered by him. After that Klotch kept glaring at Zarol, his face looked like it would bring the world crashing down on us," Rosie giggled. They grew silent once more, each other in their own thoughts.

A while later Sholler asked, "Dayl, why did you save Prengal and Daffie?" Dayl stared into the fire and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know really. Before Trumin struck, a mouse warrior flashed in my vision. He had a great sword in his paw. He said to me, "Save them Dayl!" Then the next thing I now is I smash into Trumin, then you now the rest." He changed the subject. "C'mon mates, we should be gettin' some sleep. I'll take first watch, Juvern second, Rosie and Sholler third. I'll wake you guys up at dawn or a little bit later. G'night!"

"G'night Dayl mate, have a nice first watch! Don't fall asleep!"

"Aye, otherwise we'll wake up and batter you! Goodnight!" A few minutes later they were snoring. A thought suddenly sprang into Dayl's mind. Who were his parents? He pondered this for a while. Did I have a sister or a brother? Where did I live? Who am I? Two hours later Juvern woke up and relieved his friend. Dayl fell into a deep sleep. In his dreams he was in a red stone building, and there were three otters, one an ottermaid, one a full grown male and the other a female. Then the mouse warrior strode up to Dayl.

"Do you still not remember me Dayl?" Dayl shook his head. The mouse pointed his sword at the otters. "Do you remember them?" Again, Dayl shook his head. "They are your kin Dayl. Go to the red stone building. Remember their faces!" The dream faded, and Dayl was left to dream a dark, dark sleep.

Brolun had his guards set up a tent for Trumin and Zarol. They sat eating a fish porridge and swigging ale. They had just finished when a rat guard came in without acknowledging them.

Trumin rose and snarled, "Don't just come in without knocking, rat! What do yew want?" The rat looked in Trumin's eyes and spoke without apologizing.

"My Chief would like to see you in his tent now." Trumin brushed aside the rat. He walked into Brolun's tent. Brolun looked up and greeted him with a cold smile.

"Now, we are a day's march away from the Redwall Abbey. When we reach about five minutes from it, I will send out scouting patrols. They will see if the Abbey has any real warriors, anybeast who can defeat us. They will look for ways in there. Agreed?"

"Agreed. What next?" Trumin asked.

"We parley with them, ask them to surrender, see if they have any great treasure. If they don't surrender, we make war on them. Are yew with me?" He held out his paw. Trumin wordlessly held out his paw and shook paws with Brolun. Brolun was about to leave the tent when Trumin stopped him.

"Am I still in charge of my clan?" The fox smiled.

"Why of course, my friend, yew are leader of yore horde." Trumin left the tent. The sly fox stroked his axe, whispering to it. "In less than a day I'll be in charge of yore clan, my foolish stoat friend. Yew'll be left for the ants when I'm done with yew!"

Chapter Twelve
Dayl woke up an hour after dawn. He rekindled the fire and set out leek and potato pasties with beakers of cordial. He gently shook his friends awake.

"Wake up mates, we have to get travellin' soon." Juvern yawned and eyed the pasties.

"Aww, I was havin' a nice dream there. After we've had brekkist, where do we travel to?" Dayl shrugged his shoulders as he bit into his pastie, gravy dripping out.

"Anywhere, away from Trumin. D'ye know if theres a place nearby Rosie?" The squirrelmaid took a sip out of her cordial.

"Well, I do remember my father saying that theres a place called Redwall Abbey. I remember he told me that it was huge, with lots of good food and drink, babes to play with, and endless joy." Sholler watched as Juvern wolfed down his pastie.

"Well, then lets get travellin'!" They packed up and continued walking. Dayl took out his matching pair of daggers and started twirling them slowly, looking for a target. He saw a rowan and speeded up his spinning. He threw them suddenly and they thudded into the trunk, quivering. Sholler and Rosie shook their heads in amazement as he tugged them out.

Juvern was still full of wonder for his friend, yet he remarked casually, "That was a good throw mate. Though I'm still mystified on how yer do it."

