User blog:SaynaSLuke/The Ocean's Echoes



By Sayna

Well seasons they passed,

And finally at last,

The made eyed one hard and the same,

Three friends did send,

Straight for their ends,

Curse the emperor's name.

One pearl for wisdom ..

One pearl for mercy ..

And one for the sovereignty ..

Of Ignasa above.

Author's Note
It's 'The Ocean's Echoes'! I am super excited about this book, it (hopefully) will be awesome. We're going to see more woodlanders, our surviving pirate crew of 'Stolen Tears', and maybe a few phantoms as well. ;)

Ghost ships, mysterious killers, a wicked emperor, best friends turned against one another .. can the spirit of the dragons survive it? I guess we'll find out, eh? >:)


 * evil Sayna chuckle*

There may well be a few PG-13 type scenes, simply for violence. *whispers* The battle on the Waveworm ..

This book is dedicated especially to Lus, Reep, and Astar. Thanks for your enthusiasm, the time we've spent discussing these stories, and your comments, cause IDK if I'd have got to 'The Ocean's Echoes' .. or even 'Tears of the Ocean' without it. :3

And of course, it goes to all my friends, all who read, and my family. Thanks everybeast! :D

Also to my friend who introduced me to Redwall. Josiah, you may not know it ... but you really started something when you handed me that copy of 'Mossflower'! XD

And here's our fitting music :)

When I hear this, I just think of Sampetra, their love of adventure, the sea, and sailing. So like a cool anthem or something ^^ Seriously this is awesome. So listen to it, like really XD

Chapter 13 Seven Seasons Gone
''Seven seasons have passed since that fateful day. Today is the anniversary.''

Romsca looked down at her work in the flickering light of her lantern, dipping her quill in ink and scratching down some more on the parchment before her.

''Sampetra has had relative peace, though we have to live under a wretched usurper that has the nerve to call himself emperor and commands us with a rod of iron. As for the nations he sends us against, I find pity for them. He has not yet proclaimed a quest for his pearls, but I can only imagine it's going to be a matter of time.''

''As for me, I do the best I can. The emperor's taxes are harsh, and his punishments harsher .. sometimes I wonder if the spirit of dragons is left alive on Sampetra, or if it has been totally broken. Sometimes I wonder if it's left in me. The longer you serve somebeast, the more you feel yourself a servant.''

The ferret half sighed, half yawned as she laid the parchment on the large stack beside her, picking out another. She picked up her mug of tea, pausing as she noticed it was empty.

Romsca scowled, standing up and tightening the tie on her robe as she picked up the cup and her lantern. She pushed open the door of her study, as a faint crash of thunder became audible. Romsca opened the bolted shutters of a hall window, slamming them shut again as a positive torrent of rain splashed down upon her.

Her lantern went out, leaving her in darkness that was only broken by the frequent flashes of lightning.

"Well ain't that just wonderful." Romsca grumbled, hitching her soggy nightdress and robe around her ankles and heading for her manor's kitchen. She left the lantern on a bench in the hallway, hurrying through the darkness by habit.

The ferret was crossing the dark foyer, when a loud knocking caused her to jump. She spun around, drawing the knife she continually carried. "Who's there?"

"Oh for cryin' out loud ... Romsca, lemme in! I'm drownin' out here an' I ain't even at sea!"

Romsca relaxed, suddenly smirking. She opened the door, and Xzaris hurried in, his gray fur so completely sodden it was nearly black and his messy hair covering his eyes. Romsca shut the door behind him. "So .. what went wrong this time?"

Xzaris pulled the black hair out of his blue eyes, sighing. "Now look we got her sea worthy an' everythin', she's ready ta sail. I jist ... fergot bout checkin' me cabin's windows an' the forcastle floor fer leaks ... Oh it ain't so funny!"

Romsca had a paw clamped over her muzzle. "Oh yea it is .. I ain't one ta laugh Xzaris, but ya can sure make me! Ya fergot ta make the capt'n's cabin water tight?"

The gray ferret scowled. "Look that part ain't inna water, ok? I've been slavin' away at her hull, an' so I didn't think 'bout that. Now can I pay ya another night's rent or am I gonna go sleep in yer stable?"

"Oh go get a towel. Yer ruinin' me rug here." Romsca sighed, pointing deeper into the manor. "I'll help ya with the leaks come daylight, though ya know how good I am at it."

Xzaris relaxed. "Well it's better'n nothin'."

He hurried off, his boots making squelching noises because they were so wet. Romsca padded into the kitchen, setting her mug down and reaching for the teapot as the side door burst open and a red and white vixen hopped in, hanging a sopping cloak on a peg. "I just love rain!"

Romsca had tensed, and now she relaxed, picking up the teapot. "Want some tea? It's cold, but it's better'n nothin'."

"Sure!" The fox yanked off her boots, bouncing to the cupboard. "I mean, rain's great! It's all wet, an there's lightnin' an' thunder an' ya can jump in puddles ..."

Romsca cast a glance at the boots her friend had shed, noticing how filthy they were. "I'm guessin' ya had a good night at the tavern, huh Val?"

Val grabbed the teapot, pouring some tea for herself. "Yup! There was only one fight an' Conza came while I was on break an' we had dinner tagether!"

Her face fell. "Though Conza's leavin' on a raid inna week. Wish he'd take me too sometime."

Romsca shrugged, as Xzaris walked in, holding his boots and looking slightly dryer. Val snorted into her tea, splashing it on her muzzle. "Oh look what came back ... fall inna sea an' fight a shark, huh Xzaris?"

The ferret gave her an unimpressed look, not answering as he set his boots by the side door. Val grinned. "What happen, yer boat sink ... what'd ya say .. Oh yea .. 'I'll be stayin' on me ship now, like her capt'n should be.' Looks like it failed!"

Xzaris sighed. "Look it's a minor .. adjustment I need ta make."

Val about fell over laughing, setting her tea on the counter. "Minor? Ya looks like a drowned rat an' ya say minor? When yer first mate comes ta ya an' says, "Capn't the ship's a sinkin'!" Whatda ya say? "Oh it's just a minor adjustment needs ta be made!"

The vixen fell into one of the table's chairs, nearly choking with mirth.

Xzaris rung some water from his black ponytail. "Can we ferget this happened?"

Romsca shrugged. "I doubt I'll forget, but I ain't gonna tell. I'm goin' ta bed, maybe I'll get some sleep, though it ain't likely. Ya know where the guest room is Xzaris, an' make sure ya put the rug over the porch railin'. It can't get no wetter'n it is now an' it's ruinin' the floor."

The ferret sighed, mumbling something that sounded like, "Jist when I was gettin' dry .."

Romsca paused, remembering how driving the rain was and called after him, "Oh never mind, just put it inna kitchen, it can't hurt the marble."

She headed down the hall to her rooms, closing the door behind her and locking it. The ferret hung her damp robe over a chair, crawling into bed and pulling the sheets to her chin. The flashes of lightning lit the ceiling and walls in soft bursts of light, making the shadows come alive.

Romsca turned over, staring at the wall. Shadows were the scourges of her nights, awake or asleep, and there was no escaping them.

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Early morning cast the sun's rays over the time worn stones of Redwall Abbey, drifting through the stained glass windows and casting colorful patches on the floor of Great Hall. The door from the lawns opened a crack, and a reddish ottermaid with wonderful flaxen hair slipped in.

She shut the door behind her, taking a tighter hold of a book and some brushes, and hurrying quietly through the otherwise deserted hall.

As she neared the stairs leading to Redwall's second story, a golden and white spotted mouse pushed open the doors from Cavern Hole.

The otter smiled. "Good morning Martin!"

He jumped, looking around and putting his paw to his lips. "Can you be a little quieter Grath .. don't let on that I'm here."

Grath raised an eyebrow. "Hiding from Piknim again?"

"I'm not hiding .. I just don't want her to find me." Martin crossed his arms. "There's a difference."

"I guess." Grath stated. She opened her book, showing a picture to Martin. "I was painting the sunrise from the east wall top this morning ... do you like it?"

Martin looked at the painting for a moment, smiling, "It's great! I love how your paintings almost look real."

Grath looked down. "Thanks. Where's Tansy?"

Martin shrugged. "In the kitchen. Maybe we should hide from Piknim there."

Grath followed him. "What's so bad about her? I mean, ok .. she can be .. a little irritating, but she's not a bad creature."

"I'm just not ready for all that yet, and she's completely crazy about me! It's not that I don't like her as a creature .. but why won't she leave me alone?" Martin sighed. "Sometimes I wish there were more guys around here."

He quickly added, "Not that you and Tansy aren't great friends, but .. I sort of wish there were other male beasts my own age. To bad Log-a-Log doesn't visit more often, cause hanging out with Plogg and Welko is great fun."

"Oh .. he'll be here in a few weeks. He always visits us at the beginning of summer." Grath put in.

Martin nodded. "Yea, that's true."

"What are you two doing up so early?" The question came from a middle aged mouse who was sitting at one of Great Hall's tables along with Tansy and a large breakfast.

Martin jumped. "Oh .. father abbot! We were .. just seeing about getting an early breakfast."

Tansy grinned. "Well come have some of this, there's plenty, abbot says I made too much."

The two sat down, and Abbot Durral smiled. "You made a new picture, Grath? I saw you from my window, out on the wall. Can I see it?"

Grath looked self conscious, but handed the picture over. Durral looked it over, remarking, "Your paintings are lovely .. maybe I should appoint you abbey painter. You could certainly do us justice."

Grath shrugged. "I .. don't know .. I don't really like having a title."

"Oh daughter, I was just joking." Durral smiled, pushing a bowl of oatmeal in front of her. "You do take everything so seriously."

He handed the drawing book back to Grath, adding, "But I am serious when I say this. I've been thinking, Log-a-Log is always good to us here, he brings gifts and news and joy whenever he and the Guosim visit. So here's an idea .. what if we had a feast for them, to surprise them when they come!"

Tansy looked excited. "Really? With food and dancing .."

"And music?" Martin put it.

Grath looked interested. "And contests too?"

Durral laughed. "Yes, yes all of that. And even more if I can arrange it."

There was a sudden crash, causing all four to jump. One of the iron torch holders had fallen, bringing down a wall hanging in the process. In the midst of it all sat a little red squirrel dibbun, and Tansy sighed. "Arven! What are you up to now?"

The squirrel did not seem in the least disturbed about the mess as he pounced onto the abbot's lap and began eating his oatmeal. "I was climbin' Tansy Pansy!"

Tansy rolled her eyes in a half joking manner. "I am not Tansy Pansy you little rouge, now somebeast going to have to clean that up. Where's your sister?"

