User blog:SaynaSLuke/The Prophecy Fulfilled

By Sayna

When thought it is, strife is no more,

And lazy summer sun shines down,

An evil holdeth western shore,

While kings and queens must find their crowns.

Though snow white lord and evil queen,

Do both lie still in death,

The offspring of one,

Good will shun,

Hating light to their last breath.

The gold mouse maid and her true love,

As well as brother bold,

Must war long with the warlord's son,

Where sun turns sea to gold.

Far in the west, three rulers fight,

And one will stay behind.

But even where all seems at peace,

There is the dark of night.

A long lost father shall be found,

Near tallrocks by the sea.

Though old one knows where hide the crowns,

A blue one holds the key.

Now when this riddle has been solved,

And enemies been killed,

The green-eyed alliance is dissolved,

And the prophecy fulfilled.

Editors Note
This is the sequel to Four Warriors Cometh. You might want to read that one first .. just saying ;)

Five seasons have passed since the end of Four Warriors Cometh.

This is the rewrite of The Legend of Luke.

It's a kind of in-progress project, so go ahead and leave your ideas in the comments! I'm willing to use them .. cause I honestly don't have a ton planned for this book. Maybe that's a good thing .. FWC was a bit long at 60 chapters ;P This one might be 40 chapters, but I think you'll really like it XD

This book is dedicated to Brian Jacques, for writing the original 'Legend of Luke', and also Salem for listening to all my crazy plot ideas. (also for Roseanna's name)

(I will probably add dedications as time goes on, but this also goes to everyone who read and commented on FWC, cause I would have never reached this book without you) :D

Prologue
The night was dark .. the kind of dark that makes your skin crawl.

It was a darkness you could feel.

On the western coast, Salamandastron stood a looming sentinel .. one that once signified good, and the power of Lord Ignasa.

But not anymore.

The sliver of a moon slanted down through a tall window in the mountain's rock face, dimly illuminating what once was the forge of the mighty badger lords.

But not anymore.

No badger resided in this hall .. and the forge was still and dust-covered. Cobwebs hung in the rooms corners, and the décor had changed since the death of Lord Boar.

For the room's owner .. was different.

The oaken door creaked softly open, emitting a tall, handsome snow white ermine, clad in a leather sea-jacket, tall leather boots, and a burgundy cape of smooth velvet. He had several earrings, and a menagerie of jeweled rings on his fingers. This outfit was topped by a circlet of plated gold on his brow, and a golden tail-ring.

The door swung shut silently behind him, as he strode regally forward. His cape swirled royally behind him as he approached a small alter set in front of the window the moon shone through.

He knelt before it, before throwing a pawfull of something in the faintly glowing fire. There was a hissing noise, followed by a ghostly green glow.

The ermine's voice was a soft .. almost silken sound. "Milord Malimore .. I have come. What do you wish of me .. master?"

The voice that answered was a terrible, frightening sound .. a sound that could make your hair stand on end. "Rise Lotor, and hear what I will tell you."

Lotor stood, but kept his head bowed as the voice murmured, "Both Verdauga and Tsarmina have failed me .. for Ignasa's kings and queens have risen. You hold my last stronghold .. see I do not loose it."

Lotor's voice was almost sneering. "I am not the fool my father was .. I will not fall to those Lukes!"

Malimore's voice was a bit condescending. "Your father said the same thing, and look at where he is. No Lotor, do not underestimate the enemy. I am sending you two helpers .. watch for them. They are both highly trained in my ways."

Lotor bowed his head. "Yes Milord."

Malimore's last words were a deadly command. "Do not loose Salamandastron .. lest you should face my wrath."

Chapter 1 Overshadowed
Lotor paced his chamber .. what once was the forge of the badger lords. His velvet cape swirled behind him in a flow of burgundy, and his boots stirred the thin layer of dust on the floor.

He clenched his teeth, uncertainty building in his heart. He had hated Badrang, his father, for the ermine had sold him to Ripfang as a slave when he was little more then five seasons old. But he had heard, over and over, the tale of how a golden mouse warrior had slain Badrang with his own sword, and took the weapon for himself.

Some said the mouse was King Martin from the ancient tales, some said he was the long lost prince, Luke. Still some said he was the foretold High King .. the one who bore the mark of the star.

Others said there had been a golden maid with him, and she bore the mark of the feather .. the hawk.

And now, Malimore had said himself, the chosen kings and queens had risen .. and that was five seasons ago. Lotor had been on alert, rigid and ready .. and yet these challengers had not come.

But the white ermine knew, that sooner or later, he would have to face his father's murderer. And when he did .. he planned to kill him.

''I will not fall! I am the master of the western coasts .. I will be a greater warlord then even Verdauga! The weakling who was killed by his own daughter, who was later was slain by these four warriors. Well, I will not fall to their rule .. no, they will fall to mine!''

There was a knock on the door, and Lotor called out, "Come in!"

The oak door swung open, revealing a tall, sinewy, male ferret. The creature knelt before Lotor, his short blue cape falling over one shoulder. Lotor waved a ringed paw at him, stating, "Make your report Captain."

The amber and chocolate furred ferret stood, revealing that he was almost taller then Lotor himself. "Milord, there is no sign of any uprising. We have had no trouble .. there are few woodlanders left on these coasts .. I saw to that."

Lotor resumed pacing, asking, "The creatures Lord Malimore said he would send me. Have you seen any sign of them?"

The ferret shrugged. "Milord, I have not."

Lotor gave him a sharp look. "Or any sign of the marked warriors?"

The ferret held forth his paws, showing that the right one was abnormal, with six claws instead of five. "As I say Milord, there has been no disturbances .. not in the last season. Although Velox asked an audience with you."

Lotor waved a paw at him again. "Very well, although I want to know the moment anything out of the ordinary happens. Is that clear Captain Sixclaw?"

The six clawed ferret dipped his head, and Lotor nodded dismissively. "Go about your duties Swartt. And tell Velox I am waiting for him."

><><

But in every stronghold of evil, there is contention. Sometimes this contention is born from greed and hatred, and other times, it is born from a creature who dares to dream of a better place.

It is hard and dangerous for any light to shine in such darkness, yet sometimes, it does. The beast who dares to dream may not be the strongest, or even the bravest .. but they are brave enough to search for the truth. And that is what matters.

And so it was, with one such creature. She was a frail beast in some ways .. and yet very strong in others. And her heart, was searching for a better existence.

This creature stood at one of Salamandastron's tall windows, staring out at the pounding sea below. She was a blue gray ferret, with long black hair, and black paws. Her name, not many knew, or cared to know.

Few even remembered where she came from, or how she had come to be here. But she did. She could not forget.

She had come from Southsward; nothing but a homeless orphan. The slave trade was a major source of income for many creatures in that country, despite the laws against it. So for a helpless child with no home .. they were easy prey. Traders from Southward had brought her to this accursed place, and sold her.

The creature who had bought her was a cruel beast. Handsome and silver-tongued on the outside, yes. But a wicked, foul beast on the inside. Swartt Sixclaw, Lotor's second in command.

He called her his wife .. but she was his slave. If the ferret had her way, she would have found a way to kill him .. but there was one problem.

If she was caught or killed in the attempt, what would happen to her son? His father hated him .. she was the real reason the poor child was still alive.

She slumped across the window sill, watching the waves pound onto the shore .. ever restless, always changing .. and yet .. always the same in some odd way. Her name was Bluefen, although she really couldn't remember who had given it to her.

It didn't really matter though, for nobeast ever called her that. She was trapped in a life of misery and slavery, and really had no way of getting out. At least .. not yet.

But should an opportunity ever arise, Bluefen would take it.

Something tugged on her skirt, snapping her out of her reflections. She sighed, asking, "What is it Veil?"

The ferret was a close copy of his father, with amber and chocolate fur, and six claws on his right paw. But there was one distinction, and that was his wide, sapphire blue eyes. He pointed to the door, and Bluefen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who's there?"

Veil shrugged, but looked wary. Bluefen fingered the hilt of the long but thin knife she always had hidden in her long sleeve, slipping to the door soundlessly. She laid a paw on the knob as a soft voice murmured, "It is I."

Bluefen relaxed slightly, opening the door a crack to emit a short but sinewy pine marten. The creature wore a long black cloak, and he had an eternally shifty look in his brown eyes.

Veil had come out of hiding now that he saw who it was. Bluefen's voice was a sigh. "What news Velox?"

The pine marten looked around quickly, before stating, "Same as it has been for the last five seasons. But my visions are changing, and they do not lie. I have seen trouble ahead for the horde .. if Lotor stays leader. So I plan to overthrow him. But Swartt's in my way."

Bluefen clenched a paw into a fist. "If you can kill him .."

Velox gave her a crafty look. "Why do you think I have helped you and your brat all these seasons? You will kill him for me."

Bluefen narrowed her eyes. "I would not hesitate Velox. But how?"

Velox sneered. "Shouldn't you be able to think of that? Because I think I've done enough."

Bluefen closed her eyes. "I will think on it. When I find a way, I will tell you .. when shall we do it?"

Velox looked disgruntled. "Not yet .. we need a distraction."

He smiled an evil smile .. one that made a chill run up Bluefen's spine. "And for now, we bide our time. For I sense we will soon have one."

Bluefen laid a paw on her young son's head, asking, "What do you mean?"

Velox narrowed his eyes. "The marks are coming .. I have seen. And with the disturbance they bring, will come our chance .. don't fail me, for your brat's sake."

><><

Bluefen curled her lip as the door slammed shut behind Velox. She hated him, almost as much as she hated Swartt. But he was the one that saw she and Veil had food to eat, in return for her information.