"Aye, best one I've ever seen. Better than anybeast at my holt!" They whirled around at the voice. A pretty ottermaid came out from some bushes. She was wearing a plain blue dress and a leather belt, a throwing knife in it. Across her back were two scabbards, twin swords thrust in them. Dayl could not help but stare at her. She was the prettiest otter he had ever seen, from her blue eyes to her light brown fur. He did not notice Juvern introducing them.

"I'm Juvern, this is Rosie and Sholler, and thats my mate Dayl. Dayl an' I were formerly of the Juskamor, we ran away. What about yew?" He nudged Dayl. Dayl snapped out of his trance and blushed, embarrassed. The ottermaid looked at him and smiled.

"I'm Brendila Rivergale, from Holt Rivergale, but call me Bren. My father's the Chief. I ran away too, 'cause my holt's law is that ottermaids have to be at least twenty seasons old to fight, while the male otters can be fourteen seasons to be able to fight in battles. My uncle gave me these swords, said that no matter how old you are, you can still be a warrior. My parents say that I'm too young to kill and take part in battles, which is true if its my holt's law. I'm only sixteen seasons and a half. But I want to be a warrior and have adventures! Not wait until I'm twenty seasons old. I'm not goin' to pick flowers and cook for three and a half seasons more!" She changed the subject. "So, where are you guys goin'?"

Sholler replied, "Redwall Abbey!" Brendila's eyes became dreamy.

"Redwall! I've always wanted to go there! Can I come with you?" Juvern bowed.

"Always like to make new friends, mate. You're comin' with us!" They continued their journey, Juvern and Dayl telling their new friend about their life with the Juskamor.

When Melba woke up that morning she still had that same feeling, though only stronger. She was sitting in the orchard watching everything around her when her father flopped down beside her.

He said, "Whats wrong Mel? D'ye feel sick or somethin'?"

Melba answered, "No, but I've had this weird feeling for a few days. I don't know what it is though."

Skipper put a paw on her shoulder and said, "Forget it Mel. Today is a good day, I can feel it in my rudder. Enjoy it me beauty!" Melba rose with a sigh.

"Alright, but I can't get rid of it. It gets stronger by the minute!" They walked to the kitchens. As they neared they could hear a commotion inside.

"Get out of my kitchens, all of you Dibbuns, especially you, Huntilop Crunsaw Kerscutt! Out, I said!" In a rush they were bowled over by the Dibbuns and Hunto, all of them covered in flour and ingredients. Out came Friar Nirpol, Foremole, Felia and Frella, waving ladles at the raiding party. Friar Nirpol glared at Hunto furiously. Hunto quivered under the squirrel's outraged face.

"You should be ashamed of yoreself, you gluttonous hare, leadin' a raidin' party with the Dibbuns into my kitchens! Setting a bad example to the young 'uns, should be thoroughly ashamed of yoreself, sir! Oh no, don't give me that innocent look, Hunto, it wasn't any of the babes' fault, 'twas all yore idea and you lead them! Between you and the Dibbuns' you upset a sack of flour, spilt soup all over the floor, gravy on the walls, jam smeared on the tables, fruits and nuts fallen everywhere, and honey on every single handle! Why, y-y-you hare!" He stomped his footpaw down angrily. Skipper, now having heard the full story, grabbed Hunto by the ears and yanked him off the floor.

Skipper roared at him, "You great big glutton! Lots of washing greasy pots an' pans fer you today! Clear this mess in the kitchens up, make sure everything is scrubbed thoroughly! Also, a wash for you would be good! These Dibbuns too! Sweep the infirmary thoroughly, make the beds in the dormitories, otherwise you'll be physicked by Sister Alkina or drowned in the pond by me!" The Dibbuns started giggling, but stopped when Frella, Melba and Felia herded them into the Abbey.

"What are you guys laughing about? 'Tis no joking matter, its bath time for you!"

"Aye, with lots of soap and a scrubbing brush. Lookit the mess of you lot! Don't fall behind, otherwise we'll bathe ye twice!" With that threat the Dibbuns fled squeaking, not wanting to be washed two times. Skipper and Foremole made Hunto wash the flour off then pushed him towards the kitchens, watching sternly as he wash and scrubbed the walls, floor and tables. After that, he swept the infirmary, watched by Skipper. Then he made the dormitory beds. When he had finished, he was sorry that he had even come into the kitchens. He fell to his knees and sobbed in front of Skipper.

