Redwall MUCK Forum

WHO:

Mistclaw- Leader of Slaver group, evil fox

Kurgan- 2nd in command

Oz- badger cub

LOG:

Mistclaw was back, she got on board and started giving orders right away " Repairs?..Then report...ok, yes...that's good now clean up, make sure we stay ahead of anyone we rather not see"

Kurgan smirks as he holds the badger cub, " Oh look its Auntie Mistclaw son...you seem cheery"

Oz giggles as he looks at the fox and reaches out to her with tiny paws.

Mistclaw makes a face of discuss and speaks" No...and yes.I have 2 dozen rats ready to guard this boat when told, they will follow us downriver and meet at the place the river meets the sea coast"

Kurgan nods as he listens " How delightfull.." His ear flicks as he sees the magpie and offers it some shiny necklace he got at the farm and listens to its whispers and chuckles as it flies off." Well the band of woodlanders are maybe 6 days behind us, we are 3 days from shore..shouldnt be an issue,have the rats slow them some.We should be done with repairs by tomorrow night."

Oz tilts his head and stares at the vixen, a yawn as if cub life is just so tireing.

Mistclaw snorts, " We are can't let them get too close are you that insane and who is after us?"

Kurgan chuckles as he rocks Oz " Woodlanders...as I said, we are fine...we set off by tomorrow  night, still  be a good couple days ahead and we can look for Gorax ship he sent and If needed...we kill the Woodlanders.

Oz snuggles close to the ferret, that can not be a good thing at all, he seems to..

Trust the ferret.

Mistclaw watches the badger and hmmms softly " What ever, a good hour to get to the dock, maybe a little longer with the brats, which are my slaves by the way not yours"

Kurgan just shrugs" Fine...keep the brats I have my new son. I will teach him hate and ta kill, to use a weapon at a young age...3 seasons is when I started, he shall as well."

Oz falls asleep in Kurgan's arms.

Mistclaw just watches " Still think your regret having that cub,I WILL  leave you behind if I have to Kurgan."

Kurgan grins " Get use to the cub, which stays with me at all times now." He stands and goes to his quarters, Oz in his arms.He is gonna need a sling.

Mistclaw shakes her head and keeps watch.

**** I made a hare teen to join the LP....ya!.She will be a healer I think..she just has to get to the Mt. and become a Private.*****

WHO:

Donica-Teen hare and recently orphaned

Xander-Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Matilda-Champion of Redwall

Caleb-Traverling warrior

Keldorn-Warrior Shrew

Oswald-Warrior Shrew

LOG:

   
The storm had come suddenly,one of those pouring rains and thunder, lightning and where one cant see their paw in front of their eyes. Who would be out on this weather? It seemed a young hare was and she was lost, alone, and limping a little as it was clear she hurt her footpaw on something as she walked along the riverbank now and slide a couple of times in the mud as her outfit was mud covered.

Xander disliked storms and was glad they decided to stop.One thing on log boats,they fill with water and that caused him to panic but they made it to shore and set up a small campsite.They had found a good location that was good enough for them to stay in one night.
   
Keldorn had set about checking the Logboat he was in and let Oswald check the other one.The shrews could easily get the water out once it stoped raining, a simple flip it over with some strong paws and then dry it out with a thick cloth and they could set sail again.The shrew set about getting some firewood, a campfire would be good and they could arm some food, he grinned as he would find some crayfish,and there was early summer berries he found as a surprise.
   
Donica was not to far from the beasts,the rain had slowed now to a faint misty rain but it didn't help the small hare, she was still lost and alone and had her reasons for not being home, a shiver went through her as she walked on, she been on her own 3 days now.   

Xander peeked out and mentioned he was going to go find Keldorn and taking his blade just in case.
   
Keldorn placed the crayfish in a sack and even found watercress and had the berries, maybe a salad of watercress and berries and shrimps on the side.   

Donica walked on and then gasps as she sees movement and its not the badger or shrew either.It was weasel"Whats this" The hare maid screams and runs, of course the weasel gives chase.Luckily it was just the weasel, not among the slavers she had ran from just 3 days ago, but still a vermin .   