There was a scurrying noise, and a thump as a red squirrel maiden dropped from one of the rafters. "Right here. I was trying to catch up with him before he got into mischief .. but .. like that ever works."

She plopped down at the table, helping herself to a scone and munching happily. "So, I came to tell you something, father abbot."

Durral looked up from where he was playing with Arven, who was enjoying every bit of attention he got. "What is that Cracklyn?"

Cracklyn stuffed the rest of the scone in her mouth, reaching for some tea. "Well I was out on the wall tops, and it happens that I looked out on the path, and guess what?"

"Umm .. Log-a-Log's early?" Martin made a guess.

"Nope!" Cracklyn was pleased with herself. "Two strangers are coming toward the abbey, and I imagine they'll be knocking about now."

Durral sat up straight again. "Well come along then, we can't leave guests outside. Tansy, go get Friar Higgle, he's a sensible beast. Hopefully they come in peace and friendship."

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The sound of bird song was the thing that awoke Romsca, since she kept her shutters closed and bolted. The ferret sat up, opening them to see a glorious dawn despite the terrible storm in the earliest hours of the morning.

She slipped out of bed, hurrying to put on her clothes, brush her hair and fur so she didn't look like she'd just got up. After all, elegance was a staple of Sampetra, and while Romsca really couldn't care less, she knew looking at least presentable was crucial.

The ferret closed her shutters, bolting them once more before heading down to the kitchen, where she could smell breakfast cooking. Val looked up, grinning, "Hey, breakkist'll be ready soon, go set the table."

Romsca obeyed, mostly because Val was nice enough to cook, something Romsca disliked to do. Xzaris came in, looking none the worse for his misadventure in the storm. Val grinned as she plopped some steaming rice into the bowls. "Ya survived I'm guessin'. Come have some breakkist, specialty a the house an' hot 'nough ta burn yer tongue so don't be eatin' ta fast see?"

She poured the tea so fast Romsca wondered how she kept from spilling it, adding honey and milk to the rice with amazing efficiency. The fox plopped down in her chair, stirring her rice as the two ferrets did the same. "So what's we doin' taday? Romsca's gonna help Xzaris sink his ship?"

Romsca gave Val an un-amused look. "I'm not a carpenter, but I'm not that stupid."

Val giggled, unfazed by Romsca's cold tone. She took a bite, when there was a knock on the door, and Romsca stiffened. Val jumped up. "Oh that'll be Conza, I asked 'im ta come!"

The vixen bolted off toward the foyer, and Romsca relaxed. Xzaris raised an eyebrow, picking up the two sticks beside his bowl and poising them between two fingers. "Yer awfully tense today. More so'n usual."

Romsca sighed, scooping up a bite of rice with the sticks she was holding. "Today is the day that Ublaz .. "

She let the rice fall back into the bowl, and Xzaris sighed. "Oh .. yea. Sorry. It's been seven seasons ain't it?"

Romsca nodded silently, and fell to eating. There were steps in the hallway as Val dashed in, ordering, "Have a seat, I'll getcha some breakkist."

The tall, broad shouldered dog fox that walked in completely dwarfed the vixen, being near two heads taller than her. He tipped his blue feathered hat to Romsca and Xzaris, sweeping his long blue sea coat out of the way as he sat down. "Good morning, I take Val forgot to tell you?"

Romsca shrugged. "Yea. But it wouldn't be the first time."

Xzaris grinned. "Hey Rasconza."

Val shoved the fox's breakfast in front of him, sitting down to her own. She took a drink of tea as Romsca asked, "You're really leaving on another raid so soon? I just got back, figured I'd give me crew the month."

Rasconza shrugged. "I want to buy another manor. It'll be small, sure, but it'd be nice to have a place on land again. After all, Sagitar's living in the one I used to have. I'm figuring two more good raids should do it."

The fox drank some tea as he asked, "So how's the ship coming along, eh Xzaris? You've been at her about three seasons, haven't you?"

Xzaris grinned. "Aye, but she's nearly done. Romsca's gonna help me fix a few leaks in the forcastle an' I've gotta replace her sail .. that's the hardest part."

Val raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Xzaris shrugged. "Yea, it costs the most. An' if I don't have the dragon on me sail I ain't legally a capt'n. So ya bet I'm gonna pay fer the sail, it's better'n loosin' me head over it."

Rasconza stretched. "I'll tell you what, Freebooter's sail's showing some wear, but it's still good. I'd sell it to you for way less than a new one .. come over and see if you want it."

Xzaris nodded. "Sounds fair 'nough, though I'll have ta cut it down ta fit Darkshroud. So, how was yer last raid? From the mood yer in, I'm guessin' it went well."

"Sure did." Rasconza ate some more, stating, "We got twice the taxes I pay on the ship, enough to pay the crew, and a tidy bit leftover. Also got some new oar slaves."

Romsca looked up, frowning. "How can you keep living creatures like that? Ever since my father .. and those poor otters were killed .. I .. can't make myself."

Rasconza sighed. "Romsca, matey, we've been through this before. You're the roughest beast I know except when it comes to prisoners. What's with that .. I mean, you raid too."

"Yea, but ya know me signature attack is swift an' silent .. I try to kill as few as possible an' I take no prisoners." Romsca scowled. "Ya couldn't understand Rasconza, ya .. just didn't see what I saw."

Rasconza rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, I guess. Now Val, how'd you like to walk to the tavern with me? It's on the way to my ship and all I need to do is chart my next course today."

Val grinned. "Great!"

Rasconza winked at her. "Besides, I thought we could stop by the market for a bit. I remember you said something about wanting new earrings?"

Val jumped up with a squeal. "Ooooh really?"

"Well I think I could spare a little. Besides, what's a few coins for me girlfriend?" Rasconza stood up, grinning at Xzaris. "And what does lover boy over here do .. ask his girl to help him fix his ship?"

Romsca rolled her eyes. "Good grief Rasconza, we've been over this before. I ain't Xzaris's girlfriend."

Xzaris looked embarrassed. "Yea .. well .. we best be off."

Rasconza laughed as Val pulled on her boots, shaking the mud off them. The vixen jumped up, rushing out onto the porch. "Isn't it the greatest day ever? Come on Conza, race ya!"

"Hey!" Rasconza leaped after her, coat tails flapping behind him.

Romsca walked past the still wet rug hanging over the railing, asking, "Hey Xzaris, walk or ride?"

Xzaris jumped down the stairs without blinking an eye. "Oh, let's walk. Give yer poor ol' horse a rest."

Romsca shrugged, buckling on the cutlass that had once been her father's. "Alright, deal."

The two walked out the courtyard gates, and Romsca locked them behind her, returning the key to it's hiding place in the neglected flowerbed outside. She hurried after Xzaris, into the street and down toward the docks.

She caught up to him, stating, "Hey Xzaris, for the record ... I know I was laughin' at ya last night but ya have done wonders ta Darkshroud."

Xzaris grinned. "Yea .. well, I know ya feel like that. Glad I made ya laugh, cause it ain't easy."

Romsca shrugged. "Normally there's no cause fer it."

They were crossing one of the busy streets, when a cry rang out. "Halt, by order of the emperor!"

The two ferrets froze, spinning around to see Sagitar pull her horse to a stop behind them, several of the ratguard with her. Romsca felt her heart skip a beat, and Xzaris bowed quickly. "General .. what kin we do fer ya?"

Sagitar dismounted easily, stating, "The emperor has requested your presence, both of you."

Xzaris looked surprised. "Milady .. Emperor Ublaz wants ta see .... me?"

The rat regarded him with an air of disinterest. "Yes. You will come with us immediately."

Romsca met Xzaris's confused eyes, knowing her own were horrified. "I have paid all the taxes from me last raid general, an' ..."

Sagitar looked irritated. "Now."

Xzaris shrugged, reaching out and laying a paw on Romsca's shoulder. "We're comin', general."

The journey to the palace was made in silence, and it was a tense silence. Romsca hadn't been escorted to the palace in this manner since the day her father had been executed, and she wondered if it was her turn.

''No .. I haven't done anything wrong, neither has Xzaris!''

As they made their way up the palace stairs, another thought came to her.

''Ublaz wants to stamp out the House of the Dragons, he has since he killed Empress Meili. The only reason he kept me and my uncle alive was because he needed ship captains.''

Panic was welling within her, and she attempted to shove it down with logic.

''Xzaris is not of the House of the Dragons, but the House of the Falcons. And if he planned to kill the Dragons, why didn't he wait until Uncle Barranca was in port and not off raiding?''

Still, the feelings of terror persisted.

He's planning something awful.

They came to the doors that led to the throne room, to see Rasconza standing there. Sagitar held out a paw. "No weapons are to be taken before Ublaz."

Romsca regretfully unbuckled her cutlass, giving it to the rat as Xzaris handed over his pike and a sizable knife. The rat general gave the weapons to one of her creatures, ordering, "You three. With us."

The red doors creaked open, showing the crimson colored hall, and the dragon throne where its grim but completely elegant occupant sat waiting for them.

The three cast a glance at each other, and Romsca tried to come up with a reason why she, Xzaris, and Rasconza would all be called before Ublaz at the same time.

Sagitar bowed. "Rasconza of the House of the Gulls, Xzaris of the House of the Falcons, and Romsca of the House of the Dragons, as you ordered sire."

The three instantly bowed, and Ublaz spoke. "Ah, nice of you to join me, my young captains."

Romsca's voice came off as fearful and blunt, and she wished she had not spoken. "What do you want?"

"To the point as ever, Captain Romsca." Ublaz smiled. "Very well, I will be upfront with you. My pearls are still out there."

He stood up, walking the length of his dias. "I need captains to find them. And since the last quest was such a disappointing failure ..."

The pine marten stopped in front of Romsca, smiling, his voice gentle. "I've decided to raise the stakes."

All three young beasts snuck glances at each other as their emperor continued. "It's amazing what a creature will do for their life, isn't it? There are three directions the pearls may be in, and there are three of you. You each will go in one of these directions, and the one who brings me my pearls keeps their life."

Xzaris slowly spoke. "An' .. the other two, sire?"

"Quite simply, they will die." Ublaz examined his pristine claws. "I could not allow Sampetra to think their emperor has weakened, now could I?"

Rasconza looked at his friends in horror, before stammering, "But ... if you kill two of us, you loose two able beasts that could serve you. And why us .. surely there are older captains."

Ublaz took a sip of wine from his chalice, sighing with pretend remorse, "Must I be so blunt with you? Yes, I expect I must. Well, it seems that you three share a .. rather remarkable bond. Best friends, wouldn't you say? And you all are captains now. I am simply taking a needed precaution my young captains, that being .. the last time there were close ties among captains .. well, it wasn't a pretty sight, was it."