Swartt couldn't care less .. in fact Bluefen suspected he wished they would die of neglect and starvation, just so they'd be out of his way. The cruel ferret had wanted offspring at first .. until he'd actually succeeded in getting a son. Then he'd quickly lost interest and become discontented; after all, Veil was only a child. He'd have to grow up before he could be a great warlord and an honor to his father.

Bluefen picked her son up, sighing, "Oh Veil .. I don't know what to do anymore."

Veil was sympathetic, as he always was. "Mommy, why's Vel'x so mean like daddy?"

Bluefen shook her head, not sure how to answer. "They are wicked and cruel .. both of them. Let me deal with them Veil .. you must stay away from them. Don't listen to them or talk to them, ever! Do you understand?"

The little ferretbabe nodded solemnly, asking, "But mommy, what if they hurt you?"

Bluefen sighed. "Then you must be strong for me Veil. We will never be cruel like your father is, although that is what he wants of you."

Veil's big eyes widened, as he stated determinedly, "I nev'r want to be like him!"

Bluefen hugged him, whispering, "And you must not be Veil, you are so much of a better beast. Someday son, we'll find a way to get out of here .. and never have to see your father again. Maybe we could even go to the woodlanders .. I have heard they sometimes take pity on creatures like us. Would you like that?"

Veil nodded. "I'd like it. Would daddy foll'w us?"

Bluefen set him down, her fingers dancing on the hilt of her hidden knife. "Not if I can help it Veil .. not if I can help it."

This seemed to satisfy her son, and he walked over to the window, peering out. Bluefen looked away sadly. Veil was a little over five seasons .. he should be a strong, healthy child. But he was not, thanks to the lack of food Bluefen could get her paws onto. He was thin and weak, although he was already rather tall for his age.

She ground her teeth in determination. Swartt would not succeed in killing either of them .. they would get out! There had to be a way.

There had to be.

><><

Velox had left Bluefen and Veil in disgust .. that wench had better prove useful to his cause! Or else.

The pine martin's black cloak swirled behind him as he strode to Lotor's door, knocking swiftly three times. The voice that called out was as regal as ever, and it made Velox cringe. He should be leader, not that pompous white fool that had enthroned himself.

Lotor was a weaker Shadow Fighter then he, and yet the ermine liked to claim he knew more of Malimore's plans than Velox did! Velox hated this, and he also knew what could get Lotor's dander up more then anything.

Talking about the four marked warriors.

So Velox had come up with many dire prophesies about them .. some of these fabrications of his own mind. However now, what he was going to tell his fool of a leader, was true.

The pine marten knelt before Lotor, his voice sneeringly submissive. "Milord, I have news from Malimore himself."

Lotor was sitting on the ornate, massive chair he used as a throne .. the one-time throne of the badger lords. He sipped a chalice of wine reflectively, waving a ring-covered paw at Velox. "Speak then."

Velox stood without being ordered too, stating, "Through my visions in the night, I have foreseen them. Three of the marks. The star, the leaf, and the feather. They are beginning to stir once more .. to grow restless. My voices then tell me, that they will face you before the summer ends."

Lotor hid his fear, but Velox could sense it. "And it is only the earliest start of spring. Thank you Velox .. but we will be ready for them. Dismissed."

Velox slipped from Lotor's throne room, a sneer growing on his features. Oh yes .. they would be ready.

More ready then Lotor could imagine.

Chapter 2 The Walls of Redstone
The start of spring was bringing new growth to Mossflower Woods, and the creatures that lived there. For any traveler passing the place Kotir had once stood, there was a grand sight to behold .. a sight as majestic as the great castle that had once stood there.

This was the building that had been under construction for five seasons .. and wasn't near completion yet. The walls and gatehouses were finally complete, although one of the four towers that stood sentinel at all four of the wall's corners was still being built. As for the building itself, it was little more then a foundation and a few walls.

However, the grounds were already being developed, with the already existing pond, and an orchard of sapling trees.

The gray light of dawn slowly painted the gray stones red, and slowly brought this place's inhabitants awake. Some were easier to wake then others .. and some were already up.

Down on the Abbey lawns, near the pond, a bush rustled subtly, betraying a beast's presence. Or .. more than one beast's presence.

These two creatures were a golden mouse maid with rich chocolate headfur worn in a braid, and a cream rat maid with mottled gold and brown tips. They were about the same age, and that was nearly four seasons apiece.

That rat thrust her head out of the bush, pulling it in the next second. "No sign a anybeast Fripple .. all clear!"

The little mouse had an amazingly long tail .. proportionally longer then the rat's. She had a sling shot in one paw, and a expression of serious duty on her face. "Right, well we've gotta wait for Ivan an' 'Nofflet, cause they're comin'"

The rat nodded, eyes twinkling. "Right, an what 'bout Luke?"

Fripple scowled. "I don't like Luke Ash, an you know it."

Ash shrugged. "Yah, but he's helpful."

Fripple crossed her arms. "He is not. I'm the DAB leader, not him."

Ash shrugged again. "I know .. we don't want him to be leader! He thinks girls are stupid, just cause he's king Martin's son."

Fripple rolled her eyes. "I know! And it's not like that makes him so great. I can whip his hide!"

Ash giggled. "It's so funny when you do! And then he's all Mommy! Fripple's being mean!"

Fripple scowled. "Yah, he's a big cry-baby. I don't do that when he whacks me!"

Ash stuck her head out of the bush again, griping, "Where are they?"

Fripple yawned. "Pro'bly still in bed."

Ash frowned discontentedly. "But we're supposed to be the 'Dibbuns Against Bedtime'! Not the dibbuns who like bedtime!"

Fripple shrugged. "I donno. But Ivan should come soon .. he's a cat!"

Ash grimaced. "Let's hope Iris doesn't come with 'im, she's irritating."

Fripple made a face, grumbling. "Yah .. she's crazy. Hey .. sshh! I hear Ivan! Be quiet, an' we'll scare him!"

Ash giggled and Fripple poked her, stifling her own giggles. It may have been said that cats are stealthy .. but Ivan was the exact opposite. Ash and Fripple peeked out of their bush at the young wildcat dibbun. He was gray tabby, and wore a yellow tunic, along with his father's old boots, and hat. Of course, he could barely keep the boots on his paws, and was continually walking out of them, diligently stopping, and putting them back on. The hat slipped over one ear, flopping in his eyes so he could barely see.

Ash poked Fripple, before jumping out of the bush, yelling enthusiastically, "Hi Ivan!"

The gray cat literally jumped out of his boots; a feat that wasn't terribly hard to do. As soon as he saw who it was, he looked hurt. "Awww .. why'd you have to do that Ash?"

Ash giggled. "Cause it's awful funny to see you jump Ivan, you leave your boots behind!"

Ivan scowled as he pulled his over-sized footwear back on, straitening his hat. "It's not funny, then I have to put them back on!"

Fripple had taken her place beside Ash by now, and she rolled her eyes. "That's why you don't wear clothes that are too big, even if your daddy is Ging'vere, an' you wanna be just like him. My daddy is king Timbal, an I don't wear his ol' clothes!"

Ivan looked injured. "Your a girl. What'd you care about being .. a hero?"

Fripple looked offended. "I am a dead-eye shot, Unca Groddil says so. I don't go around tripping over my boots."

Ash twirled the quarterstaff she always carried like a baton, succeeding in whacking herself in the head. "Oww! Yea Ivan .. we don't trip over our boots!"

Ivan looked droll .. for a dibbun he had an extremely developed sense of dry humor. "No, you just hit yourself in the head with your stick instead."

There was a laugh from nearby, and a voice stated, "Ash megel, sometime yer ol' daddy needs ta teach ya how ta twirl that stick properly. What'd you think?"

Ash flung herself on the speaker, squealing, "Daddy, daddy, daddy! You will won't you? You will? Please?"

Whegg tossed her over his head. "Course I will gel, wouldn't think of not. Yer liable ta hurt yerself doin that, an then wot'd yer mother do ta me?"

Fripple planted herself in front of the rat, stating, "Gina'd be mad Unca Wheggy."

Ivan looked solemn. "Yea. And 'ts not nice when she's mad Unca Wheggy, you know that."

Whegg laughed, tweaking the cat dibbun's ear. "Aye, that's the truth liddle matey. Now what's you three doin' up so early?"

Fripple looked around secretively. "We're havin' a meetin' Unca Wheggy. But don't tell nobeast, alright?"

Ash nodded. "Uh huh, ya can't tell daddy. It's important."

Whegg winked at her, stating, "Alright den, I won't tell. But you'll miss breakfast if'n ya stay out here much longer. Wother'll eat it all .. an' we all know dat, now don't we?"

Ivan looked mortified. "That's were they all went Fripple, breakfast! Unca Wheggy's right, Wother will eat it all! Come on!"

The young wildcat took off into a full run, only to trip over his boots and fall flat on his face. He sat up sighing, "Awwww .. now mommy'll make me wash before breakfast! I hate to wash, it makes my fur all soggy!"

Whegg winked at him. "Why don't you carry those boots a yers matey, I won't tell."

Fripple poked Ash. "Come on, race ya to breakfast slowpoke!"

Ash chased after the mouse, yelling, "Slowpoke? I'm no slowpoke, you are!"

Ivan pulled his boots off with a sigh, solemnly informing an amused Whegg, "Unca Wheggy, daddy's boots are nice, but they don't help you get to breakfast faster."

><><

Within an hour, the still abbey lawns were a bustle of activity, as they were everyday. Filled with creatures working on the abbey building itself and the unfinished wall tower, as well as many horses.

Timbal and his horse Darkdiamond were operating a sort of pulley system devised to raise the heavy wall stones up to where the tower builders needed them. Diamond did this with little difficulty; he was a strong and good-sized horse.

But as the morning wore on, the chocolate bay grew tired. He sighed as Timbal took his harness off to allow Martin and Wildfire to take their place. As the two started walking across the lawns, Diamond perked his ears, asking, "Timbal, I find it rather strange."