Xander stoped and listened, looked around and sliped onto a path as he clearly heard the scream and got his blade out.He was ready to stab any evil thing that moved.   

Keldorn walked back to the camp and stoped, he frowned as he thought he heard something but he seen nothing.He adjusted his pack and went to climb a nearby tree for a better view of the river as it didn't seem like they would catch up that fast and he saw no boat,a frown there was trouble close by and he didn't like it one bit, then missions are never easy it seemed.   

Donica ran and tripped over a log by the river and curled up on the ground,she was tried and worn out,her footpaws hurt and she had not had anything decent to eat or drink the past 3 days as she was scared to do so.   

The weasel catches up and grins down at the hare maid "You would make a nice meal....maybe a fur coat come winter time, I also dislike hares..live ones"He goes to bring the blade down at her.
   
Xander seen the weasel and when it went to start to stab the hare he growled deeply and his blade went to slice into the weasel' neck! The badger was NOT in the mood for chatting and showing he was there,it was a weasel trying to harm a child, the weasel needed death!   

Keldorn frowned as he slipped down, he didn't hear anything anymore and that worried him but he didn't dare call out for his friends as he was extra careful and scaned the woodlands and riverbank again.He then heard the growl and blinked, getting his raspier he hurried down a path.   

The weasel didn't have time to figure out why he died or how he died, he was headless. The hare looked up at the badger and whimpered, she was too tried to run or move and so just laid there.
   
Xander cleaned the blade and kneeled down to check the hare,he then put his blade away and gently picked the hare up and headed back to the otter den carrying Donica in his arms.   

Keldorn came into view and huried to them "What happen my friend, who is this? What was the growl about?" He had so many questions of his friend.   

Donica is semi-conscious as she blinked and then seemed to decide these beasts were friends,she was safe so she welcomed the unconsciousness when it came.   

Xander says, "A weasel...its dead"He walks till they are at the den"She needs warmed up,she is staying with us for now...she was all alone."

Keldorn nods "We can....yes we can find out what happen, she likely has family somewhere being so young.I would hate to think she did not, travel for one young is not good...well I am gonna make dinner and she can get warm..we can learn more later."   

Donica mutters something but the campfire will warm her up,as for cleaning her up....well that can wait for now.

Xander lets the others know of thier guest and then sits down by the fire with a sigh.   

Keldorn says, "We head back out with the sunrise" He looks at the hare "But what to do...with her"

Donica stirs "Papa....papa...."She opens her eyes and looks around,a frown when she has no clue where she is,did the weasel get her after all,she starts crying.   

Xander speaks softly "Its ok..your safe,the weasel is dead."He offers her some salad and stew, water to drink."Here...who are you, where is your parents?"   

Keldorn smiles at the hare "We are friends, yes do tell us maybe we can fin them along our trip down river"   

Donica just cries more and sniffs "Vermin....hurt them and grandma said run and I did....and they...they..."She sniffs and just crys,its clear what happen.   

Xander goes to hug her and looks at Keldorn, "We have to catch up to them, if its the same ones...and make them pay"   

Keldorn frowns, "These slavers are most foul..yes I agree let us hope we are catching up some and maybe something will slow them so we catch up to them"   

Donica leans into the badger and starts sobbing, she will stop long enough to eat some food and then fall back to sleep soon afterward.
   
Xander will keep the hare close to him, he frowns as the rain starts to come back and the wind and gulps a little, he stands "I am...gonna check on the others"

With the storm still raging and the river moss in full flood still travel has been halted.   

Oswald is currently standing up to his knees in the mud covering the river-bank lashing down the log-boats whilst Matilda is carting supplies back to their tent up on the grass beneath a stand of tall trees.   

She left Caleb pitching the tents so they can all get inside someplace dry! Not that it'll help much the rain is practically falling horizontally, everyone is soaked through. It's into this most delightful storm and the camp that Donica has found herself. With Xander and Keldorn down helping to secure the boats with Oswald she is currently alone in the largest tent, Matilda's with the front canvas pulled up.
   