The emperor did not bother asking it as a question, and Rasconza looked down.

Ublaz smiled. "No, it wasn't. And so I've come up with a .. rather ingenious plan for the three of you. You might say .. a sort of game. Fifteen of my Monitors will accompany each of you, and I expect you to leave in the week. General, whatever repairs Captain Xzaris's ship needs, do see to them."

Sagitar nodded, and Xzaris looked overwhelmed. "But .. but sire .. which ways will we be goin'?"

The pine marten emperor sat back down on his throne, clapping his paws as a ratguard hurried off. "Well that's a good question, isn't it? I rather expected you to ask it of me, so I prepared a way to do just that. After all, it wouldn't be fair if you didn't have a say in it, but we want it to be fair to everybeast, now don't we?"

Ublaz smiled at the silence that answered him. "Yes, indeed we do. You're the best of friends, you've played many a game together, I'm certain. So I thought I'd entertain you with one now."

The ratguard hurried back with a tray that had four wooden squares in it, and a dice. Ublaz picked up the items, smiling all the while. "This is quite simple, my captains. On the other side of these squares is a direction, North, South, West, and East. West does not concern us because there is no known land west of Sampetra, so should you turn that one over, you would have to go again. The idea is for you each to pick a direction, and then sail in it."

Romsca, Rasconza, and Xzaris exchanged glances ... glances that showed they were only just realizing how terrible this truly was.

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"I am Cleckstarr Montisle Folger, of the northern mountains and the kingdom of Icetor. But you can bally well call me Clecky, a chap can barely remember a handle the length a mine." The light brown hare with chocolate colored headfur to his shoulders preformed an elegant bow for Durral, where a crowd was gathering in the main gate.

He turned to his companion, completely hooded in black with only two silky black ears, a white stained, sharp toothed muzzle, and brushy white tipped tail visible. "And this is me ever faithful companion and best matey, Valska Nighthood, but ya can bally well call him Hood, since his handle's a bit of a mouthful. Whom do we have the pleasure a meeting?"

Durral bowed, giving Hood a glance. "I am Durral, father abbot of Redwall .. do tell me, what manner of beast is your friend?"

Clecky smiled, clapping his companion on the back. "Hood? Hood here's a bally fox, what else'd the chap be? Of the royal line of Icetor, if I may say. Awful noble and all that .. by trade, a dead eye assassin and the most loyal pal anybeast could want. Isn't that right Hoody old chap?"

The creature flicked one ear, and Clecky grinned. "See, conformation and all that. Hearing once is knowing, that's what our other pal says."

Martin leaned forward. "Your .. other pal?"

Clecky nodded. "That's right, he oughta be around here someplace .. I say Gerul! Gerul matey, show that blinkin' feathered famine face a yours!"

There was a moment, before the air was split by a rustle of wings, and a young barn owl landed beside the hare. "Ach, what about a famine?"

Clecky nodded. "And this is Gerul, only one of us with a name wot can be said with one breath. So now your abbotship sir, long seasons ago, there was an alliance between Icetor and your jolly old Mossflower, and we were bally well wondering if we might stop in awhile."

He looked around, whispering, "Also, I here that vittles here are prime eatin, eh wot?"

Durral nodded. "Why certainly young sirs, it would be a pleasure to have you ..."

He paused, looking at Hood again. "All of you of course. But do mind yourselves in my abbey, no fighting or disruptiveness, alright?"

Clecky grinned. "Course not your abbot-highness! Nothin' of the sort, bein' bally visitors and all that. Isn't that the ticket chaps?"

Gurel nodded in agreement. "Why, a course. As me ould mother always said, if you can't be polite, why, don't be in company."

Hood dipped his head slightly.

Clecky winked at Durral. "Well there you have it, your abbotness! All three of us have sworn ta be on our best blinkin' behavior, and if we aren't, why you can jolly well give us the old boot. By the left, do I smell something cooking?"

Durral nodded. "Gracious, where are my manners? Yes, Grath, Martin, Tansy? Do take our visitors to breakfast, would you? And if it's not too much, maybe you could show them around and tell them the rules of our home?"

Martin nodded. "Of course father abbot!"

Grath smiled shyly, as Clecky noticed the wooden spoon stuck in the cloth belt that held on Tansy's apron. "I do say .. you happen to know the fine arts of cookery lassie?"

Tansy blinked. "Why yes! I love cooking. How about you?"

Clecky grinned. "Oh I may not be a cook, but this here chap's occupation is scoffin' wot? So it's a good thing I met ya, what sorts of things you cook best?"

Tansy obliged him without question. "Well, I like to bake. Flans, cakes, pies, scones, bread ... and I like cooking things too, soups, stew, fish .. salads .."

Martin broke in, looking at Clecky, who had a completely dreamy look on his face. "Um .. Tansy? You better take him where he can eat some, I think."

Gerul spoke up. "If Ah could tag along .. after all, as me ould mother always would say, young'uns should always have a good breakfast .."

Tansy laughed. "Oh come on, there's plenty for all."

"By all means me gel, lead the way! A poor chap needs some sustainin' vittles now and then, wot wot?" Clecky hurried after her.

Martin and Grath exchanged a glance, being left with the hooded creature. Martin looked around, stating, "So .. did you travel far?"

The creature turned his head in Martin's direction, before nodding. The mouse tried again. "Must be .. pretty far to Icetor, isn't it?"

The hooded fox nodded. Grath raised an eyebrow, suddenly blurting, "Can you talk?"

Hood turned to her, before he nodded. Martin scratched an ear. "Can you prove that .. I mean .. like say something?"

The fox sighed, his ears flicking back a little. He perked them up again, and when he spoke, his voice was soft but commanded a strange sort of nobility. It was free of all slurs that vermin normally possessed, with a taint of northern accent. "Yes, I can talk."

Martin nodded. "Oh .. ok .. yea .. well, breakfast is this way. Do you .. want any?"

"I would, if it isn't any trouble." Hood placed his black paws in the wide sleeves of his black hood, falling silent again.

Grath gave him a suspicious look, and Martin shrugged. "Alright .. follow us. Um .. are you .. blind?"

Hood sighed, walking past them into Great Hall. "No."

Grath fell in step with Martin, muttering, "I don't think I trust him."

Martin nodded. "You and me both. Let's keep our eyes open."

><><

Romsca rubbed the dice between her gloved paws as she always did, before rolling it. The polished wooden cube clattered over the marble, clacking against the tray of wood squares.

Ublaz smiled, fangs gleaming softly, and Romsca cringed, reaching for a square. She picked it up, staring at the letter that stared back at her .. west.

The pine marten emperor sighed mockingly, obviously enjoying this. "Too bad ... it looks as though you'll have to go again, won't you. Captain Rasconza?"

Rasconza picked up the dice, doing as he was bid. The fox picked up one of the polished squares, turning it slowly over ... north. He took a deep breath, handing the dice to Xzaris.

The ferret shook the cube a moment, before throwing it gently. It came to a stop, and Xzaris glanced at it, reaching out and picking up a square. He paused, before laying it in front of him .. south.

Romsca looked up, as Ublaz smiled. "Well Captain Romsca, we're waiting."

She rubbed the dice between her paws again, knowing exactly which direction she would be going no matter how the lots fell. The ferret clenched her teeth together as she turned over the last square ... east.

Ublaz leaned forward. "Well, isn't this interesting. Almost ... an irony isn't it?"

Romsca didn't meet his gaze, trying not to bare her fangs due to the boiling anger in her heart. Ublaz smiled even wider, his obvious enjoyment of this cruelty sickening. "I suggest you get ready, you will be leaving within the week, in other words, the next three days. Sagitar, escort my captains out, they are busy beasts with much to attend to, and I really can't keep them any longer."

The rat general smirked a little, as the three captains stood. "This way, the three of you."

Romsca cast one glance behind her as the throne room's red doors were closed, and Ublaz was standing, watching them, smiling all the while.

Sagitar dropped her cutlass unceremoniously into her paws as others returned Xzaris's pike and Rasconza's belts of knives of every variety. Romsca buckled the sheathed weapon to her belt, her mouth a grim line.

Once at the bottom of the palace steps, Romsca slowly looked at her two friends. Rasconza met her gaze, shaking his head, his brown eyes glittering with as much fear and pain as she felt. "I .. I've got to make Freebooter ready to sail .. and talk to Val."

He looked down, before hurrying away. Romsca and Xzaris exchanged a glance, before continuing down toward the dock as they had been .. what seemed days ago now. They did not speak to one another, for there was very little to say, and Romsca felt more insecure than she had in seasons.

The two ferrets slowly made their way in and out of pedestrians, all going about their business as if this was nothing more than a normal day. But it wasn't .. Romsca knew so much better.

Xzaris slowly spoke. "I .. sure never thought .. this'd be how it ends."

Romsca didn't look up. "It ain't ended. It ain't, an' it can't ... it can't end this way!"

"Why not .. with his Monitors, there's jist nothin' we can do." Xzaris's voice was sad.

"I know .." Romsca took a shuddering breath. "I know but he can't do this! He can't .. he .. I won't let him!"

A firm paw gripped her shoulder, and she met Xzaris's blue eyes. "Ya know good an' well that's fool's talk, so don't talk it, ya here me?"

"Ya ain't me boss Xzaris." Romsca grumbled.

The ferret forced her to stop. "I know ya agree with me."

Her eyes snapped. "A course I do! But I don't want ta .. it ain't right .. what he's done and what he's doin' ... oh Xzaris .."

She clapped her paws to her face to hide the tears that wanted to spill. Two arms suddenly wrapped around her, and she blinked her eyes open in surprise.

Xzaris quickly let go of her, sighing. "I know .. I know it ain't. But I can't help rememberin' .. how yer dad was ..."

"I don't wanna think about dad." Romsca wrapped her arms around herself as they continued walking.

"But maybe we should." Her friend argued. "How he acted ta those otters ..."

Romsca glared at him, snapping, "Stop it! I don't wanna think about any a it ever again, ya hear me! It .. it hurts ta much."

Nothing was said for a moment, before Xzaris shrugged. "Ok."

"It ain't ok." Romsca grumbled under her breath.

"No it ain't." Xzaris agreed. "I meant I un'erstand."

Romsca looked up, shaking her head. "What'd I ever do without ya matey?"

The gray ferret smirked. "Looks like yer gonna find out."

Romsca looked down, and Xzaris quickly corrected himself. "I'm sorry Romsca ..."

"No, I am. I shoulda thought farther." Her voice was soft, but it was cold.

She heaved a sigh. "Aw Xzaris, I'm gonna miss ya somethin' awful."

"Let's jist .. not talk bout that right now, ok? We ain't gotta leave fer three days an' all." Xzaris tried smiling, but it failed.