The mouse raised an eyebrow. "Find what rather strange?"

The horse flicked his black tail, stating, "This. All this peace .. it's been five seasons since the war! My question is this. How long can it last?"

Timbal nodded. "I too, have thought this. It's so quiet .. we weeded out the remaining Kotir soldiers at least three seasons ago, and we haven't even had trouble from Rigvar and his bunch. So I share your worry .. and I have felt for a good season, that something is brewing. Sayna too, shares this feeling .. and her dreams are getting worse."

Diamond cocked an ear. "Her dreams?"

Timbal shrugged. "She's talked to Groddil about it .. and he has no answers. She has asked Lord Ignasa, but he has given her no sign. My dreams too Diamond .. they are .. confusing. Either we're both going mad .. or something's wrong. Martin doesn't like to think it, but I know he feels trouble is coming."

Diamond looked up at the thunder of hooves, in time to see Ghostdancer vault through the main gate, coming to a fancy sliding stop. Sayna dismounted before her horse came to a complete stop, and began talking to Bella.

The badger lady was no longer young .. her black stripes were slowly fading to silver. However she was in a way, an overseer of the construction. Timbal could hear the two's conversation from where he stood.

Sayna motioned to where she'd come from, stating, "Gingivere's bringing another load of rock on the Bloodwake."

Bella nodded. "That's good, when will he get here?"

Sayna shrugged. "Thirty minutes more or less. Prairiefire and Redcloud are there to help him haul it here."

Bella frowned. "We should look into taking those two off hauling duty .. they're getting rather old for it."

Dancer shook out her black mane, stating, "They do their job well."

Bella shrugged. "Alright, but tell Dancingphantom to go help them."

Timbal thought of the gray mare .. she was the horse Tsarmina had ridden. She was also Ghostdancer's mother, as it had been discovered in the seasons after the battle. Timbal couldn't recall her very well, but she had once been part of his tribe .. the wife of Stardust, Luke's horse.

Timbal shook his head. All that was so blurry .. so long ago. He could remember Phantom a little .. Vurg had ridden her once. It had been said Luke's wife Sayna was the gray mare's best friend, but Timbal couldn't really remember that. He didn't like thinking about the past, because it was so hard to recall.

They still had not discovered Sayna's true origins, although it had been accepted as fact that she was some relation of Martin's. Timbal knew there was more to it than that .. but he couldn't remember. He couldn't prove anything.

Phantom herself, shared his feelings. He had asked her what she knew, and she had tried to tell him .. she had. But her memory was bad, and he couldn't blame her. She'd been taken by Vilu Daskar on the night of his long-ago attack, and the ermine had later sold her to Verdauga. She said it was hard for her to recall very much about the past.

Besides her and Martin, there was no one else from Luke's tribe in Mossflower .. unless maybe Sayna herself.

So Timbal could prove none of his suspicions. Although some of the things Sayna told him about her dreams .. only made him more sure, she was a Luke.

Either Lord Ignasa was giving her excerpts of the past, or ... somehow, she was remembering.

><><

Not all that far from the new abbey, there is a water meadow, as there has been for time immemorial. It may seem quiet and even beautiful .. but the majority of Mossflowerians avoid it .. and there is a reason.

A large, glossy black raven sat in the branches of a newly budding weeping willow, watching the surroundings with an air of condescending acceptance. He ruffled his ebony plumage as a small black and white magpie landed beside him.

The smaller bird dipped her head, distinct fear in her eyes. "Oh great Doomwyte, I have come as ye called me."

The raven barely glanced at her. "And what news have you, Yar?"

Yar swallowed nervously. She was a young magpie, and the tips of her wings and tail were painted with odd, swirling patterns of phosphorescent green. She did not meet her leader's gaze. "The Mossflower beasts .. they keep building their red stone house. All four walls stand strong now."

Rigvar Skurr, king of the Doomwytes, sneered at her, clacking his beak close to her neck. "Raaaaacckk! Yar, stop acting the fool! I know these things! I want to know their plans .. and what of the gold eagle?"

Yar had wisely backed up. "Argulor? He's not done much to come after us Great Doomwyte .. He .."

Her words were cut of by Rigvar himself, who lashed out with a claw, catching the shy little bird across her face. "Rrraaaaaeeeccckk!! I never want to hear that name again, you understand? If you say that name once more Yar, you pay with your life! Get out of my sight .. OUT!"

Yar fluttered painfully away, blood running down her face and creating a salty taste in her beak. She landed in a hawthorn's branches a good ways from Rigvar, wiping the sticky blood away with her wing. The small magpie trembled as a large tear threatened to slip down her cheek. She didn't know how much more of this she could take.

She hadn't always been part of these terrible Doomwytes .. once she and her sister Yaz had been loners. But Rigvar had found them .. and seemed decent at first, not cruel like he really was. Yaz had quickly found friends and purpose as a Doomwyte .. she loved it here. But Yar? Yar just wanted to get away.

Many times, she had thought of defecting to the woodlanders, but she was too afraid of what Rigvar would do to her.

So she watched sadly as Yaz fell deeper and deeper into evil .. and Yar had no way of saving or helping her. The little magpie hung her head, staring at the swirling patterns on her wings and tail. At night .. they would glow. And it was her duty to lure any she could to their death in the swamps.

Thankfully .. she hadn't been faced with that terrible task .. yet. But when she was .. Yar had no idea what she would do.

''I can't lead an innocent beast to their death .. it would be murder! I would never forgive myself .. Oh .. I hope I never have to do it.''

Yar closed her eyes as a nasty thought occurred to her.

''But Yaz would .. and she wouldn't care. If only we'd stayed away from Rigvar!''

But it was too late now .. they were both caught in a trap. The difference was Yaz loved the trap, and Yar hated it. But it didn't matter .. neither of them could ever get out .. ever.

They were just caught in different ways.

><><

Dusk was falling over the abbey as the creatures called off their duties for the day. As always, they assembled near the pond for supper .. there really wasn't any building to have it in yet.

Sayna and Dancer were the last to arrive, and both were tired. They'd spent the day either carting rock or carrying messages. Dancer stood still as Sayna pulled her saddle off, then the gray mare laid down and rolled to get the feeling of her tack off.

Sayna smiled at the horse as she staggered to her feet, shaking dry grass out of her ebony mane. Dancer cocked one ear, asking, "What?"

Sayna tried to stay serious, but burst into a laugh as a stalk of grass flopped into Dancer's eyes. The gray horse shook her head to rid herself of the unwanted ornament.

The two friends had changed over the five seasons since the battle .. in most ways for the better. Sayna had grown more cheerful, although she still had her moments. She'd seemed to have got ahold of her temper .. at least to most. But Sayna herself was not fooled .. she knew the only reason she seemed calm was because there had been no cause for her to Bloodwrath.

And when there was .. Sayna shook her head. No .. it was best not to think of that.

She looked down, thinking of the her ever-worsening nightmares .. nightmares she could never recall properly when she woke up. Last night .. they had been so vivid! Like she'd lived them .. not just dreamed them.

Dancer nudged her. "Hey wake up! Let's go eat .. I'm starved!"

Sayna nodded absently, following her friend to where the others were eating. She sat down near where Martin was talking earnestly with Trubbs and Lepus. Their eldest son, Wother, sat beside them, slyly eating all the food off a distracted Martin's plate.

Sayna could never get over the amazing difference between Trubbs' sons. Wother was outgoing and gluttonous, just like any hare. But his younger brother, Sedge, was quiet and very shy; although he was only around a season old, so he wasn't all that developed as of yet.

Martin was nodding to Trubbs, stating, "I understand your thoughts Trubbs .. completely. It has disturbed me that we have had peace so long .. and no word whatsoever from Salamandastron."

Rose was sitting beside him, holding their daughter, Roseanna. She spoke up suddenly, asking, "And what about the riddle? Have we grown so comfortable as to have forgotten it?"

Martin nodded. "That was sent to us for a reason .. you're right."

Sayna felt herself speaking, although she hadn't exactly intended to. "When thought it is, strife is no more ... that sounds like now."

Timbal's voice came unexpectedly from behind her, quoting another stanza. "Aye, and doesn't it say, An evil holdeth western shore?"

Trubbs nodded. "That it does laddie buck wot, wot .. and that's what jolly well bothers me chaps .. and chappesses."

Wother looked up at his father, stating solemnly around a piece of Martin's cake, "You forgot to say wot, wot at the end daddy."

Trubbs gave his son an absent look. "Oh .. yes ol' bean .. so I did .."

He suddenly noticed what the dibbun was up to, and exclaimed, "Hey, stop that you jolly little fat blighter! That'll be quiet enough of that young cad!"

Wother's grin was cheeky as he added in the part Trubbs had forgotten. "Wot, wot!"

Martin waved a paw at Trubbs. "Continue .. he's eaten so much of my food he my as well finish it."

Trubbs sighed. "Sorry bout that ol' chap. Anyhow, as I was jolly well saying before, I think we ought'a look over that blinkin' riddle once more .. see if we can sort the blighter out wot?"

Rose spoke up. "That's the conclusion I've come to as well .. I feel as though trouble is coming again."

Fripple had walked up, and she broke in excitedly. "Trouble Aunty Rose? If any crummy old vermin come around here, I'll shoot them!"

Timbal looked droll. "It'll take more then a slingshot, I'm afraid."

Martin nodded. "Quite true. Bella .. do you still have that riddle?"

The badger lady nodded, "Of course Martin, I would not think to throw something of such value away. It is at Brockhall, along with my other artifacts of ancient times."

Rose looked up. "Can you bring it tomorrow?"

Bella nodded. "Count on it Rose, I too feel the unease building .. something is very wrong."