Lightning cracks throug the sky, the wind and rain howl and Matilda ducks her head, steps over to Caleb and all but ushers the mouse into her tent, "Forget the others..." she shouts loudly. "Mine will do until this blows over."   

Caleb was in the midst of pitching the tents when the lightning struck. He looks up towards the sky with squinted eyes and knew this wasn't going to work so he would have to try a different approach. For now, the mouse had finished Matilda's and was glad she asked him to stop cause everything was getting soaked. Luckily he had the foresight to toss his pad and charcoal into something watertight so he was still able to speak. Caleb heads into the tent and writes something down after drying off. "This storm is massive. Bigger than I ever seen. It's gonna be a bit before it blows over."   

Donica has been quiet since she been brought here.The storm is not bothering her too much, yet anyways.She does look between the two beasts   

Matilda peers down at the three boys working on the log boats. Oswald has a waxed awning rigged up over his boat and the larger one and they are settling in down there out of the rain. "Well the shrews should be ok over there..."   

Matilda sits down and pulls out a large lantern from her pack, "So we three can stay in here and get cozy," she lights the lamp which starts to give out heat and light then offers a large towel to Caleb. "I'm Matilda, and this," she nods at the mouse, "Is Caleb, he's mute so tends to speak through his words or the paw language he and I know... so young hare, Xander didn't give me many details, what brings you here?"   

Caleb would only give Donica a wave and smile towards them. He shows the hare his pad after writing down. "It's nice to meet you. Just a bit nervous is all. Still a little nervous around new people.

Donica frowns, she speaks softly "I....got lost after running from some bad beasts, they came in our hut and grandpa said run so I did...I think they" She frowns and looks at the ground now as a tear falls"I..got lost and there was a weasel...it almost got me when I triped,...then the weasel was grabbed and...its head came off" What ...she is telling the truth,she sort of passed out from being worn out to see much of it, probably best too.   

Matilda says, "Yes... that will happen if Xander is upset and he has a lot of reasons to be upset right now," she glances down at the boats and waves at Oswald. The shrew raises back then takes out his lute and starts playing it, the music mostly lost by the thundering rainstorm. "Well young one what is your name? You will be safe with us now, though I am afraid we are traveling west after some more vermin so our path may not be the safest..." she hesitates and glances at Caleb, "Caleb here is also part of our group a warrior who stands by my side I am sure between the five of us we can help keep you safe."
   
Caleb would just listen to the girl and nod towards them before he looks towards Matilda. The mouse just uses his paw language to communicate since he was tired of writing and wanted to save the pages. "What should we do now? This damn rain won't be going for a while and we're not exactly going to be moving anywhere till it passes unless we all wish to die of colds."   

Matilda looks at Caleb and smiles at him, "We sit, we talk Caleb," she turns the lantern so it gives off more heat then light, "Who taught you the sword? Your father I take it?" she looks at him, "I... we would like to hear about it..." she takes the sword of Martin and lays it across her lap, "I wish to know Calab, we...wish to know."
   
Caleb was whimpering and trying not to think of it. But something... felt calming. Mayhaps it was that Matilda said the spirit of Martin was here. Mayhaps it was Martin himself who was helping to calm him... maybe it was just because Matilda and Dora were... a bit beautiful. Either way, Caleb would put down the pad and slowly start to explain   

Matilda smiles at Caleb, watching him and listening, her hands resting lightly on the sword of Martin.
   
"My father was the one who taught me, yes. You see, my mother and my father were vastly different, being that my mother was more sophisticated and my father was more of a brash but loving warrior. He protected my village and taught me everything he knew of the sword, dirty tricks and all. Although I believe in more fair fighting, I do have some aces up my sleeve. My mother however taught me to read, write have some manners and even show care and kindness to everyone. But there was... a reason I left. My father one day came back pretty injured and it turned out there was a vermin gang that came around who were basically saying they owned the town."   
Caleb actually stops and looks like he doesn't want to admit the next part. But he has to. "My mother... I hid with my father's blade as they... defiled her. They soon slit her throat and started trying to take the rest of the town. I was still a young one back then but I could lift my father's blade just enough... the reason I don't really like to kill unless I have to is because I slaughtered them all, Matilda. Every last one of them. While I know that I wanted to train with the Badger Lord and the Long Patrol... I knew I'd be in a violent way if I did. It's part of the reason I wanted to stay at the Abbey. Either way... I made sure the proper people were buried, gave them what I could... and I just ran. I took all my things and walked off, cause I didn't want to see that place again."   