Romsca shrugged. "Right, guess so."

They stopped on the old dock Darkshroud was moored on, and stared for a moment. A crew of beasts were working on the small ship, and most amazing of all was the beautiful new sail being hoisted up the mast, the woven blue dragon on it waving proudly in the breeze.

Xzaris shook his head speechlessly for awhile, before murmuring, "Lookit that ... I'd a slaved another two seasons ta make 'nough money ta buy a new sail. Now I gits one fer nothin' .. an' I can't even enjoy it."

He heaved a sigh. "Ublaz sure has a way a makin' somethin' really good seem really awful."

Chapter 14 Destiny's Whisper
Abbot Durral had decided supper should be a slightly fancier affair, with the arrival of guests. Grath had to admit, she found Clecky and Gerul's antics funny, and soon was laughing along with Martin and Tansy.

Clecky took a large bite of flan, talking with his mouth full. "I say ..."

He swallowed. "I say now, fess up! Who made that amazin' stuff?"

Tansy smiled. "I did! Do you like it?"

"Like it?" Clecky ate some more. "Ya don't just like something that good! I say Hood, have some!"

He shoved a plateful in front of the fox, who picked up his fork and took a bite that was dainty in comparison to Clecky's. Gerul had swiped the hare's plate away from him while he was looking away, and had finished it off.

Clecky was indignant. "I say, awful bad form feather bag!"

Gerul looked smug, and Grath clapped her paws to her muzzle, giggling.

"It is good to see you laugh."

Grath, Martin, and Tansy all wheeled around in their seats, and Clecky dipped his head. "Good evenin' marm. I do say, is that pudding?"

Sayna brushed her flowing black skirt out of the way, sitting beside Hood without the slightest bit of hesitation. Grath smiled. "Oh, hello Sayna. Where've you been .. I was wondering when we'd see you again."

The mouse folded her paws. "I had some trading business down south a ways. Have you kept up with archery?"

"Of course, it's one of the things I love .. and I can do." Grath shrugged.

Sayna smiled slightly. "That is good, skills like that are always needed."

She turned to Hood. "I take it you are new at Redwall?"

The fox looked down at her a moment, as if in surprise, before he nodded. Sayna pulled a plate of food in front of her, remarking, "Rumor has it you are from Icetor? Being a fox, are you related to Queen Azul, Icetor's founder?"

Hood paused, before he nodded. "I am. How do you know of the Ice Queen?"

Sayna smiled. "I fought beside her once, long ago."

Clecky looked up from where he was demolishing a bowl of salad. "Now hang on two ticks, you bally well couldn't of!"

Sayna laughed. "You must be a Folger, you look it. You come from Icetor, how do you not wonder at my ridiculously long hair?"

Gerul leaned forward. "Now .. you don't mean .."

"Oh yes I do." Sayna took a bite of a scone. "Of all beasts, I thought you might believe my wild stories."

Clecky blinked. "Flippen amzain' .. downright wondrous if I do say so myself! Quite extra-ordinary and all that. You live in this blinkin' lovely place?"

Sayna smiled drily. "No, I live in Mossflower. I happen to be a sword smith, something Durral does not exactly approve of."

"You mean his abbotness? Well the food alone's enough ta convince a chap to be peaceful, I'll say." Clecky had finished his salad and moved on to the mole favorite, deeper'n'ever turnip'n'tater'n'beetroot pie.

Cracklyn plopped down beside Grath. "So, I just convinced Arven to stay with the other dibbuns ..."

She stopped when she noticed Sayna. "Umm .."

Sayna dipped her head to the squirrel, continuing, "So, I hear Log-a-Log's on his way."

Both Martin and Grath looked excited, and the older mouse smiled. "I'm always glad to see that shrew and those two rouges of his."

Durral walked by, stopping still. Sayna smiled, almost a smirk. "Good evening Durral. It's been a while, no?"

The abbot flicked one ear. "Sayna .. to what do we owe this .. unexpected visit?"

The mouse maid took a drink of water. "Oh, I thought I'd drop in. In fact, I think I may stay a while, until Log-a-Log's visit at least."

Durral made a quick face, sighing, "Our doors are always open ... but don't be teaching the dibbuns the arts of warfare, please?"

"Durral, you know that is not what I've been doing. If we are referring to Grath's archery, if Mattimeo teaches his son the sword, why should I not help her learn something that may well save her life someday?" Sayna raised one eyebrow in a challenging manner.

The abbot muttered something, but sighed. "Why must I always fight you every time you visit us?"

Sayna shrugged. "I expect it has something to do with our philosophies."

Durral sighed. "Just abide by our rules while you stay here."

"I cannot promise that." Sayna smiled a little. "But I will take Grath outside the abbey to practice. It would probably be best anyway."

Durral rolled his eyes. "If you must, you must, I suppose."

><><

"Rafglan .. ya .. have been more'n a first mate ta me. Ya've been my right paw ever since ... I got Waveworm, an' I donno if I'd still have her without ya .."

The rat held up a paw. "Yer nervous Capt'n. I only did what yer dad woulda wanted, so ya needn't stumble on about it .. git ta the point, if ya would."

Romsca sighed. "What I mean is .. this could be me last voyage, an' .. ya don't gotta come if ya don't want ta."

There was silence a moment, and Romsca wondered if he was going to take her offer, but the rat snorted. "Capt'n. I'd sail ta the ends a the earth with ya, don't ya know that? I'll tell ya somethin' .. the night fore he died, yer daddy made me promise ta stand by ya in storm or fair winds, an' I don't break me promises."

He clapped her on the arm. "So ol' Rafglan's sailin' with ya honey .. I mean Capt'n. I don't got a lot more voyages I can make, the sea an' me years is catchin' up with me .. so I'm standin' firm beside ya. Ya have the makin'sa a great capt'n .. Imma do me best ta see ya survive this."

Romsca let a rare smile pass across her lips. "Thank ya .. an' I mean that."

Rafglan nodded. "Think nothin' a it. I'll seek out the best crew I can git ya considerin' the nature a the voyage. An' I'm sure ol' Rubby'll be comin' along."

Romsca straightened up, lifting her head once more. "Right, we'll be leaving just as soon as we have a full crew an' provisions. See ta it everybeast is prepared fer the dangers we're gonna face, an' knows full well what he's gettin' inta."

Rafglan smiled. "Aye aye Capn't, that's the spirit an' how ta give orders. The crew we're gonna have'll be rough. Remember. Ya are the one in charge, nobeast else is .. ya look down ta nobeast an' take no nonsense off anyone. Ya are capt'n."

"I've got it Rafglan ... I'm .. as ready as I'll ever be. Now let's move." Romsca tilted her chin upward the tiniest bit, and Rafglan bowed, hurrying of.

The ferret stroked her cutlass hilt, staring out to sea, past the dark form of Waveworm, anchored at one of the piers. She knew there were things to do, but there was something transfixing about the night breeze filled with the moisture and salt-smell of the sea.

"Romsca! Hey, Romsca!"

She wheeled around, to see Val come running out of the gloom. The ferret raised an eyebrow, asking, "Aren't ya supposed ta be at work?"

Val stopped in front of her, barely panting. "Yea .. but .. I heard! And Rasconza paid Kia off so I could go ta dinner with ya guys .."

"Dinner?" Romsca was confused.

"Oh yea." Val grabbed her paw, leading her off. "We're goin' ta dinner with Rasconza, I'm takin' ya, come on."

Romsca followed her. "But I ..."

Val wouldn't take no for an answer. "Romsca, yer work .. it's awful important bein' the Capt'n I'm sure. But this could be the last time we ....."

Romsca sighed, falling into step with the vixen. "Point taken."

The two made their way up from the docks, taking the main streets to avoid being found alone by a Monitor. Val stopped in front of a pretty little tavern, barely able to be called a tavern any longer due to its elegance.

Rasconza and Xzaris were standing on the steps, talking in the warm glow of paper lanterns that hung from the roof's curving eaves. The dog fox smiled when he saw them, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Ah, there you are. I was wondering how long we'd have to wait .. come on."

He offered his arm to Val and she took it, walking through the open doorway with him, Romsca and Xzaris close behind. A pretty young ratmaid showed them to their table, and Val plopped herself down next to Rasconza, grinning. "Yer gonna have ta sit with Xzaris, Romsca."

She shrugged, sitting beside the ferret. "Is that supposed ta bother me?"

Val looked innocent but cheeky at the same time, and Romsca rolled her eyes. Xzaris, who'd remained silent until now, tapped his claws on the table, a habit of his when he was thinking. "So ..."

Rasconza sighed, rubbing at his head, "I .. I really don't know, to be honest. I just thought we should have .. a little time together before we all go our separate ways."

Val didn't say anything for a moment, before blurting, "Why .. why does it .. I mean .."

She shook her head. "Do we really gotta do this?"

Romsca growled. "We shouldn't have ta."

"There's a lotta things we shouldn't have ta do, Romsca." Xzaris laid his elbow on the table, resting his head on his paw. "But we gotta do 'em. What are ya really gonna do?"

Romsca scowled, before muttering darkly, "Nothin'."

Xzaris smirked. "S'what I thought."

Romsca glared at him, and he sighed. "Look Rom, I think ya live in those made up books a yers sometimes. And this .. it just ain't like that."

"Is it wrong ta want more outa life?" Romsca growled, sinking her claws into her napkin. "I don't wanna serve some rotten ..."

She halted herself, ducking her head. "I'm sorry."

Rasconza sighed. "But she's right. This'll end in two of our executions, you do realize that. The emperor doesn't care about us, we're just pawns to him."

"I know, but .. what are we goin' ta do about it? Ublaz is unstoppable .. we're just some kids who're lucky ta be livin' an' manage ta call ourselves capt'ns. Yer the oldest Rasconza, yer twenty-two .. Ublaz .. he's .."

Xzaris paused as Val laid her head on the table, muttering, "He's Emperor."

"So we're just gonna play his game." Romsca sulked. "I can't believe I've gotta let me own best friends die ta keep me own life."

She lowered her voice, growling deep in her throat. "I hate him."

There was silence for a moment, before Xzaris sighed. "We all do. An' he loves it ... have ya seen him? Just the way he looked at me an' smiled .. like he could feel jist how much I hated him an' he was glad a it."

Val grimaced. "But .. ain't there somethin' we can do? Anythin'? Like maybe start off how he wants an' then turn round an' ..."

Rasconza laid a paw on her arm. "Val. Please. I've thought of it .. but with the Monitors, there's little we can do."

The four fell into gloomy silence, reflective, and in Romsca's case, dark. The ferret didn't look up as the ratmaid returned, setting drinks on the table and asking what they would like. Romsca wasn't hungry, but ordered something anyway, mostly because Rasconza was watching.