Chapter 3 An Unseen World
The world a normal beast sees is not the only world .. far from it. Even the hidden world of the Prophets and Shadow Fighters is but a pale reflection of the mighty land hidden from the eyes of mortals.

Some think, that Malimore has just as much power as the mighty Lord Ignasa .. that the two are nearly equal. But it is not so.

Some also think, that the only beasts in their commands are those mortal beasts who serve them, the Prophets and the Shadow Fighters. But far from it.

The soft echo of clicking claws on rock was all that broke the echoing silence of a time forgotten cavern. Two creatures stood in a large cave with a subterranean river running it's winding way through it .. two very dark creatures.

One was a pewter gray wolf with green eyes. He wore a necklet of two fox tails, and his fangs were dyed red. His forelegs had odd patterns of green dye running up them, as did his face.

However his companion was many times worse then he. He was none other then Lord Malimore himself. The black wolf was obviously preparing for something as he ran his claws through his thick brush of a tail, remarking to his companion, "Kaltiv, I want you to keep an eye on Salamandastron for me .. personally."

Kaltiv was standing to a rather rigid attention, and he nodded without hesitation. "Yes Milord."

Malimore gave the ornate patterns of green dye on his black legs an inspecting glance, before stating, "Good. The woodlanders know nothing of my plans .. it almost amuses me how ignorant they are! Imagine it Kaltiv. The mighty warriors leave for the mountain, only to die at Lotor's paws. And just days after their departure, their little abbey is put under siege!"

Kaltiv nodded. "Aye .. they have no idea what they're up against. Also, my informants tell me the two beasts you promised Lotor will arrive in just a few days time."

Malimore's flat red eyes glittered ever so subtly. "Perfect .. all the pieces are in place for my conquest. And then .."

Kaltiv's eyes shone. "Then we take over!"

Malimore let a nasty grin spread across his face as he straitened the cat jawbone he used for a crown. "How I wait for it! If Ignasa thinks he can stop me .. ha! The Lord of Light .. my darkness is greater!"

Kaltiv raised an eyebrow. "And yet .. you have to appear before him and answer for yourself .."

Malimore sneered. "I go to show the others what they lost when we rebelled .. and they didn't. Insight envy, eh Kaltiv?"

The gray wolf dipped his head, although he looked rather unsure. "As you say Milord."

><><

Past the gates of the Lands Beyond is a country that living beasts can only imagine .. for one will not see it until they have died, and then only if they serve Lord Ignasa.

However that land is one that never sees night, for it is the home of Ignasa himself .. and he is called The Rising Sun. The light of this place could blind mortal eyes .. but then, it is not mortal eyes that see it.

Every kingdom has it's armies, and Ignasa's does as well. They are strange and amazing creatures .. beautiful white wolves.

At the very same moment Malimore was boasting to his captain Kaltiv, some of these creatures were assembling in the courtyard of Ignasa's palace, ready to report their doings in the mortal world.

The most noble of them was shining white, and almost a head taller then the others. His neck was adorned with a circlet of sky blue, and his forelegs were decorated with swirls of the same color .. only it almost glowed.

A smaller white wolf with light silver points did a quick bow to the first, stating, "We have assembled General Malcheus, except for .."

Malcheus had a begrudging look about him. "It is Lord Ignasa's decision when that traitor appears, and when he leaves Captain Aquilo. For me, I'm glad of it."

><><

In the palace, Lord Ignasa sat almost completely still. The only movement about him was the soft twitching of his golden tail, and the subtle glitter in his azure eyes.

With him were two other pumas, each different in his own way .. and yet still the same in another. The three cats were echoes of each other .. for they were in a way, the same creature. And yet .. not somehow.

But then, no mortal beast has total understanding of the Lord of Light, and never can have until they die. His ways are mysterious to all creatures, and it is beyond any to comprehend all his glory.

Besides Ignasa himself, one of the pumas was glowing white, with the same cobalt eyes. His paws had wisps of blue around them that swirled like ever restless wind. The other cat was more majestic then both his companions, with golden fur that glowed like fire, and shining blue eyes.

Ignasa himself spoke first, stating, "Mossflower is recovering from the Greeneyes' rule well .. although they are slow to realize the danger that threatens them."

The white puma spoke next, his blue eyes aglow. "It is true .. if they would have only looked to our prophecy sooner. What we sent Polleekin was not meant to be forgotten."

The third cat looked up, sighing, "Their eyes are not open like they should be; evil is always with them. It keeps them from seeing properly, and understanding as they should. We know this all to well, Ahio."

Ahio nodded as Ignasa spoke once more. "And yet Aedus, some of them are realizing .. just slowly. Still, I will be with those who serve us."

He looked grim. "And we have yet to hear the traitor's report .. he will lie as he always does. If he thinks we do not hear his schemes .."

Aedus's azure gaze hardened as he stated, "He has been blinded by his own pride, this we know. He lives in his own delusions, for he dares think he could defeat us .. and he believes his lies. His own conceit and greed destroyed him, and if we did not call him to account, he would believe he could do whatever evil he wished."

Ignasa flattened his ears ever so slightly. "His authority is delegated .. the day will come when he is demoted once and for all."

Ahio stood, the faint blue around his paws dancing restlessly. "They have assembled."

Ignasa stood as well as Aedus flicked his flame-like tail. "Let us go."

><><

In the palace courtyard, Malcheus, Aquilo, and quite a few others had gathered, forming two lines. And one place, at the farthest end, was empty.

At least .. at first. However it did not stay this way long, although the white wolves may have wished it to.

For when Aedus had flicked his tail, he'd been summoning a beast.

The waiting white wolves stiffened as Malimore himself appeared, blinking considerably at the blinding light he was now in. The black wolf was squinting, but trying desperately to make himself appear like he wasn't.

He slowly recovered, although he still subtly acted as though the light hurt him. Malimore held his head high, giving the wolves around him haughty looks of pride.

They stood at attention, but gave him continual looks of total suspicion from the corners of their eyes. Even in this place of total majesty, Malimore's pride was not gone .. it could never leave him. He flicked his black tail slowly, a rather smug look on his face.

The dark wolf turned to the white one beside him, stating, "Still doing this rigmarole eh? Should have come with me .. you'd have more freedom."

The wolf beside him, Aquilo, flattened his ears and looked strait ahead, refusing to meet his tempter's red gaze.

Malimore raised an eyebrow. "Kaltiv enjoys it."

Aquilo stiffened somewhat, as though Malimore hat hit a hidden nerve. However the dark wolf had no more time to torment, for the palace doors swung open.

Aedus walked out, followed closely by Ignasa and Ahio. All the wolves stood to quick attention .. even Malimore. For while his pride was not gone, it was overlaid now .. by fear.

The three pumas walked to where he stood, Aedus stopping directly in front of Malimore. The dark wolf could not hide his nervousness, although he desperately strove to. He could not hold his interrogators gazes, and was forced to drop his in submission .. although every movement spoke plainly that he hated it.

Aedus's voice was grim as he stated, "Make your report. Tell us the things you have been doing since your last visit."

Malimore drew himself up straighter, voice attempting to become haughty once more .. but not quite succeeding. "Many things .. after all, my lands are vast indeed."

Aedus's expression never changed. "That is all? Or in your own words, have you more to say?"

Malimore couldn't open his eyes properly at all .. the light around and before him was too bright. "I roam where I may .. here and there .. and see many things. Am I expected to recall every one of them?"

Aedus flattened his ears so fractionally they barely moved. "Only what you have caused."

Malimore might have wished he could brag .. but it was all he could do to keep his legs from shaking in terror. His voice was still strong, although it was laced with the faintest bit of fear. "My armies are mighty .. and we cause many things. My power is great, and I find much to do. With my rovings', I have caused too much to recall all of it."

Aedus did not blink once. "In other words, you will say no more?"

Malimore looked from Ahio, to Aedus, to Ignasa, before stating, "There is no more to be said."

Aedus flicked his tail, voice flat. "Then be gone from the Lands Beyond, where you have no place."

Malimore vanished in less time then it takes to blink; there one second and gone the next.

All the white wolves relaxed considerably as the evil presence left their home of eternal light. Aedus turned to Malcheus, commanding, "Make your report General."

Malcheus dipped his head, stating, "Milord, your Prophets are once again becoming strong, after their many seasons of hiding. It is true your people have been inactive until now to say the least, but your call is once again stirring in their hearts. However the evil is hiding beneath their noses .. they do not yet know of Rigvar or his Doomwytes. Though .. it seems there is contention among them .. Captain Aquilo?"

The silver pointed wolf stepped forward, reporting, "Milords, I have seen at least one bird in his forces that hates Rigvar's rule. Her name is Yar .. she is a magpie. She may be small perhaps, but her heart is searching."

Aedus nodded. "We have seen this, but thank you Aquilo. She is afraid of her masters, yet she also has the potential for great courage. Perhaps Redwall is not as alone as it seems .. for we have seen others. And those who serve us, we never leave alone." ><><

Kaltiv was still in the cave Malimore had vanished from not long ago, when his master reappeared, still standing rigidly to attention.

Kaltiv raised an eyebrow, asking hesitantly, "So Milord .. it went .. well?"

Malimore shook himself quickly, his normal demanding composure of evil pride returning. "Of course Kaltiv! What else would it be? Do you think that Ignasa could honestly get the better of me?"

Kaltiv dipped his head, a little dubious. "No Milord .. of course not."

Malimore stalked past the gray wolf, growling, "Good. Don't forget Kaltiv, that I am the lord of darkness."

Kaltiv nodded in submission, agreeing, "Yes Milord. Shall I carry out the plans?"