Matilda listens, her face darkens as she listens to the young mouse's story and nods her head    Matilda says, "I see.. your life has not been easy Caleb..." Her eyes hold his, "It has known darkness, but when this is over... Martin and I agree, you should stay with us at the abbey. You can still be a warrior, like DoraRose, like Xander," outside the rain continues to thunder and crash, rain falls, "But you will find the peace as well."

Xander couldn't sleep, he HATED storms and he wasn't gonna wake the others in his tent, there was Dora,Oswald and Keldorn..sleeping  so he went to check on the others and make sure things was ok, just a short way to the tent, then a loud thunder clap and he rushes inside the tent, he cleared his throat and nods, " Hi...all well?"   

It's clear Xander came at a bad time as besides the rain... Caleb is crying. It's the first time he's cried in a long time besides that small tear he shed when Friar Lacota gave him all that food. He just sits there crying as Matilda listens and talks to him. But as Xander comes up he quickly straightens but just whimpers. He only signs this time, "I... It's not a good time. I'm sorry you had to see me like this Xander. But... now you understand Matilda... why I am glad that I can not speak. Because I would just be worried all the time... it's why I didn't want to stay because I was afraid my past would come back to haunt me and put the Abbey in danger. That somehow the ghosts of those vermin would come back and kill everyone."   

Matilda spins the sword of Martin up before her in a salute to Caleb, she then swings it back into its sheath, "It is ok Caleb... it is good to talk and let it out," she shuffles aside as outside thunder booms, "Sit with us Xander, it is dry and cozy in here."

Xander nods as he comes to sit down,he speaks " Its ok to..cry at times Caleb and to even be afraid, I get afraid at times still." Like the storm but he is calming with others awake.   

Caleb would groan and whimper but slowly nod. He soon settles and just looks towards Xander with a small smile. He's proud to have his friends and then blinks as he signs something. "Someone... else is here. Why do I feel another presence?"

Matilda says, "His attention is on us once more." She sets the sword aside and settles back with a soft smile, "We should try to sleep however, tomorrow is going to be wet"
   
Xander frowns, " Traveling in...this or maybe it will stop raining, least as bad"   

Matilda says, "Well either way my friends, we have a long way to go tomorrow."
   
Caleb blinks and looks around the area before smiling somewhat. "Martin protects all of the Abbey, hm? It... feels nice actually. Thanks for that, Matilda... and yeah, we should rest. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
   
Xander yawns a little as he lays down, " She..might of fallen asleep..I am awake for a little while"

Its not too long till...most are asleep
   
Donica stirs a little in her sleep, least she isn't still wandering around lost....she is with some beasts its just a question of where she will end up from here.She sits up and frowns.

Xander looks over "Hey....you ok?"

Donica nods and goes to sleep beside the badger, "Just...miss grandpa...and the storm and all the rain is scary"

Xander nods "Yeah...it is...."He tenses up at a thunderclap and sighs, humming softly to himself.

Donica tilts her head "You're afraid of the storm took? But you're an adult and a badger, a warrior"

Xander gives a soft weak chuckle "So..warriors can be afraid.."

The rain does slow and is soon a light shower, some crickets venture out as it seems its best to rest.So all the beasts get rest, some good rest and then once its morning it's time to restart the hunt for those slavers and get closer to getting the dibbuns back.

Gorvenalus is here helping Benar,he also made sure he got some sleep and kept most beasts away from his quarters, helped with paperwork and got things ready for today, a sad day indeed but at least it had stopped raining. He lets beats come slowly to the graveyard as he stays by Benar and waits.   
   
Krisha stands near the abbot, she is quiet as she stands there, all this was so sudden.   