As the young waitress walked over to another table, the low conversation of the beasts in the booth behind them could be heard.

"You hear about the three captains?"

"Yes." The reply was soft, like a lady's. "The poor young ones."

"It ain't right what he does. But who's going to stop him? Not me, and nobeast on Sampetra would dare to defy him, not after all his displays of power."

There was a sigh, before the feminine voice spoke again. "Well, it cannot be helped. What of your standing in the ratguard?"

The first creature's voice was a grumbling sound. "General Sagitar is a hard master. She is prone to a terrible temper, she is, an' she stands for no nonsense, that one. We lost four guards last night, one dead on the wall .. shot by an arrow, the others simply missing."

"How does that happen?" The lady's voice sounded worried. "The ratguard are trained hard to defend us, how do the killers manage to escape them?"

"I don't know sweetheart. We do our best .. Sagitar sends us outside the walls to search, but there ain't a trace. And we can't get far .. anybeast outside the walls after dark is never seen again." The male creature paused. "I take stock in the legends myself. They're ghosts of somethin' we upset."

Romsca was jolted away from listening as the ratmaid came back, setting their dinners in front of them. It smelled wonderful, but Romsca didn't feel like eating, and neither did anybeast else from the way they picked at their food.

Rasconza tried to steer the train of thought off their impending separation. "So. What do you think about how the wall guards are killed? Who really does it, do you think?"

Xzaris smirked. "How about ghosts?"

"Oh come on." Rasconza rolled his eyes. "Like I believe that. There's got to be something real out there."

"Aye .." Romsca scratched her chin, looking at Rasconza and then Xzaris. "I donno. What do ya think, Val?"

The vixen swallowed the rest of her drink in one gulp, remarking, "Oh lookit that .. I'm outa water a'ready."

"Seriously Val," Xzaris pressed her. "What do ya think about it?"

"Me?" Val looked innocent. "Why I ain't the one ta ask, I ain't never been outside the walls."

Romsca sighed. "Well yea, none of us have, but ya gotta have some guess as ta what the things are."

Val blinked for a moment, before shrugging. "Nah .. I donno nothin'. But I did wanna talk ta ya all for .. yea. So I was thinkin' ... Xzaris, ya ain't gotta full crew yet?"

Xzaris looked downcast again. "No. And I don't know where I'm gonna git one ..."

Val interrupted. "Will ya take me on? I'll be yer deck scrubber or cook or whatever, I'm jist tired a workin' fer Kia an' gettin' paid hardly nothin'. I don't wanna be a barmaid anyway, I wanna be a pirate!"

Xzaris stared at her, then at Rasconza, who held up a paw. "Whoa, hold it now ... Val, you could get killed!"

The vixen grinned challengingly. "Are ya gonna take me 'stead?"

Rasconza backed up at that point. "Val, I love you and all .. don't get me wrong .. but .. I've got a full crew. And I don't know how you'd get on with them. Besides ... honey you're not .. really .."

The fox was having trouble. Val stuck her nose in the air. "Rasconza, I don't care if'n I'm small, I can still be a pirate, so there."

Xzaris smirked, winking at Romsca. "Uh-oh, she said 'is full name, he's in fer it."

Rasconza glared at the gray ferret, sighing. "Val .. I don't want to loose you, ok? Maybe you should stay here .."

"Ya ain't me boss, as Romsca says, I wanna sail, an' I'm gonna sail." Val closed her eyes airily. "I wanna be a capt'n someday, an' I'm gonna be one."

Rasconza rubbed at the side of his head, sighing, "Oh ... Val .. sometimes .."

"I can be irritatin'?" She helped him.

"Yes! Exactly. But if you're determined .."

Val grinned. "Oh I am. But here's the question .. am I sailin' with ya or with Xzaris?"

Rasconza paused, seeming to think about it a moment, before shaking his head. "I don't know how to answer that .. I just can't take you Val. You're not experienced, my crew's .. just not understanding, see?"

The fox turned to Xzaris, sighing, "If she's determined to go with you .. you look out for her, see?"

Xzaris held up his paws. "I'll do me very best, I swear on Astraria."

He paused, turning to Romsca. "Have ya got a crew yet?"

"I donno." Romsca sighed. "Rafglan's been helpin' me with pickin' crews these last seasons, but I can't get the normal sorta beast. Raf said he'd do his best an' talk it over with me in the mornin'."

"Ya be careful." Xzaris warned her. "You're the only .. well .. the only girl capt'n on Sampetra. An' that's great, but yer gonna have ta prove it ta a new crew ya ain't used ta."

Romsca cracked her knuckles, sitting up straight. "Don't worry Xzaris, ya've sailed with me before, ya oughta know I'm not a weaklin'."

Xzaris nodded. "Yea I know that, but they don't."

Romsca shrugged. Rasconza took a bite of his meal, sighing, "And that goes for you too Val, I know I've taught you fencing and you're pretty good with your saber, but ... let's practice tomorrow before you go to work."

"I ain't goin' ta work." Val leaned against the back of her seat. "I'll drop in ta give that ol' witch me resignation. I'm tired a her bossin' me 'round so I am. I'll practice with anybeast if they've got the time an' pack me stuff up."

Rasconza made a face, but sighed in resignation. "I guess it's settled then."

><><

"Up, blade up Val! Never drop yer guard ... yeek!" Romsca dodged nimbly, bringing her cutlass up as there was the resounding clash of steel.

Val jumped to the side with the speed of lightning, bringing a cut at her opponent's legs. Romsca jumped, slashing at the vixen's head, and she ducked. The two circled each other a moment, before Val thrust, and Romsca parried with a powerful bind, blasting the fox's sword from her grip.

She tapped her cutlass on Val's side. "Gotcha."

Val stuck her lip out, pouting. "Ya always win!"

Romsca nodded wordlessly, getting her breath back. Val retrieved her saber, tossing it in the air and catching it. "Oh well. Wanna go again?"

Romsca leaned against a bench in her manor's courtyard, sitting down. "Oh for Atlas's sake ... that was the eighteenth time Val, ya ain't tired yet?"

"Nope! Are ya?" Val was challenging.

"No I ain't." Romsca stood up in a swift move. "If ya wanna go again, be me guest."

Val adopted a hanging guard stance. "Ladies first!"

Fox and ferret met in a clash of steel, Romsca leaping to the side, cutlass held ready. "Ya sure know how ta be irritatin'!"

"Prouda it!" Val grinned, advancing with a flurry of cuts, backing Romsca against the stable. "Had 'nough melady?"

Romsca snorted. "Enough? I ain't started!"

She kicked Val in the legs, dropping to the paving and rolling away, leaping back onto her paws in nearly the same movement. "Ya want some more?"

Val had winced, but now seemed in good repair again. "Bring it on capt'n!"

Romsca advanced with amazing power and speed, driving Val against the stable and plowing her weapon out of her paw. "Aye aye melady. That's nineteen in my favor, care for a rematch?"

Val scurried after her saber, seizing it and holding it forward. "Anythin' fer me sis!"

The two ran at each other again, and Val slid to the side. Romsca spun with her, bringing a paw-numbing cut on the vixen's saber. However Val ducked behind her, and Romsca dropped to the ground, letting the blow cut through air. She brought a powerful cut upward, sending Val's weapon flying again.

The ferret was panting, but grinning. "Twenty fer me, what'd ya say I win?"

Val tried to scowl, before she burst out laughing. "Ok, ok, ya win. But someday I'm gonna win!"

"In yer dreams." Romsca laughed, standing up again.

Val sheathed her saber, rolling her eyes. "But was I any good at all?"

Romsca paused, before nodding, "Ya know, ya was. Yer stronger'n before .. I think ya might do better than Rasconza thinks."

Val grinned. "I'll show 'im .. he can be over protectin' sometimes. An' I love the sea .. I wanna sail it. See other places an' the like."

"Aye, sailin's wonderful." Romsca sheathed her own weapon, adding, "A course .. it can be dangerous. I always had a good, steady crew .. mostly older beasts .. an' Rafglan's always me advisor. But I donno what it's gonna be like now."

She shook her head. "Ya watch out fer yerself see? Rasconza ain't gonna be there ta do it fer ya, an' neither am I. An' look out fer Xzaris fer me, ok?"

Val saluted. "Aye aye capt'n, keep meself in one piece an' look after yer boyfriend fer ya!"

Romsca scowled. "Will ya quit that already? It ain't the truth an' it wouldn't matter even if it was, one or botha us is gonna die."

Val fell silent with a sigh, nodding. "Yea .. Guess so."

The two stopped as the courtyard doors opened slightly, and Romsca's paw fell to the hilt of her cutlass. However Rafglan walked in, asking, "Capt'n, a word?"

Romsca nodded to him. "Yea .. come up on the porch."

The rat did so, and Val went into the manor, leaving them alone. Rafglan sighed. "Wull, the good news is, we have more'n enough beasts ta make a crew willin' ta sail. But .. that's also the bad news."

"How so?" Romsca raised an eyebrow, confused. "If ya can find beasts willin' ta go on this crazy mission ..."

"Capt'n, that's just the blasted thing. Mosta our normal crew admit yer becomin' a great capt'n, but they ain't goin' ta sail. Oh Rubby is, he alwus does, ya know. No, the only beasts that'll sign up are a buncha young idiots .. really, they jist want money an' adventure an' a chance ta git their pretty capt'n ta like em." Rafglan made a face.

Romsca stared at him a moment, before she spit off the porch into the bushes beside it in disgust. "That's the dumbest thing I ever heard! I ain't gonna like any of 'em, they can go boil their rotten heads!"

Rafglan nodded. "Aye an' that's what I told the most a 'em. But there's a number I kept ... they ain't what yer used ta fer sure, but they ain't bad beasts as such go an' they'll do in a pinch. We gotta leave tomorrow capt'n."

"I know ..." Romsca scowled. "But the idiocy a some fools!"

"Just show 'em who's boss, good'n proper capt'n. Ye'll do fine, ya can deal with storms'n leaks'n battle plans, ya can deal with the lot a young idiots." Rafglan assured his captain. "They may be yer own age an' older'n ya, but it's all about who's bravest an' toughest .. an' who owns the ship. They don't. So show 'em what yer made of."

Romsca sneered. "Don't worry."

Rafglan nodded. "Good fer that capt'n, jist thought I should warn ya. Cause we're leavin' first thing inna mornin' and ya need ta look like ya know what yer doin', see?"

"Yah .. thanks fer the warnin'." Romsca narrowed her eyes. "I'll be ready, Raf."

The rat smiled crookedly, tipping his ragged hat. "See ya inna mornin' then, Capt'n."