Skipper eyed him and said, "Well, are you ready to apologize or do ye want more chores?"

"Yaagghh, I'm sorry, very bloomin' sorry. I won't ever raid the kitchens, ever again! I'll never put a flippin' footpaw near it again! Ever! Waaaaaa! Spare me!" Skipper felt sorry for the hare and helped him up, half convinced that the hare was true to his word.

"Alright matey, go an' play now, but just don't raid the kitchens!" Frella, Foremole, Felia and Melba sat by the pond's edge. Skipper sat down next to them, putting his paws into the cooling water. Foremole shook his head.

"Hurr hurr, did ye see thoi face on Frior? Hurr, Hunto serpintly learnt his lesson, don't think he'll raid from thoi kitchens, hurr hurr!" Frella nodded.

"Friar Nirpol was so furious, I thought he was going to explode! Poor Hunto, though he did deserve it, the glutton!" A few minutes later Hunto came racing out of the Abbey, a turnover in his paws. Friar Nirpol was chasing him, shouting threats.

"Come back thief! I'll tan the tail off you! I'll chop your ears off! I'll cut off your nose! Come back!" The group put their heads in their paws.

Skipper groaned, "Some creatures never learn!"

Chapter Thirteen
Trumin slept heavily until two hours after dawn. He was woken when Zarol was prodding him and shaking him; he rolled over and snarled at the Seer.

"What d'yew want now vixen?" Zarol shoved a plate of fish in front of him and a beaker of elderberry wine.

"Here's some food Chief. Brolun wants the horde up and ready in an hour's time. After you finished yore brekkist, he said to wake the Juskamor up." Trumin gobbled the fish down and slopped wine into his mouth. He sighed in satisfaction, then stalked outside where the horde lay resting. Brolun was out there; his horde was already having breakfast. Brolun was watching Trumin carefully. He followed close behind as Trumin roared at his crew.

"Wake up, yew sleepyheads! Why are yew sleeping? Yew should be havin' brekkist by now! Hurry up!"

"Thats not how I treat my horde," Brolun said coolly. Trumin whirled around and glared at him.

"I'm in charge of my clan, you're in charge of yores! I'm givin' the orders to my crew! Unless yew want to challenge me for leadership of this horde?" Brolun whipped his axe out. This was the moment he had been waiting for! His horde sniggered.

"A fight to the death ye say? Alright mate, a fight for leadership!" Trumin drew his cutlass and snarled.

"I'm no mate of yore's, fox, come an' deal with me!" Vermin leaped out of the way as Trumin charged towards his opponent. Brolun side stepped and brought his axe crashing down on Trumin's back. The stoat screeched as he fell to the ground. He rolled over as Brolun's axe came down on the place where his head was a moment ago. Trumin jumped up and swung his cutlass as Brolun's head. The fox ducked and punched Trumin in the stomach. Trumin wheeled back, gasping for air. Brolun advanced, baring his teeth into a wild grin. He hacked and chopped at Trumin; the stoat was trying his best to defend himself. Brolun's horde was cheering wildly for their leader; the Juskamor was sitting silently, watching their chieftain. Brolun rained blows on Trumin. They both had huge wounds and gashes. Trumin was backed up on a tree as Brolun raised his axe for the final blow. Trumin's instincts told him to duck, which he did. Brolun's axe thudded into the wood above him. He scrambled out into the open space and stood waiting. Brolun wrenched his axe out and charged at Trumin.

"I am Brolun the Piiiiikkkeee!!" Steel clashed steel; they parried and thrust, waiting for each other to make a wrong move. Then Trumin ducked a blow and slashed Brolun's legs. Brolun retreated and came back with a snarl. Both were getting tired by the second. Trumin tripped over a protruding tree root. Brolun as upon him, and he raised his axe for the kill.