Malimore gave him a condescending look. "What do you honestly think Kaltiv? Of course you'll carry out the plans .. get to it. I want those woodlanders' nice little abbey overrun, and the four marks slain. See to it Captain .. and don't fail me."

Chapter 4 The Riddle's Quest
Sayna dreaded the night, when she knew she would dream her dreams yet again. They were blurry and mysterious even when she was dreaming them. However when she woke up .. she could remember very little about them, only that they were terrifying.

But as she fell asleep, she knew they would be waiting for her. And night by night, they were growing steadily worse.

''The place she now stood was one she could have sworn she had seen before .. long ago. Nothing was very clear, but Sayna knew she could hear the far off pounding of restless surf .. just like she'd heard at Salamandastron. Or Marshank.''

''But this was farther back in time .. somehow, she knew.''

''This surf wasn't the warm rolling one of Salamandastron, or the cool salty one of Marshank. This was a wild, northern sea that leapt like white stallions; the kind of sea that crashes to the shore like thunder.''

''Sayna stood by it .. or at least she thought she did. She could hear it, but .. not really see it. Her vision was clouded and very unclear, full of pictures and shadows that echoed of forgotten memories.''

''There was a voice .. a kind voice. Sayna was sure she had heard it before .. but it sounded like nobeast she knew. The closest she could match it to was that of her adopted mother, Aryah. But that was not right .. Aryah had left for the Lands Beyond over six seasons ago!''

''Besides, this voice had the accent of the far north. Sayna could not see the speaker, at least not clearly. All she could tell, was the creature seemed to be golden furred .. but even that she was not sure of.''

''There was another voice .. wait .. was it Martin's? No .. this voice was gruffer then the warrior mouse's, although the two were certainly akin to each other.''

''Sayna tried to open her eyes wider, to no avail. They were open as wide as they could get, and yet she still saw nothing but blurs.''

''She closed her eyes, reopening them to find herself staring into Timbal's blue eyes .. or at least they looked like his. He looked .. different. No ... younger! The creature standing before her couldn't have been anyone but Timbal .. but he looked like he was maybe three seasons old .. at best.''

''Is this something that happened .. in the past? What is going on? Am I .. remembering something? Are these dreams more then just .. dreams?''

''Sayna had no more time to ponder, for at that second, the dream went wrong. There were screams .. and the sound of clashing steal. Timbal wasn't anywhere to be seen, instead there was a golden mouse maid, young and very beautiful. She grew clearer, and Sayna felt like gasping. This mouse .. was it her?''

''Sayna knew what her reflection looked like .. and this creature nearly matched it. Except .. the eyes. They were soft brown .. like .. Martin's!''

''This golden maid was holding a sword in a perfect stance, raised to deflect a blow. There was another clash of steal as a cutlass met the sword, and Sayna saw a beast she had never wanted to see again.''

''Badrang! Or .. wait. No .. it wasn't Badrang. But it looked like him .. amazingly so.''

''Sayna could do no more then watch in total horrified amazement as the two engaged in a duel .. one of wonderful mastery. The golden maid seemed a good swordsbeast, she parried and thrust her ermine attacker with excellence. However the white ermine she faced had brutal strength on his side, and he backed her against something .. although Sayna could not tell what it was.''

''The next second there was a cry, and the clatter of a sword falling to the floor. Sayna could not see what had happened .. her vantage point was too high. She struggled as a set of paws grabbed her .. how they did it or who they belonged to, she did not know.''

''The world sped up .. like she was running. No, like somebeast was carrying her.''

''There was a shout, and the creature she was with swung up onto a horse. The next second the thunder of hooves exploded around her, and she could feel the horse's gait .. it was galloping.''

''There were other hoof beats behind the horse she seemed to be riding .. although she really wasn't sitting on it.''

''Suddenly the animal she was on gave a strangled squeal .. one of pain. Then she was falling .. falling .. falling ..''

Wump

''I am dead .. I am so dead. Dancer just got shot from underneath me ..''

"Sayna? Hey, are you alright?"

Sayna's eyes weren't open properly as she mumbled, "Dancer .. I'm sorry! Are you dead? Where are you?"

The voice spoke again. "Sayna, what are you talking about? You fell out of bed."

Sayna blinked her eyes open to realize she was lying on the wooden floor of Brockhall, with sun streaming through the window. Sayna moaned, asking, "Timbal, Dancer didn't really get shot from underneath me .. right?"

Timbal was giving her a bemused look. "You ride in your sleep?"

Sayna frowned. "It's not funny! Someone was chasing us .. no, not you and me .. me and Dancer. And we were galloping, and then Dancer fell out from underneath me .."

She sighed. "Ok .. so it sounds crazy. But Badrang was there .. and a gold mouse like me! And you were there Timbal .. I saw you. Only you were .. younger I think .."

Timbal's expression grew serious. "Wait .. I was younger? How could you remember that? What did I .. look like?"

Sayna shrugged. "You looked like .. you. Only shorter, and .. well .. younger. Like a dibbun. A lot like Fripple really."

Timbal's eyes widened. "You say there was a gold mouse maid? What did she look like .. can you remember?"

Sayna scratched an ear. "Like me I guess .. except with Martin's eyes. Why do you ask?"

Timbal was staring at her in complete and utter amazement .. like he was too stunned to say anything. He finally blinked, gulping, "That sounds like Sayna .. Luke's wife!"

Sayna stared at her sword, hanging above the door, and gasped as a realization hit her. "Oh no .. what is going on? My sword .. it was the one she used to fight .. the white ermine! Only it wasn't refurbished .. it was like it used to be before Cludd broke it!"

The mouse kicked her entangling sheets off, scrambling to her feet and running to her weapon, pulling it down. She unsheathed it, exclaiming, "Yes .. it was this sword! This very one! Of course .. the blade was not etched and was tarnished and nicked .. it was the old blade!"

Sayna stared at the name engraved on the gold hilt .. her name. No .. the name she had given herself. Her eyes widened as she realized something. "Timbal .. did Sayna .. Luke's wife .. own a sword?"

The mouse looked thoughtful. "I know Luke did .. his was the one Martin has now. But Sayna .. I can't remember anymore if she did. I spent time around Luke .. not his wife .. it's too long ago. I'm sorry Sayna."

Sayna leaned against the wall sighing, "But I saw her! She dueled an ermine in my dream .. and .. I think he killed her."

Timbal nodded. "Luke's wife was killed by Vilu Daskar .. at least .. that's what I heard. I didn't see it happen .. I didn't even see Vilu. I wasn't there .. I .."

He looked away. "I was off playing with a friend. But they killed her .. I'm not sure how. I fell off the rock I'd climbed onto .. like a little idiot .. and didn't wake up til it was over. So I don't remember all that much of it."

Sayna sheathed her sword, asking, "Do you think Martin would remember?"

Timbal looked doubtful. "He was very young when that happened .. but we can ask him."

><><

Bella was up early, as she always was. Her fur was turning silver, but her strength was by no means gone. The badger lady was in her study, reading the riddle over and over. Some of it she understood .. some of it she did not. But it would be quite interesting to her to hear the marked ones interpretation of it.

"Mornin' Bella! What'cha doin'?"

Bella looked over to where Fripple was standing in her doorway, slingshot held behind her back. The badger lady's face creased into a warm smile as she answered, "I'm looking at a riddle miss. What are you doing?"

Fripple clambered onto Bella's knee, peering with interest at the parchment. "The riddle Luna gave Unca Martin an' Aunty Rose?"

Bella tweaked the little mouse's brown braid. "That's right."

Fripple grinned. "I can read it, cause I know what it says. It's about an adventure .. ain't it Bella?"

Bella nodded, stating, "You've been around 'Unca Wheggy' too long, you're beginning to sound like the young scamp. But yes .. it is about an adventure."

Fripple turned around on Bella's knee, stating solemnly, "It's one mommy an' daddy an' Unca Martin is gonna have, right?"

Bella raised an eyebrow. "Now how did you find that out little missy?"

Fripple snapped her slingshot idly, explaining, "It's not hard Bella, you know that. Cause mommy is the only golden mouse 'sept me an' Unca Martin, an' Unca Martin ain't a girl. An' mommy loves daddy mor'n anybody else. An Unca Martin is her brother!"

Bella smiled. "Well .. I don't think he's really her brother Fripple. You call him Uncle because he's your father's best friend."

Fripple shrugged. "Whatever, riddles say things weird anyway. They try to make you think somethin' else then what they really mean."

Bella had to laugh. "They do, don't they Fripple? Well .. I tell you what. You can come with me, and help us with the riddle, if you're that good at reasoning through them."

Fripple beamed. "I can help like a warrior?"

Bella nodded. "Yes, I think your input could be .. interesting."

Fripple jumped off Bella's knee and grabbed her paw. "Does that mean I get to ride on Prairiefire with you? And help solve the riddle? Oh come on Bella, I want to do it now! Won't Luke be so jealous?"

Bella rolled her eyes, thinking of the constant rivalry between Martin's son and Sayna's daughter.

Something like the rivalry that had once been between them.

><><

The seasons after the war for Mossflower had rested easily on Martin for the most part, for in all honesty, he still was very young. However one thing could never be the same, and that was his right arm.

True, somehow, Sayna's magical hair had saved him from bleeding to death. But it either couldn't, or wasn't enough to heal him completely.

He had been forced to relearn fencing .. with his left arm. His right one was very weak and stiff, and if he pushed it too hard, it would hurt him. He used it to carry a shield, but was forced to fight with it no longer.

This was a hard hit, but Groddil had helped immensely. Having been forced to duel left-pawed most of his life, the silver fox was a kind and patient mentor as he taught Martin how to fight again.

The warrior mouse clenched his right paw into a fist, rubbing his shoulder ruefully with his left paw. At least the coming of spring was kinder to the old injury than winter.