Val stepped out of the doorway, where she'd been leaning against the frame, listening all the while. "So ya get yerself a crew a admirers?"

Romsca raised one lip in a snarl. "Ha. Like that's what I need. I'll show 'em ... losers the lot a 'em if that's all they can think bout."

><><

The afternoon sun over Mossflower lit a landscape of pure serenity and peace .. almost completely so.

Whack!

The sound of an arrow sinking into a target split the silence, and another followed it in a matter of seconds.

Grath pulled another arrow from her quiver, dropping to one knee and holding the bow flat instead of upright. She let the arrow fly, the string slipping smoothly off her fingers.

Thwack!

The sound of arrow shaft hitting arrow shaft broke the silence, and Sayna stood up. "Alright, no more. You loose more arrows that way."

Grath looked slightly nervous. "How'd I do?"

Sayna smiled. "From what I can see, quite well."

Martin slid down from the rock he'd been sitting on, tuning his lute. He raised an eyebrow. "It's not that far away."

"Neither do I see as well as I used to." Sayna shrugged. "Let's get them."

Grath followed Sayna, pausing at the target. The three arrow's shafts were nearly touching and crossing one another, they were so close. Sayna nodded. "Now that is impressive."

She yanked one out, and Grath did the others, placing all three in her quiver. "Am I getting better at it?"

"You're practically better than me." Sayna laughed. "Considering how many years I've practiced, that's saying something."

Grath smiled, a truly happy smile, and Sayna nodded to her. "Good job. And I know what Durral says and thinks .. the mouse means well. But sometimes he's so blind to danger it's infuriating."

"What .. do you mean, Sayna?" Grath asked. "Is there a real danger?"

"Oh Grath, how can there not be one? In this wicked world?" Sayna shook her head. "Mark my words, danger is constantly around us, and peace, however firm it may seem, is always shaky."

Grath fell silent, feeling her paw clenching around her bow. "Yes."

Sayna turned, pausing. Grath rubbed her left paw across her muzzle. "We never saw those pirates coming, but they came anyway."

She flattened her ears, muttering, "I'm sorry. I don't want to think about it, but ..."

"But sometimes some things cannot be forgotten." Sayna's black eyes sparkled. "And Grath, some things shouldn't be forgotten."

The mouse shrugged. "Yet sometimes we remember too long. I've found it's quite a delicate balance."

Grath watched her walk for a moment, before catching up to her. "That ... doesn't really help as such."

"It wasn't necessarily supposed to." Sayna didn't turn around. "It was simply an observation on my part."

As they came up, Martin finished testing his instrument and began playing something from memory. Grath raised an eyebrow. "I've never heard that before."

"You won't have." Martin explained. "I wrote it last night ... no, that's not the right one .."

He strummed at the strings a moment, before continuing on with his playing.

"Jolly well musically talented eh?"

Martin jumped, as Clecky borrowed his lute, remarking, "I've been known to play a bally instrument or two .. here we go, let's see ... ah yes, wot?"

Hood, standing nearby, flattened his ears. Clecky strummed away at the lute, singing in an off key voice, some ballad of Icetor. Sayna made a face and snatched the instrument back. "Leave that to Martin would you? My ears!"

Clecky pouted. "I say, bally rotten of ya marm, jolly bad form wot, ruinin' a chap's serenade!"

"Serenade my foot." Sayna wiggled a paw in one ear. "More like instant deafness!"

Hood pricked his ears forward again as Martin took his lute back, and Clecky chunnered. "You have no ear for jolly good music marm, downright rude stoppin' a chap practicin'!"

Sayna rolled her eyes, not bothering with an answer. Martin spoke instead. "So, what's going on?"

"The abbot asked us to tell you afternoon tea was ready." If it were not for his distinctive voice and the fact his muzzle moved, nobeast would have guessed Hood had spoken.

Clecky brightened up again. "I say, that's so! Let's be jolly well off, before ol' famine feather face scoffs all the lunch!"

Hood fell in step with Sayna, muttering softly, "He's one to talk."

Sayna's eyes twinkled. "Indeed."

Hood stood straight again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his muzzle.

Grath blinked at how completely at ease Sayna was with the dog fox, and wondered if her earlier suspicions were ungrounded. Martin was walking with Clecky, laughing and talking, and Grath suddenly felt left out.

She caught up to Sayna and Hood letting her own thoughts take hold of her. Could something terrible happen to the Redwallers, just like Holt Lutra? They had walls to protect them, Grath knew archery, Martin and Mattimeo could wield the sword, and of course there was Sayna. But was that really enough?

><><

The docks were quiet in the predawn light, though the screeches of gulls filled the air. Romsca had not been able to sleep whatsoever, so she stood there, watching the sun rise from the sea in a wash of yellows and blues.

Rafglan would come soon, and then they would be off .. on a quest uncertain and truly hopeless. There was a thump from behind her, and Val sighed. "Wull .. I'm off ta the Darkshroud .. golly, I donno who I want ta win this awful thing! I'm gonna miss ya somethin' awful Romsca."

Romsca turned around, nodding. "Yea .. I'm sure gonna miss ya too."

"Awesome pirate sisters ferever?" Val raised an eyebrow.

Romsca smirked. "Course, what do ya take me fer anyway? If I live."

Val rubbed a paw across her muzzle. "Ya just gotta live .. ya an' Conza, an' Xzaris too .."

Romsca gave her a look, and the fox fell silent. Rasconza walked over to them, the breeze rustling the blue feathers in his hat. Val smiled, though insincerely. Rasconza sighed. "So .. you hoisting anchor soon?"

Romsca nodded. "Just waitin' for Raf."

Rasconza scratched the back of his head. "Well ... fair winds to your sails and the best of luck to you. May Astraria give you her blessing."

"Thanks." Romsca looked down. "An' too ya as well."

The fox nodded, before turning to Val. "You sure you want to sail? You won't back down?"

"Nope." Val shook her head. "I'm doin' this Conza."

Rasconza slowly allowed a smile to cross his face. "That's what I like about you, you know."

He kissed the top of her head, stating. "That's for luck, for both of us. Don't worry about me, I won't give up easy, so neither do you."

Xzaris had joined them silently, and Rasconza clapped him of the shoulder. "The best of luck to you too matey, fair winds to your sails. And look out for my girlfriend, you see?"

The ferret shrugged. "I'll do everythin' I can, that's all I can tell ya. But good luck ta ya too, and thanks fer bein' a true mate a mine."

Rasconza smiled, tipping his hat. "Thank you, all of you. I must be going ..."

His face fell as he sighed. "I wish we could part on happier terms, but fate is a cruel beast, isn't she? I'll miss you all."

The fox turned on his heel, slowly walking back toward his own ship. Xzaris turned to Val, stating, "Well .. ya best git aboard. We're leavin' in the hour."

Val nodded, before throwing her arms around Romsca in a tight hug, sniffing, grabbing her satchel of belongings and hurrying off toward where the Darkshroud was moored.

Xzaris slowly turned to Romsca, who swiped some black hair out of her face, biting her lip. "Goodbye Xzaris .. good luck ta ya."

The gray ferret didn't do anything for a moment, before he grabbed her shoulders, staring into her eyes like he was staring into her very soul. Romsca felt frozen, unable to do anything, and Xzaris stammered, "Romsca ..."

His grip tightened a little before he suddenly let go. "I hopes ya find those pearls."

Romsca stared at him blankly, but he simply shot her a half-hearted grin, and hurried away. She watched the blue-gray ferret until he vanished from her sight, and she wanted to call him back, for some reason.

"Capt'n?" Romsca turned to face Rafglan, who made a face. "Sagitar's comin'. With the Monitors. Mosta the crew are already on board .. so should we .."

Romsca's gaze hardened, and she stood straight. "Aye, we should. Let's be off."

The ferret's paw fell to her cutlass hilt, stroking it as she strode past the rat and down the pier toward the gangplank of her ship. The blue dragon motif on Waveworm's sail rustled in the wind, as did the blue flag at the top of the mast, it's picture of the turquoise dragon telling proudly exactly which house the ship belonged to.

Romsca jumped from the gangplank to Waveworm's deck, staring challengingly at all the crewbeasts who had instantly looked up at her arrival. Rafglan joined her quickly, and Romsca stalked forward, feeling her tail twitch with disgust at the admiring glances she was getting.

The ferret stopped next to the mast, as a couple other crew beasts came out of the galley, as well as Rubby. For once, Romsca was truly glad to see him. She turned to Rafglan. "Is that all a them?"

Rafglan paused. "Where's Cheng? Anybeast?"

A scrawny young rat shrugged, as a powerful looking tawny weasel stepped on the deck from the gangplank, and something in his very stance that made Romsca's lip curl up in a snarl. The weasel met her gaze, smiling daringly .. almost challengingly, and she felt her teeth grind together.

She stalked forward a little, snarling, "Listen up, all a ya! This ain't a pleasure trip, see? We're gonna be goin' against unknown odds ta find these pearls, an' we'll have Monitors with us. So if any a ya wants to back down ... back down now if yer a coward, an' don't do it later."

Romsca glared pointedly at the insolent weasel, Cheng, who simply sneered back. The ferret showed her fangs slightly, before Sagitar walked up the gangplank, a huge Monitor behind her.

The rat smiled. "Ah, Captain Romsca .. allow me to introduce you to your escort .. Lask Frildur."

Romsca could not keep her horror from flashing in her eyes as the massive lizard crawled on the deck, and even Cheng quickly backed away. Lask smiled at Romsca, and something strange glittered in his eyes unlike that of which she had seen in any Monitor ... it could almost be called proper intelligence. His yellow eyes were just a little too bright.

His wicked looking companions filed on after him, all fifteen of them, and Sagitar bowed mockingly. "Fair winds, captain."

Chapter 15 To the Ends of the Earth
It had been five days since Waveworm had left Sampetra, and while the crew was edgy, especially Cheng, Romsca hadn't had any real trouble. Simply looking at Lask Frildur made her skin crawl, and her hackles raise .. he was truly terrible, and nearly always watching her.

She was sitting at the desk that had once been her father's, looking over the maps. The ferret tapped her claws on the depiction of Mossflower's coast. Romsca had pointedly avoided that shore, for she loathed the memories that went with it.

However now that she had been sent to find those cursed pearls, the ones that had claimed so many lives already.

"And now I'm gonna find 'em for that beast so he can claim more?" Romsca rubbed the side of her head, breathing out in a sigh.

If she didn't, it'd be her life. Romsca stirred her inkwell with the tip of her quill. "I don't wanna die, I don't want ta! Is that ... wrong?"