"No one can best me. I will be conquering Redwall Abbey alone! Tell Vulpuz when yew reach Hellgates Brolun the Pike sent yew!" Trumin's head lay severed from the rest of his body. The Juskamor sat silently, knowing from now on that their leader was Brolun the Pike!

The five friends stopped for lunch, seeing the Abbey was in sight. They ate quickly and packed up, eager to get to Redwall. Juvern winked slyly at Dayl and spoke out a challenge.

"Right. Whoever gets to the Abbey last is a smelly toad. On y'marks, set... Go!" They charged off towards the main gate, laughing. Dayl was in front by five paces. Juvern, Rosie, Sholler and Brendila raced after him.

"Slow down, yew thicktailed riverdog! We can't run as fast as yew!"

"Aye, you're a Taggerung, we're not!"

"Cummon mates, lets catch up!" Dayl was waiting for them at the gate. They arrived laughing breathlessly, leaning against the doors to regain their breath. When they had, they let their gaze wander over the walls and the doors.

Dayl shouted, "Ahoy in there! Anybeast home? Hello?"

Melba and Felia were taking their afternoon stroll on the walltops when they heard Dayl shouting. They peered over the battlements and looked at the small group.

"Who's that? Who are you? What do you want at our Abbey?" Felia shouted. Melba was in a world of her own. Her dream came back to her like a thunderbolt.

Dayl answered, "We are not vermin, there are vermin chasing us! I pormise we won't hurt any of your creatures! Please let us in!" Felia sat undecided, but Melba hauled her to her feet.

"Let them in! Quickly!" Felia looked at her in surprise.

"Why?" Melba was swiftly descending to the lawn.

"I'll explain later." She unbarred the gate and opened it. Dayl and the friends stared around, gazing in awe of the Abbey. A group of Redwallers were walking in the orchard. Skipper was one of them. He bounded over to Melba.

He stared at the small group and said to Melba, "Who are these creatures? Why did you let them into our Abbey?" Melba recited the poem Martin had said to her.


 * "Soon this Abbey will go to war,
 * As it has done many times before,
 * Five will come in time of need,
 * They are friends, shelter and feed,
 * One a ferret, a former Juska,
 * Two otters, one a former warrior,
 * Two squirrels, both of same kin,
 * None of them have done any sin!
 * They are fated to come here,
 * By the time an enemy is near!"

Skipper stared at Dayl. He remembered those tattoos. But where? Dayl was staring at Felia, Melba and Skipper. His dream came flooding back.

''Remember their faces! They are your kin!'' Those were the otters in his dream! Juvern, Brendila, Rosie and Sholler were looking at Dayl strangely. He was mumbling under his breath. Skipper suddenly remembered the tattoos. The Juskamor! He went over to Dayl and lifted his face up.

"Who are ye?" Dayl smiled into his face, a tear running down his cheek.

"Father!" Skipper was taken back at what the otter had just said to him. Realization dawned on him.

Skipper smiled through tears, "Son! My son Dayl! You're back!" Felia and Melba realized who the strange otter was. They flung their arms around him.

"Dayl! You've come back! Dayl!" Skipper released Dayl. Juvern looked at Dayl in surprise.

"You know these creatures? But you've been with the Juskamor your whole life!" Dayl shook his head.

"These are my kin Juvern." He explained his dream to his friends. Dayl introduced his friends. "This is Juvern, Rosie and Sholler, we escaped from the Juskamor. This is Brendila Rivergale." They shook paws. Abbott Merlo stepped forward.

"Do you remember me, my son?" Dayl smiled. Memories of his old life came back.

"Abbott Merlo!"

"Tell me Dayl, what happened when you were taken from us?" Skipper asked. Dayl looked at him puzzled.

"I'm not sure. I remember waking up in a cave, not remembering who I was."

"You must have had amnesia then," Abbott Merlo said. Skipper lead them back to the Abbey, talking. Dayl fell behind the others, next to Brendila.

"I faintly remember this place. This was my old home Bren. Would you like to live here?" Brendila took his paw in her paw and squeezed it.

She whispered, "I would love that Dayl." Dayl blushed slightly.