At this moment however, Martin was sitting by the pond with Rose, Sayna, Timbal, Groddil, Bella .. and Fripple. Why the badger lady had allowed his adopted niece to come, he had no idea.

Bella spoke first, stating, "Let's take this piece by piece shall we? I'll read the first verse, you tell me what you think, and then we'll move onto the next one. All in all, I find this all pretty self-explanatory."

She looked at her parchment, reading,

"When thought it is, strife is no more,

And lazy summer sun shines down.

An evil holdeth western shore,

While kings and queens must find their crowns."

Rose spoke first. "It seems that it will be something happening now, or very soon. We have had a long peace, and we are nearing summer once more."

Martin nodded. "Quite so. But the evil holding the western shore .. the only thing to the west and on the shore would be Salamandastron. But .. what evil would hold it?"

Groddil frowned. "I know not. But the riddle says more on that later. What of the kings and queens who must find their crowns?"

Fripple spoke up from his lap. "That's mommy an' daddy an' Unca' Martin an Aunty Rose! They're kings an' queens, but they don't have crowns."

Bella nodded. "That was about the conclusion I came to as well Fripple. Now, the next part of the riddle is more foreboding."

She glanced at the parchment again, reading,

"Though snow white lord and evil queen,

Do both lie still in death,

The offspring of one,

Good will shun,

Hating light to their last breath."

Sayna spoke up. "It is clear to me, that this speaks of the one we must be wary of."

Martin nodded. "True, and the 'evil queen' would be Tsarmina. But she never had children .. at least that we know of. It's more likely this enemy is the child of the 'snow white lord' .. Badrang."

Rose raised an eyebrow. "But did he have a child? Do you remember Martin?"

Martin rubbed his shoulder, an almost instinctive action. "No .. no I can't say I do. But Badrang was middle aged .. he might have sired offspring before he became tyrant."

Bella sighed. "That's all speculation. But it seems obvious he has a descendent, unless our calculations are completely off. Now here's the next piece."

"The gold mouse maid and her true love,

As well as brother bold,

Must war long with the warlord's son,

Where sun turns sea to gold."

The badger lady smiled. "Fripple was kind enough to point out that the first two stanzas would seem to speak of Sayna, Timbal, and Martin. However as to the rest, what do you think?"

Martin curled his lip. "Apparently, Badrang has a son, one we must fight. And the sun sets in the west, so once again, I assume that somehow this is to happen at Salamandastron."

Timbal frowned. "That's what I'm worried about."

Sayna looked up at him. "How so?"

Timbal shook his head. "Martin .. you say Badrang was a white ermine? Tall, handsome, and with yellow eyes?"

Martin nodded. "Aye .. he was at least the size of a normal ferret. He had a black tip on his tail, as all ermine do, but he also had a black muzzle."

Timbal's eyes widened. "I have seen such a beast before, only he was too young to have been Badrang, and had gray points on his ears and finger tips. His name was Lotor .. and he was .."

The mouse looked away, stating, "He was Ripfang's first mate."

There was a collective gasp, Fripple being the only beast who looked confused. Sayna gulped, asking, "You don't think that after we escaped .. after Lord Boar died .. this Lotor was left alive and rallied Ripfang's crew!"

Timbal nodded. "That's exactly what I'm thinking."

Rose looked remorseful. "And to think we have only thought of this just now? The western shores could have been in oppression for six seasons .. and we have done nothing!"

Martin laid his left paw on her shoulders, stating, "Now hang on a second, this doesn't make sense. If such an event had occurred, why have we not caught wind of it by now? Surely travelers or escapees would have brought the news Salamandastron had fallen. It is only a three or four week journey by horse!"

Fripple piped up from her seat in Groddil's lap, asking, "But what if Lot'r killed 'em all? An' took all trav'lers prison'r, or somfing like that?"

Rose blinked at Sayna and Timbal, asking, "Where does she get such cunning and dreadful ideas you two? She's just a dibbun!"

The two mice shrugged as Fripple explained simply, "I listen, an' I'm not a baby Aunty Rose."

She said this with mild reproach.

Groddil ruffled her brown braid. "Aye, you're a sharp one little lassie. Now where we were .. "

><><

Now, as it has been done many times before and shall be done many times in the future, this whole conversation was overheard.

The eavesdropper was a magpie with ebony plumage and fluorescent green markings on her wings and tail. The bird sat in some shrubbery near the pond, nervous that she was forced to hide so close to the ground .. but there was no higher vantage point.

Yar was sure Rigvar would be quite interested with this conversation .. it sounded like the four marks and quite a few others planned to leave for Salamandastron.

However .. would she tell him? It was not right .. but then .. nothing was right.

''No .. I do not wish to. Rigvar would take war to these people, and make me fight against them. But I do not want to fight them.''

"What'are ya doin?"

The voice came from behind her, and was that of a young beast. Yar held in her surprised squawk, turning to see a little golden mouse with a shock of bright red headfur and green-flecked hazel eyes. He wore a blue tunic with a patchwork baby blanket tied about his shoulders as a cape, and had a wooden sword. The tiny creature stared at her defiantly, repeating his question.

"I asked what yu were doin."

Yar stammered quietly. "Uhh .. just watching."

The baby mouse was not about to go away. "Why are yu doin' that?"

Yar wasn't sure what to say. "I .. just wanted to."

The mouse looked halfway satisfied at least. "Oh. What are yu?"

Yar had no real means of escaping this rather odd conversation. "I'm a .. magpie."

She'd been about to say 'Doomwyte', but had thought the better of it. But this little mouse didn't seem in the least bit afraid of her. He even had the courage to stroke her glossy feathers, without the tiniest speck of fear in his eyes. It was obvious to Yar the child had lived all his young life without threat of danger, and therefore didn't know to be afraid of her. "Well I'm Luke. I gonna be a great warrior like my daddy. Are you a great warrior Mag'ie?"

Yar almost felt herself smiling for some reason as Luke called her the name of her species. "No, a magpie is what I am .. like you're a mouse. My name is Yar."

She regretted telling him that, but the words were out of her beak, and she couldn't call them back. Luke grinned up at her, asking, "Yu wanna meet my mommy an' daddy? They'd let yu stay, an' yu could be my friend!"

Yar gulped, shaking her head. "Uhh .. no .. not right now. I need to go .. home right now. But .. I might come back."

The magpie hated calling the place of the Doomwytes home. It wasn't her home! But it was too .. because she didn't dare leave. Yar scrambled out of the bush, creeping toward the wall with Luke at her tail.

"Awww .. why yu have to go now?"

Yar pulled her tail feathers away from Luke, stating, "Hey, don't pull on those .. I need them to fly!"

Luke pouted a moment, before holding up a small black and white feather. "Yu want this back then?"

Yar sighed. "It's not much use to me now, you may as well have it."

It wasn't until she'd left the mousebabe far below as she soared off, that it occurred to her Luke might not be the only one to see that feather.

><><

Fripple was finding the meeting a little dull by now. All that was being discussed now was if they should travel to Salamandastron and if they did, who should go and who should stay.

The arrival of Luke made things a little more interesting, but Fripple wasn't really happy to see him. She was supposed to be helping here, and now old scene stealer Luke had to come along and get involved.

The little mouse was doing nothing but irritating his father by playing with his whiskers, but all it took was Luke's presence to make Fripple feel threatened.

She crossed her arms and slouched in Groddil's lap, sighing. The silver fox tickled her ear with his scruffy whiskers as he muttered, "Jealous, eh lass?"

Fripple poked the fox, mumbling back, "Unca Groddil, how come nobody can hide nothin' from you?"

Groddil did nothing more then laugh softly and tweak her braid, before turning to the other adults and stating, "It's been on my mind for seasons now .. the thought of trouble somewhere. And I have an even worse question. What of Ferran? Or Roderick for that matter?"

Sayna stiffened with anger, and Timbal scowled, growling, "That turncoat had better never show up again .. besides, Sayna killed him!"

Sayna sighed. "I wounded him badly. Without another's aid, he'd have bled to death .. and either way .. he'd be permanently scarred."

Timbal instinctively touched the faint but somewhat noticeable scar that ran down his jaw, muttering, "Serves him right."

Sayna looked away. "If somehow he did not die, he would be furious .. mad enough to dedicate the rest of his life to revenge. And especially my demise."

Her black eyes grew as sharp as glittering glass shards as she snarled, "But if he dared show his face, I swear I would kill him. He's nothing but a pawn of the Dark Wolf now .. and he would be bent on my and the other marks' destruction."

Groddil frowned. "Aye lass, tis so. But Ferran is the one I'd worry more of .. he has the Flowers of Icetor! From what we've seen, that makes a beast near invincible, at least to minor and even more deadly wounds. You'd probably have to strike a blow that would kill instantly to bring them down."

Rose looked nervous. "But would that even do it? Could such a beast be wounded fatally and just .. get up again? Not saying anything against you, Groddil or Sayna .. but can a creature with the Flowers of Icetor ever really ... die?"

Groddil sighed. "I know not. I have felt younger and stronger in the past five seasons then I think I ever have. It's almost like .. my age was reversed. Like I'm young again."

Sayna nodded. "And neither of us have ever become sick since the day we received the Flowers. All my injuries .. ones that had bothered me for seasons .. they are completely gone. Like they never existed."

Timbal spoke up. "I know what you mean .. I never got my full strength back after five seasons of slavery. Until .."

He shook his head. "It sounds crazy .. but I swear .. well it's come back. Now I'm not saying I can't be wounded or something, but it's almost like I have never seen slavery."

Bella raised an eyebrow in amazement. "You're saying .. that just being around Sayna a lot .. has returned you to your former state? How powerful are these Flowers?"

Groddil shook his head. "I don't know. But what has happened to us .. we can assume it has happened to Ferran as well."