Nobeast answered, nobeast ever did. Romsca corked her ink, wiping her quill off and shoving her chair backward. She picked up her axe, holding it loosely in one paw as she pushed open the cabin door, striding out on deck.

Lask paused near the mast, fixing his eyes upon her again. Romsca curled her lip, and the lizard smiled, much to the ferret's discomfort.

About that second there was a crash from the galley, and Cheng came running out on deck, Rubby close behind. The rat snarled. "Ya put that back, thief! Or I'll tell the capt'n!"

The tawny weasel hadn't seen Romsca, who had already seen the bottle of wine in his paw, and ground her teeth together. Cheng wasn't concerned with Rubby's threat. "Ah, shut up ya fat fool, I ain't scared of a girl. Like she can do nothin' ta me .. I bet she's too taken with me good looks ta lift a paw against me!"

Rubby, who was facing Romsca, smirked. "Oh is that so?"

"Yea, no maid can resist me long." Cheng laughed. "Thanks fer the wine!"

Romsca's voice was a guttural sound. "I'd like ta take yer rotten head off, fool."

Cheng jumped, before smirking. "Oh capt'n. I was simply borrowin' a drink."

"Ye'll put it back now." Romsca pointed her axe at him. "An' ya will face a thief's punishment."

The weasel smirked. "Ye'll whip me? Come on honey, why'd ya wanna do somethin' like that?"

Romsca moved like lightning, belting a hard left across his jaw. "Because ya are a thief, an' I am yer capt'n, worm!"

Cheng stumbled back, dropping the wine as he clapped a paw to his face. Rubby retrieved his possession and Romsca advanced on the weasel, claws clenching around her axe shaft. "Rubby, tell Raf ta bring the chains fer this scum."

The tawny weasel glared angrily at her, yanking his spear off his back .. his voice was slightly muffled, and Romsca felt a bit of satisfaction. "Hoi, girl or not, nobeast does that ta me!"

Romsca swung her axe expertly, blasting Cheng's spear from his paws. She ducked his fist, heading for her jaw, and kicked him hard in the legs. The weasel stumbled, falling, and Romsca planted a knee between his shoulder blades, slamming his face against the deck. Her voice was a growl. "I just did."

One of the monitors, who'd been watching tensely, now hissed in Cheng's face. "You do not harm captain, captain izzz the one who will find Mazzter'zzz pearlzzz. You touch captain, and we kill you, weazzel might tazzte nizzze."

Rafglan came running, a snarl crossing his face when he saw who was responsible for the commotion. He clapped the chains on the weasel's paws, and Romsca half hoisted him to his paws. Her first mate wasted no time in shoving Cheng against the mast and securing him to it, despite his struggles.

The rat snarled, "Capt'n, lemme whip him fer ya!"

Romsca gave Rafglan a look. "An' what would that say about me? Make sure the crew's on deck, an' bring me my whip."

Rafglan paused, before a slow smirk grew on his features, and he hurried off.

Cheng looked a little nervous now that he was at the obvious mercy of his captain, but he still had a few cards to play. "Come on .. capt'n, honey, yer a real purty beast .."

Romsca's fangs glittered, and she snarled. "Is that supposed ta be flattery, thief? It ain't gonna save ya ten lashes, or three days inna brig, so shut yer mouth. An' I ain't yer honey, I'm yer capt'n, so call me such."

Rafglan ran up, thrusting the whip into her paw, and Romsca uncurled the long lash with a crack. The entire crew had gathered now, including the Monitors.

Cheng had a lot of confidence in his appearance, something he made very clear. "But I'm an' good lookin' beast capt'n .."

"Ya really drive me crazy." Romsca snapped.

The weasel smirked suddenly. "Wull a lotta girls say that ... fer a good reason ya know .."

Romsca hardly knew what she was doing, but her temper took control of her. "Enough!"

Cheng screamed as the lash ripped across the side of his face, and blood splattered to the deck. Romsca had over swung the whip, causing it to flick up and bite her arm, but she barely felt the sting or the warm wetness that followed. The ferret swung the lash again, tearing it across the weasel's back, though this time he gritted his teeth together with no more than a whimper.

Romsca brought the lash down once more, over and over, almost feeling pleasure at her rival's cries. However the rush of fury was dimming, and the seventh lash was harder to bring down.

Even if she hated a beast, Romsca didn't like to see them suffer. Because she knew how endless pain felt, at least of the soul.

''I have to do this .. the crew won't respect me if I don't, they've already proven that.''

Romsca set her face, lashing down three more times, before standing still a moment, letting her breathing even out. She turned to the quiet, rather stunned crew, and she flicked the bloody whip at them. "Right, if any other beast wants ta join him, speak up now."

Nobeast moved, though a couple were nudging each other, looking meaningfully at the bloody form of Chang, now almost hanging from his bonds. Romsca found she felt a boiling anger toward them, simply for their cruel enjoyment of the spectacle. "Why do ya mock him, scum? Yer as much the fool as he is, an' watch it, cause I ain't one bit tired!"

The two creatures fell silent, the foolish admiration in their eyes changed to new respect mingled with a little fear. Romsca forced the anger from her eyes, asking, "Does any a ya lot know healin'?"

One beast, a scrawny little rat, raised a paw. "I do, capt'n."

Romsca nodded. "Good, Rafglan will take that one ta the brig, if ya would, help him."

She wheeled around to face the crew. "I need strong crew beasts ta stand by me. I ain't here ta be none a ya's sweetheart, I'm here ta find the emperor's pearls, an so are ya. I don't care one bit about yer rotten looks, none a ya, all I care about is yer loyalty an' yer strength in battle, ya hear me? Yer either with me or against me, an' all those against me are me enemies. So where do ya stand?"

Rafglan grinned. "With ya ta the end capt'n!"

Rubby confirmed this, and one by one, so did the others. Romsca raised her axe, the blade flashing in the light. "Fer the Dragons!"

The reply came back as a sort of cheer. "Fer the Dragons!"

><><

Rasconza was studying the maps laid out on his desk, rubbing at the side of his head as he always did when thinking or depressed. The fox picked up the bottle of wine sitting nearby, taking a drink and setting it back down.

The cabin's only other occupant, a mouse maiden dusting a shelf of books and instruments used for finding the ship's position, looked up momentarily. She met Rasconza's gaze, before looking down, her messy, white-blonde hair falling back into her face.

There was a loud knocking on his cabin door, and Rasconza pulled the brim of his hat down a little. "Come in."

His first mate walked in, stopping in front of his desk. "Capt'n, with all respect. What is our course?"

Rasconza rolled his eyes. "I told you which direction to go, Slashback."

The rat crossed his arms. "Capt'n, ya know I'm faithful ta ya. But I need a course."

"Of course." Rasconza smirked. "I figure we will go to the north coast, and search the highlands. It's the best I can do, if Graylunk and Flairnose had any sense at all, they'd have gone inland in effort to escape Sampetra's reach."

He shook his head. "Romsca might be the one with the best chance to find these things, she was sent east, and that was where they were last seen."

Slashback shrugged. "Perhaps. But if they ran, they woulda run as far as they could .. in truth, you might have the best chance."

"Or Xzaris." Rasconza mused. "Beasts rarely like going to the wild highlands .. a city of wealth and longstanding like Southsward is far more appealing."

"True, but in a ship the siza his, with Sampetra's dragon on the sail, Capt'n Xzaris don't have a chance of nearin' Southsward. They'll scuttle him long before he sights land." Slashback pointed this out, and Rasconza gave him a look.

"That's my friend you're talking about Slashback, I'm well aware of the danger. I think you should go."

The rat sighed, bowing. He turned on his heel, running full into the mousemaid and knocking her down. The scrolls she was carrying scattered, and Slashback growled bad temperedly striking her across the face. "Little wench, watch where your going!"

He raised a paw to strike her yet again, but a strong, red furred paw gripped his wrist, and Rasconza effortlessly lifted him off the ground. "Enough, why don't you look where you're going? How about you pick up all my scrolls you made her drop? Temper Slashback, I warned you about the temper."

The rat dropped his gaze. "Aye aye Capt'n."

Rasconza set him down on the floor, as the mousemaid tried to struggle to her paws, but the chains about her feet tangled and she fell again. The dog fox sighed, lifting her to her paws as though she weighed nothing. "Next time, see you are more careful."

She bowed low. "Yes captain."

Slashback begrudgingly handed her the scrolls he had collected, just as there was a knocking on the door and it swung open without Rasconza having time to say a word. "Capt'n? I had a bit a trouble .."

Rasconza stared at the beast, his slave driver. The weasel was bleeding on multiple accounts, and one of his eyes was swollen shut. "Cateye, what was it this time?"

"It's that stupid rabbit capt'n .. She called me an awful name she did, an' as I was layin' about her, she grabbed me whip's lash an' set about me! I tried ta grab me whip an' she punched me in the eye .. ya gotta git ridda that rabbit capt'n, she's from Hellgates themselves!"

Rasconza pressed his lips together, not noticing how pale the mousemaid was as she set the documents on his shelf. The fox showed one fang. "How many times has she thrashed you, Cateye?"

The weasel scowled. "This is the sixth time capt'n, I'm about ready ta kill her if ya don't .."

Rasconza suddenly growled, shoving Cateye against the doorframe. "Oh no you won't, I'm the only beast on this ship that does that. In that case, you can be lookout, I'll get somebeast else to do your job."

Cateye nodded. "Aye aye capt'n, jist keep me away from that crazy rabbit wench before one'a us kills the other!"

Rasconza let him drop to the deck. "Very well, it shall be done. As for the crazy rabbit wench, as you so call her, Slashback, see she is flogged and not fed for two days. If she continues in this behavior, I'm afraid I'll have to kill her."

The mousemaid was staring at him in horror, and now at last, he noticed it. Her hazel eyes widened momentarily as she met his gaze, and quickly looked down, but her paws shook as she picked up her broom.

Rasconza said nothing, the mouse had been a good slave for several seasons, and that rabbit was one he had only recently taken. Yet they must have some sort of bond, and the fox resolved to be wary.

Likely as not it was not worth any worry, but a captain could never be too careful.

><><

"Oh yea? I am not backin' down lizard face, go boil yer head!"

"Little wench, I don't care if'n yer cook, ya go scrub the deck!"

"Capt'n didn't tell me ta do that, so ya go scrub the rotten deck! Who ya think is gonna cook breakist? An' besides, ya ain't the first mate or nothin', what are ya, cabin boy or somethin'?"

Xzaris had been up late, and it was early in the morning now, judging by the soft light filtering through his windows. The angry shouts rose to a crescendo outside, and there was the sound of steel being drawn.

The gray ferret clenched his teeth together. These last five days he'd tried his best to be patient, but the lack of sleep and constant bickering among his crew was telling on him. He grabbed his pike, jumping out of bed and heading for his cabin's door.

Xzaris shoved the door open, to see Val and a weasel swing swords at each other, and a clash split the morning air.

Val dodged to the side like a streak of lightning, scoring a shallow cut across the weasel's face. He showed his fangs in fury, snarling, "I'll send ya ta Hellgates dog!"

Val grinned, blocking his downward cut. "Oh I'm sorry yer so dumb, I ain't a dog, I'm a vixen."

"Worthless wench, I'll show ya ...."

Xzaris yanked Val back, meeting the weasel's blade and swiftly disarming him. "Enough a this, yer all fools! Ya too Val, what is this about?"

Val looked injured. "He had the nerve ta tell me ta scrub the stupid deck when I was workin' on breakist. Guess yer all eatin' burnt rice this mornin', how's that?"

Xzaris bit his tongue to keep from lashing out at somebeast. He took a breath, slinging his pike across his back and crossing his arms. "Val, see ta breakist. An' ya, who do ya think ya are ta give her orders? Aren't ya the mornin' lookout? Well how's about this ... ya scrub the deck."

The weasel glared at him. "Ya think yer special cause yer capt'n? Ya shouldn't even be capt'n .. alla Sampetra knows were ya come from .. polecat."

Xzaris felt his ears pin back of their own accord. "Yer challenin' me?"

The weasel paused, and Xzaris circled him, deliberately drawing his pike. "I know what I am, ya needn't tell me."

He swung the weapon in a swift arch, adding depth to the cut Val had bestowed upon the troublemaker. "I am yer capt'n, an' if ya are suggestin' mutiny I'll save meself the food an' water an' jist .."

He didn't get to finish, as there was a flash of green scales, and a Monitor plowed the weasel to the ground, bending close to his face. The lizard dug it's wickedly long claws into the creature's shoulders, snarling, "We will feazzzt on you. Mutiny will not get Mazzzter'zzz pearlzzz."

The weasel had time for a despairing shriek, and Xzaris didn't have time to lift a paw. The Monitor sank it's fangs into the beast's throat, breaking his neck with one swift move.

There was another flash of green, and the first Monitor was knocked backwards by the lizard Xzaris knew was called Zurgat, the leader. She roared wordlessly in his face, and he seemed to get her message, for he flattened his neck frills and backed quickly away.

Zurgat growled, lashing her tail. "We need beazzztzzz to zzail the zzzhip, leave them be!"

The first Monitor showed his fangs, letting forth an odd succession of shrieks. Zurgat flicked her tongue out, finally hissing. "I zzzee. Then you did right, we will feazzzt upon thizzz one."

Without farther ado, she sank her fangs into the deadbeast for a moment, then lifted her head, blood dripping from her muzzle. Xzaris took one step backward, stammering defensively, "I .. was gonna kill him!"

Zurgat twitched her frills. "He izzz dead."

Xzaris felt his paw clench around his pike shaft, before turning to the stunned crew. "Right, as she says. We're here ta git .. the emperor's pearls, so nobeast act otherwise. Unless ya .. wanna die."

He gave the Monitors a pointed glance, and quickly looked away, as they were devouring the dead weasel.

Val hopped out of the galley, asking, "Who wants breakist?"

She stopped still at the grisly scenario, and Xzaris made a face. "I think some a us .. already ate."

Val curled her lip. "Urrk .. uh, yea .. well I'm gonna .. make some .. sushi or somethin'. Yea. Mmmpph .. ugg!"

She vanished, and Xzaris strode pointedly toward the forecastle and the steering wheel. "Nobeast play the fool like that again. If the Monitors don't kill 'im, I will! I am capt'n, an' I ain't standin' fer mutiny."

><><

Ublaz smiled, stirring his paw over his crystal ball's surface. "I'm sure you won't, Captain Xzaris. The question is can you keep your crew's respect?"

The pine marten stood, walking to his study's window and opening the latticed shutters. From here, all of Sampetra sprawled out before him, ending at the bay that sparkled a gorgeous indigo. Ships, fishing boats, and skiffs were going about their daily business, and all manner of beasts milled through the streets.

The wealthy, the poor, merchants, carpenters, sailors, and beggers .. from the clatter of horse hooves on cobblestones to the gleaming pagoda roofs of manors, Sampetra was strangely beautiful.

And he ruled it all.

"Sire?"

Ublaz turned fluidly around, to see Sagitar standing in his doorway. He raised an eyebrow. "Yes general?"

Sagitar looked grim. "It's happened again Sire."

"How many this time?" Ublaz's voice betrayed nothing.

"Two dead on the walls, three missing. Here is one of their arrows." The rat general handed him the missile, a sleek and aerodynamic design with sharply cut green fletching.

Ublaz ran his paw along the jet black shaft, nodding, "They're getting thirstier, aren't they?"

He examined the barbed, steel arrow head, remarking, "These creatures, whatever they are, are skilled craftsbeasts to make such arrows."

The pine marten set the arrow on his desk, asking, "General, how many beasts do we loose in a month on average?"

"Four or five." Sagitar stated, shrugging. "But obviously they are getting bolder."

"Obviously." Ublaz adjusted his flowing purple cape. "General, whatever these things are, we must kill them. Lay a trap."

Sagitar nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that, Sire. And might I add, your alliance with those gulls might come in handy at this point."

Ublaz curled his whiskers around one finger, nodding. "Hmmm ... quite true, Grall has yet to really hold up his end of the deal, he can prove himself. Though gulls are not nocturnal, and these beasts are. General, prepare a score of beasts."

Sagitar nodded. "Aye sire. Could you tell me the plan?"

Ublaz smiled. "Of course, the way I see it, these killers aren't at all that great in numbers. They attack fast and vanish fast, in small groups. They key is just getting one, and obtaining the location of their hideout .. which surprisingly, Grall has had no luck in finding."

"What if the beast won't talk, Sire?" Sagitar asked.

Ublaz laughed softly. "A very good point General. But I can make the hardest beast babble secrets like a brook in spring, never fear."

Sagitar nodded. "Aye, so you can. I will see to it, when should we lay our trap?"

Ublaz smiled. "Tonight. And every night after. Stay hidden in the shadows of the walls, have archers with you. On the night of the new moon, in a week, I will join you. I have a .. feeling about it."

><><

The evening breeze blew quietly over Redwall, washing away the warm hues of the day and turning the red stones a soft gray. Grath sat atop the west wall, industriously working on a painting.

Her thoughts were awhirl with what Sayna had said, for it wasn't easy to get much that the mouse said out of one's head.

She looked down at her painting, sighing. For some reason, she just wasn't interested in painting another sunset over Redwall. She'd painted just about everything that was to be seen about the abbey, and a restless spirit was stirring within her.

''No, this is my home. It's safe here, and ... they might need me. Besides .. I don't know if I'm really brave enough to leave.''

Grath closed her eyes, suddenly opening them and dipping her brush in black paint. With quick, practiced strokes, the otter did something she'd never done before .. she was painting something that she saw in her mind, and not before her.

She'd never let herself do this before, but something had shifted. It wasn't anything around her that had changed .. it was very odd. Somehow .. she felt different.

The otter looked down at her picture, staring at it for a moment. "You were my best friend."

Grath stroked the image, whispering, "I miss you, I hope you're happy .. wherever you are, Lutran."

She suddenly clutched the book to her, hanging her head over it. "Why did it have to happen? I .. I don't understand."

The soft breeze through her hair was her only answer, and she answered herself. "They were just .. greedy, ruthless murderers. Just like all vermin are. I don't want to be the sort of beast that lives for revenge, I want to do more with my life .. but .."

She slowly looked down at her picture, muttering, "Who am I kidding, I can't be a pirate hunter."

"What about hunting pirates?" Tansy was walking along the parapet, and she paused at this point.

Grath sat up, shaking herself. "Nothing."

"That's pretty." Tansy picked up Grath's picture. "Who is it?"

"It's my .." Grath paused, sighing, "My brother. One of them. I had two .. once."

The hedgehog sat down, handing Grath the paper. "Oh .. I'm sorry."

Grath stared at her painting, murmuring, "I'm forgetting what he looked like."

Tansy didn't say anything, just stared up at the evening's first stars. Grath looked at her a moment, before doing the same.

"They're so far away and untouchable .. kind of like the future, you know?"

Grath looked at Tansy, before looking up again, and nodding. "Yea."

"Sort of like the past too. You can see them up there, but you can't change them or reach them. They're just .. up there. Like .. some sort of promise .. or reminder, or .. something." Tansy smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, that sounds so silly when I say it."

Grath sighed. "It's not that silly .. I sort of understand what you mean."

The two smiled at each other, and Tansy rubbed a paw across her nose. "Really? Nobeast's ever said that to me. Of course .. I've never really voiced my thoughts either."

Grath looked up at the sky. "I wonder what our future is. Are we meant to be peaceful abbeybeasts our whole lives, or is there .. something more, something greater, just waiting for us?" Tansy looked oddly at her. "What could be better than living in peace and happiness all our lives with our friends?"

"Oh I don't know." Grath shook her head. "Some .. magnificent adventure to help the oppressed and free them from the clutches of evil beasts. You know what I mean?"

Tansy shrugged. "Not really. I think the kitchens might miss me if I was gone that long. Or I might miss the kitchens .. or yea. Something like that. Why would you want to leave our home, don't you love it here?"

Grath nodded. "Yes, of course .."

She stood up. "But there is a restless voice in my heart, and I know someday .. I'm going to have to follow a different path than all of you. I hope we'll always be friends, but .. there's something in me unlike the rest of Redwall."

The otter leaned over the battlements, looking across the western flatlands, now darkened by the grip of night.

"It's a warrior's spirit, isn't it?" Tansy asked.

"Yes ... I think so, anyway. I almost .. hope so." Grath turned around. "How did you know?"

Tansy looked up at her. "Abbot Durral said it about you once, when he first saw you."

><><

After the incident with the Monitors, Xzaris and his crew tread equally as carefully. It had been three days, and nobeast had dared raise a paw against their captain, though Xzaris sensed an undercurrent of tension, and figured he'd be forced to deal with it sooner or later.

There was a knocking on his cabin door, and Val burst in, shoving a plate of sushi under his nose. "I made ya sonethin' capt'n! Thought ya could use somethin' nice ta eat. Cause ya haven't been eatin' much. An' Romsca said I gotta keep an' eye on her boyfriend."

Xzaris stopped chewing on his quill, looking up. "She said what?"

"That I gotta keep an' eye on her boyfriend!" Val was cheerful.

TBC~ Romsca    The T e r r o r  of the seas  05:38, February 7, 2016 (UTC)