Martin sighed. "Making him a worse enemy than before."

Sayna nodded grimly.

Martin took the riddle from Bella, scanning it. He frowned, reading a verse aloud.

"Far in the west, three rulers fight,

And one must stay behind.

But even where all seems at peace,

There is the dark of night."

The warrior mouse frowned. "What do you make of that? We have the west again .. presumably Salamandastron. But what of these three rulers? Who are they?"

Sayna shrugged. "Could they be the ones we are facing?"

Rose shook her head. "No, I don't think that's right. Look at the next line .. 'And one must stay behind'."

Timbal blinked. "Maybe one of our enemies is to be killed. That would account for the one who stays behind."

Martin nodded. "That sounds logical. Means two of them would live though .."

Rose laughed. "Oh stop it you three! Can't you see what's staring you in the face? Look at the next two lines, what do they tell you?"

Martin rubbed his shoulder. "That even peaceful places can have evil?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "Yes, but if you put all four lines together, it means a lot more to me. Three rulers are fighting in the west. One stays behind. That makes four rulers .. four marks."

She shrugged. "It's already been said you, Sayna and Timbal are the ones who go, so it's obvious to me I'm the one staying behind."

Martin's face fell, and Rose sighed. "Though honestly, do you expect to take the children? Luke is less then five seasons .. Roseanna's even younger!"

Luke looked up from where he was messing with his father's sheathed sword, complaining, "But I wanna go too! Itsn't fair if Fripple gets to go an' I don't!"

Fripple stuck her tongue out, reeling it in as her father stated, "Oh don't worry one bit about that Luke, Fripple's going nowhere."

Sayna poked him. "Who's going to take her? Nobeast in their right mind .."

Rose spoke up. "Oh, I would!"

Everybeast stared at her, Martin and Fripple included. Martin stammered, "Dear .. are you sure about that .."

Rose waved a paw at him. "Of course I am! Fripple is a wonderful child, she just needs .. well .. if you know what I mean .. she needs a mother."

Fripple crossed her arms, complaining, "I have a mother!"

Sayna sighed as Rose gave her a look, stating, "Yes, one who teaches you sword fighting. I could step in for a bit while you're gone Sayna .. that way Fripple might learn a bit more about being .. a lady."

Fripple did not like the way this was going. "I don't wanna be a lady!"

Timbal looked dubious. "Perhaps we should ask Gingivere and Sandingomm if they could .. or Rupert and Estella .."

Fripple spoke up. "Unca Wheggy an' Aunty Gina!"

Rose sighed, a little hurt. "You don't trust my parenting skills?"

Sayna gave her a look, stating, "No, it's not that. It's the fact that Fripple .. well .. she get's in trouble! And she doesn't exactly get along well with Luke."

Rose patted her scowling son on the head, stating, "That's all the more reason to start now. They need to learn to be friends .. or at least get along. I'll see that they do .. and we'll have fun! Won't we Luke?"

Luke did not look so sure.

Martin sighed. "Well .. if you're certain it's what you want .."

Rose was firm. "It is. I love children!"

Bella stood, stating, "In that case, let's announce this at dinner. All who can and wish to help are free too .. and the sooner the better."

Chapter 5 Echo Shadows
On the restless western shore, under the shadow Salamandastron cast, two creatures stood silently.

They were almost like pale shadows against the dunes as they watched the mountain that wasn't close .. yet wasn't all that far away. Evidenced by their long ears and bob tails, they were hares. But small, scruffy hares at that.

Of course, they were young. Perhaps fourteen or fifteen seasons apiece.

One was a female, moonlight gray and with large, brown, almond shaped eyes. She wore a short tunic made of hand woven dune grass, with a belt that looked like it had been braided from rags. Her snowy headfur was tied up with a bit of the same.

The other was a male, sandy blonde with steel gray tips and gray green eyes. His attire was much the same as his companion's, except his was a kilt of the woven grass.

The two stood like sentinels almost, letting the wind whip silently about them. The female spoke first, her accent not quite the same as a normal hare's. "Star, d'you think they'll be coming out anymore today?"

The male shrugged, his accent much the same as hers. Not like a normal hare's, but with elements of it. "I donno Breeze. Prob'ly not, but you never can tell with those rats."

Breeze, as she was called, sighed, "Star, they aren't all rats wot?"

Star rolled his eyes. "Oh whatever. They're all rotten ol' blighters an' cads anyway, so what's the difference?"

Breeze frowned. "You know what mother'd always say about language Starbuck."

He stiffened, sighing at last, "Mother's not here. Neither is father .. an' .. an' I don't wanna think about it."

Breeze looked away, asking, "Star .. what if they're still prisoners? What if Lotor didn't .. well .. what if we could save them!"

Her brother didn't turn around. "Breeze .. if you think he'd let them live this long, you're mad wot? They're dead .. we may as well face it. And even if they weren't, what could we do? Even if Lightfoot helped, what could three do against so many? No .. we may as well face it .. they're gone."

Breeze's ears drooped, and she sighed, "Well .. what if the new badger ruler would come? Would that help .. could we then .. maybe?"

Starbuck snorted. "Huh .. if they'd ever come. But when? I .. I'm not sure I want to try again anyway."

Breeze poked him. "What do you mean by that wot? If I got a chance, I'd give them what for! I'd make them pay for what they did to our parents!"

Starbuck wouldn't look up. "Leave me alone .. please Breeze? Go help Lightfoot or something .."

Breeze sighed, knowing how moody her brother could be. "Alright .. if you promise not to let them catch you."

Starbuck laughed dully, although there was no merriment in it. "Like they could."

><><

The pale blonde hare watched his sister sweep off into the dunes like a speck of moonlight in the day. He sighed, looking away, his steel green eyes hard.

six seasons ago, he and his sister had lived in Salamandastron with their parents, Lupin and Buffheart. Lord Boar had been ruler then, and there had been six other hares, and other horses as well.

But the Lord Boar had fought Ripfang, and been slain doing so. Three of the hares had been killed as well, Harebell, Wother, and Honeydew. A few horses had died too .. but the rest had escaped on Ripfang's ship, along with some visitors from Mossflower.

Starbuck could remember how sad his mother and father had been as they buried their fellow Long Patrollers and their lord. They'd found Whitelighting, one of the horse's, half dead on the battle field, and brought him back for treatment.

The only healer left had been Lightfoot, a small dun pony. She'd patched the creamello stallion up .. but it hadn't done any good.

For that night, the peace was shattered. Starbuck could remember wanting to sleep in the infirmary with Lightfoot, and Breeze had too. The little pony was almost like their second mother, and they were fond of her.

The two little hares had dropped off to sleep when the attack came .. Lightfoot had awakened them. There was nothing to be done .. they couldn't even go back for Lupin and Buffheart.

Lightfoot had been forced to leave Whitelighting to the mercy of their attackers, for the horse was too weak to escape. Starbuck could remember Lightfoot making he and Breeze ride her .. could remember galloping through the echoing halls of Salamandastron.

They couldn't go out the front entrance; it was overrun with vermin. But Lightfoot wasn't exactly a young pony, and she could remember the rein of Ungatt Trunn. She'd been a filly then, and one of those unfortunates who had become trapped in the cellars .. so she knew of the secret exit. The little pony had taken advantage of this knowledge, and carried her two young charges to safety .. but they were forced to leave everything to do so.

Everything .. and everyone.

><><

As Starbuck finished recalling his memories, he left the dune's shadow he was sitting in and slipped off toward his hidden home. And not a moment too soon.

For as the pale gold hare left the dune, two black specks were making their way towards Salamandastron .. and would have seen him had he not moved away.

One was quite a bit shorter then the other, and wore a long black cloak with a enveloping hood. The glimmer of a metal sword-like weapon peeped from beneath the creature's cloak hem, as well as the white tip of it's tail.

The taller creature was .. odd to say the least. He was a fox, although one would have to look twice to assure whether he was a male or a vixen. For he had hair .. long black hair done up in a braid. If it had been loose, it would have surely fallen about his feet.

This did create a strange effect, to be sure. Thankfully, he had a braided beard to accompany his amazingly long hair .. a fact that helped define his gender. He was sooty black .. and his fur did not shine in the sun. His attire, weapons .. in fact everything about him .. was black. His pale, unsettling orange eyes were the only contrast .. and a striking but frightening one at that.

The smaller beast stopped atop the dune Starbuck had been at moments before, it's hood tilting like it was giving the ground a cryptic glance. The creature's voice was a bit nasal .. although not terribly high. "A hare has been here .. very recently."

The fox gave the hooded beast a condescending glare. "What does that matter? And why are you wearing that stupid cloak? Afraid?"

The creature sneered. "I am taking precautions Ferran. You'd be wise to do the same."

Ferran growled. "Oh, you be careful kid. Don't back talk your elders .. lest they get mad."

The creature's voice sounded as though it was clenching it's teeth. It took a few steps towards the fox, snarling, "Kid? Get over it Ferran, I'm just as good as you."

Ferran sneered dryly, reaching to flick the smaller beast's hood off, but a black paw shot from the cloak, seizing his arm with a grip of iron. "See? I do not need eyes to tell me your motives, and my powers are every inch as strong as yours. As I practice more .. we'll see who wins out."

Ferran wrenched his paw away, rubbing it grudgingly. "Watch your back kid, I know tricks you don't. Do you really think I'd teach you everything?"

The beast brushed past him, sneering, "What are you going to do old one? Knife me in the back? I'll know, and can stop your blade in midflight. You keep an eye on your own back .. it's the one in danger, not mine."

><>< Lotor sat on his throne surveying the two creatures Swartt had brought to him. He could feel their darkness, and knew they were Shadow Fighters as he.

The ermine nodded to Swartt. "Thank you Captain. Dismissed .. though I will call for you later."

Swartt bowed, before striding out, and the door shut behind him. Lotor nodded to the two beasts before him. "So you are the two of which Malimore told me of? Has our Lord sent you?"

The black fox nodded, orange eyes blank. "He did."

Lotor waved a paw. "Introduce yourselves."

The fox spoke first. "I am Ferran. Strong in the physical world, as well as good in the mental world."

The other creature spoke through it's hood. "Roderick is my name. I am decent in the physical realms, but the spiritual world is my strength."

Lotor gave him a half condescending look. "Remove your hood .. I like to see those I work with."

The beast flicked his hood off a one deft move, and Lotor stood speechless a moment. This creature was a mouse! He had black fur, brown eyes, and a cream underbelly, as well as a hideous scar running jaggedly between his eyes at an angle; covering his face from left ear to right cheek.

Lotor laughed, half in total mockery, half in disbelief. "A mouse? Malimore sent me a mouse? What does he think I am .. a vole? That I need a mouse to help me?"

Roderick barely moved, just held his right paw out slightly, before making a throwing motion.

Lotor instinctively held up a paw as there was a quick flash of green, and a bit of rock came flying at him. The stone dropped to the ground with a clack as it connected with Lotor's power, and Roderick's mouth twisted into a small sneer. "Your lack of faith disturbs me .. majesty."

Lotor drew himself to his full height, stating dryly, "Very well .. mouse. I see I have made a hasty judgment."

Roderick didn't let his sneer untwist. "Most beasts do. There is a difference between a mouse and a goodbeast .. and I'm living proof."

><><

This whole interview was watched however, by a pair of luminescent violet eyes. Their owner was a rat maiden the color of pale sunlight, clad in black seer garb.

Her strange eyes narrowed as she saw the mouse called Roderick demonstrate his power, and Lotor's counter. She smiled ever so slightly, although it was more of a sneer then anything.

Velox would not pleased to hear this .. but he would want to hear it.

The rat leapt off the ledge she was sitting on and to another, agile as a squirrel. She was far above the three conversing beasts, and on a series of rock ledges only she knew of. The shadows were thick up where she was, and afforded her good hiding.

These small spurs of rock high in the walls led out to a narrow rock window, which the rat slipped quickly out of and onto the side of the mountain. The dizzying height did not seem to effect her as she scaled Salamandastron's face, unmindful of the fact she could drop to certain death.

The slim little rat slipped almost effortlessly onto a jutting rock spur, darting over to a narrow opening that led into the mountain, and sliding softly in.

A cloaked beast stepped from the shadows, asking, "Well? How did it go? How strong are they?"

The rat maid blinked. "Quite strong sir. They seem on par with ye, if'n ye don't mind me a'sayin' so."

Velox paced a little, finally stating, "Go tell Bluefen to be on guard, and be quick about it."

The rat nodded, "Yes sir."

As she turned to go, Velox added, "And Xemx, tell Bluefen to steer clear of that husband of her's .. tell her to go easy. I need that wench alive .. understand?"

Xemx dipped her head. "I'll see ta it."

She then bolted off through Salamandastron, fast as the light of the sun she was named for.

><><

Far from Salamandastron, on the northern most fringes of Mossflower woods, lurked another shadow from the past.

He was one most had thought to have died already, or at least be completely mad and therefore no danger. But he was not.

While he was not a sane beast, he was just cognizant enough to be dangerous. His mood and sanity were unpredictable, for he was quite a loose cannon.

Also, he had a overdeveloped fondness for grog, and being intoxicated did little to help his half-addled mind.

He was to be sure, a hard beast to forget. Why he was lurking on the outskirts of Mossflower on this early spring day was hard to say for sure, but it had to do with the fact he was in truth, a loyal beast. And a loyal beast always returns to their master.

The creature was an ermine, although some would have said stoat. For his fur was in it's brown summer coat, although pieces of it were turning gray with age. He had a cutlass, and a braided beard.

A rat ran up to him, bowing quickly. "Capt'n, it's like ya said. These woods is nice, although we ain't had any sign of a castle .."

The creature rolled his eyes. "Course you ain't Scritchy, we're too far north yet. But ye will, jest wait'n see. Milord Verdauga Greeneyes is da richest king around .. an' he'll wanna hear 'bout how I killed me ol' brother."

The rat cocked her head, asking, "Will 'e reward us Capt'n?"

Her Captain raised a brushy eyebrow. "Reward us Scritchy? 'E'll be pleased as anythin' ta know ol' Badrang's dead! He wanted nothin' more then ta get rid a dat traitor, an' sent me ta do it. Well I did. An' now I'll 'ave earned meself good standin' with 'im."

A weasel walked up to them, stating in a rather dim-witted voice, "Uhh .. Capt'n? Where's we gonna camp for da night?"

His captain gave him a disgusted look. "I shoulda knowed you'd be stupid, with a name like Bootbrain. Wippback's got more smarts'n you do! So does Floggtail, an all da others! Why yer ol' captain let you be steersbeast, I'll never know. Mayhaps dat's da reason yer ol' ship wrecked an' he died eh?"

Bootbrain shook his head, exclaiming, "But Capt'n, dat weren't me fault! It was dark an' stormy an' Scritchy here messed up an' put a whole bottle a ale in da skilly .."

Scritchy put her paws on her hips. "Ahh shud'up ya dim-witted animal! I never signed up ta be cook, ol' Reynard made me be one. Course I was bad at it!"

Bootbrain nodded. "Uh .. yep. Ol' Reynard was alwus makin' beasts be wot dey didn't wanna be .. Capt'n Clogg's better bout dat."

Clogg, for so he was, waved a paw at the two. "Go call da others back .. we'll set up 'ere. It'll be a week or so for we git ta Kotir anyhow .. no need ta wear our paws out if'n we don't have ta."

><><

Xemx stood near Lotor's chambers, violet eyes glimmering ever so softly. She had relayed Velox's message to Bluefen, noting with interest that the ferret wife seemed uneasy. Like she wished they could progress faster.

However she had agreed to wait .. grudgingly. Xemx might have felt pity for her .. but then .. Xemx rarely felt pity for anyone.

The gold rat suspected Bluefen hated Swartt so much, the idea of slaying him was tantalizing .. a chance for well deserved revenge.

Xemx tossed her head, her usual sneer widening. That's why you had to be witty and cruel, smart and sly, willing to use anybeast, no matter the outcome. Or else you would end up like Bluefen; hated, enslaved, neglected, and saddled with a brat on top of it.

One thing was for sure, and that was that she, Xemx, would never be faced with such a situation .. never. And it was one of the reasons she was waiting outside Lotor's throne room .. she was waiting for that mouse.

He had power .. wonderful power. She had seen it .. and she wanted it. The mouse could teach her .. and she could make him. Xemx knew how to deal with malebeasts, and had raised quite a name for herself among the lower beasts in Lotor's horde. She was charming, beautiful, silver-tongued, and sly, and many a rat had lost his heart to her.

But she never returned affection, simply used it until it no longer benefited her, then moved on without the slightest pause. The only beast Xemx loved, was herself.

And this little mouse .. ha. He was easy prey. She would get him to teach her his secrets, then leave him in the dust. No problem.

Her eyebrows arched as the creature himself walked out, the tiniest bit of a smirk on his face. He paused as the black fox strode past him without so much as pausing. The mouse directed a sneer at him, before pulling his hood up and heading off in another direction .. the direction of Xemx's hiding place.

The little golden rat's sneer widened fractionally, as she stepped out of her shadows, asking, "Meetin' the boss eh?"

The mouse stopped, stating finally, "I wouldn't call him that if I were you."

Xemx wasn't sure what to think of this response, but she didn't loose her composure. "I'd not call him that to his face. But between you an' me, I don't mind."

The mouse shrugged. "Your neck, your problem."

He tried to push past her, but Xemx held up a paw. "Now don't go runnin' off me friend, I have a few things ta ask ye."

The mouse had not taken off his hood. "I do what I please, and I have no friends. But still, what are your questions?"

His voice was flat, unemotional, and the kind that expects an honest answer. Xemx would have been batting her eyelashes at the creature, but with his hood up, she felt it would be lost on him anyway. She took a few steps nearer, flicking his hood off with an agile paw.

His brown eyes stared back levelly, neither surprised nor questioning. This confused Xemx slightly, for she had never met a creature who could resist her for very long. Her boots made the smallest of clicks on the stone floor as she circled him, stating slyly, "I want somethin' from ya."

The mouse's eyes held the slightest bit of suspicion as he asked flatly, "Well then, what do you want?"

Xemx gave him a dazzling look. "Your power."

The mouse's eyes hardened. "You don't know what you ask."

Xemx smiled sweetly. "I can learn."

The mouse sneered slightly. "You'll regret it. Why don't you run along and steal some other beast's heart .. I do not give mine away."

Xemx could not hide her look of shock quick enough, and the mouse saw it. His sneer widened as he stated, "Oh, you thought I would be an easy con? Think again .. Xemx. I am strong in the ways of the Dark Wolf, and even the most hidden thoughts are known to me. So be careful what you think, my dear."

Xemx recovered quickly, smiling. "Ye are a beast after me own heart, I see. An' all the more now, I want yer power. So teach it ta me."

The mouse's eyes glinted subtly as he paused, finally nodding. "Very well. But you will regret this day."

Xemx brushed past him, stating, "Oh, I doubt it me friend, I doubt it. Meet me here tonight .. and I'll see what ye can do."

She slipped quickly away, the mouse's answer nearly inaudible .. but not quite.

"Oh no my dear .. we'll see what you can do."

For the first time, Xemx had to wonder who was playing this game.

Chapter 6 Westward
TBC~ Sa yn a  th e d au gh te r o f  L uk e  22:28, March 8, 2015 (UTC)