The Abbot is looking tired, but he is upright and dressed in his habit and has his staff. Which he is surreptitiously leaning on for extra support as he waits for everyone to gather for the funeral. He smiles at Gorvenalus, "Thank you for agreeing to run the funeral," the abbot murmurs to the recorder.
   
He sighs and looks around, "I... it doesn't feel right giving Ginny's service, she was here when I was a little child... I couldn't say goodbye... I think I'd break right now."
   
   
Standing nearby is Bellringer and temporary Gatekeeper, LilyMoore. The mouse maid is sad, but for now she has been handling her new job well, with help from her uncle. Butterclaw is next to her, a black bow around his neck. He looks a little worse for wear after a hard recovery from the drug that had knocked them all out, but he is doing better. Blisa strides towards the Abbot, leaving her bodyguards to stay by the mouse. "Benar," the cat says, looking at the gathering crowd. "Patch told me I needed to come, but he didn't say why. Who died?" Is the emergency funeral the reason she had to come? She has no idea.   

Gorvenalus nods hello to Blisa as he frowns "Patch should of..told more"He sighs "Sister Ginny died"He will update her better after the funeral. He clears his throat and starts "We are here today, sadly to say goodbye to Sister Ginny, it..was not her time and we know this,the past couple days have been hard for all of us here"

Krisha nods to Blisa quietly as she listens, looks like she seriously needs sleep.
   
   
Benar looks at Blisa as she comes over and reaches out to squeeze her arm, "Oh Blisa you came, sorry... you... have caught me on a bad day."   

Up close the chief will be able to see just how tired the old squirrel looks. He is putting on a brave face for the crowd who have gathered around the grave. From a distance he smiles and nods and is doing his best Abbot in control of everything impression. Up close oh he looks so tired and close to tears.   

"We can talk in my office afterward... we've... well it can wait. He then falls silent to let Gorvenalus speak   

   
Blisa raises an eyebrow, but nods and says nothing more, silently standing beside the Abbot as the beaver speaks. Angela has come out, too, and she is watching the Abbot suspiciously. He can not escape her watchful gaze! The Chieftain's bodyguards are all standing near LilyMoore, as are Emyuil, Zarok, and Terfil (the last of whom is watching the Bellringer closely). Butterclaw leans up against the mouse maid, obviously very tired.
   
Benar The Abbot knows Angela is watching, he gives her his brightest smile and then in time to the funerary traditions of Redwall rings the bell on his staff, the soft silver chime sounding solemn as Gorvenalus talks.   

Gorvenalus sighs "What happen a few days ago was...unexpected, but let us not talk of it now, today we say ..."He himself is sad but clears his throat" Goodbye to Sister Ginny who has been here a long time, many grew up with her...she was here helping 2 different Badger mothers and should still be with us today." He lets a couple of the elders say a few words of memories with Sister Ginny..   

Krisha would update the Ferravale Chieftain but will let Benar do that in his office. Sister Anna is with her and just starts crying.
   
Benar does let himself cry, in a sort of dignified manner, his tears falling down his muzzle as at the last he steps forward, lifting his head, "Ginny and I grew up together, she was older than me by a few seasons, a kind and friendly warm-hearted person. She has been by my side for more seasons then I can count... I am going to miss her more then I can ever express." he bows his head, the bell on his staff ringing.   

Blisa listens closely, hoping for clues as to what happened. However, she stays respectfully silent for now. LilyMoore wipes tears from her eyes as she kneels and hugs her Sparra friend close. Terfil is still watching her closely. Angela is still watching Benar closely. Good times.   
Krisha sighs and goes forwards " Sister..Ginney also helped me..alot and helped me better learn my badger mother duties and was there for me when..Oz died...she.." She is gonna break down and sniffs, she suddenly rushes off to hide and cry somewhere, well least she be a LOT easier to find.
   
   
The funeral procession to lay Ginny in her grave is solemn and quiet but once her coffin is lowered people start to break up and move apart. Ignoring Angela the abbot approaches Blisa, "Thank you for coming Chief Blisa," he offers her his arm.   

"We can talk in my office, I am afraid I need to ask for your help with something serious."   

   
Blisa takes the Abbot's offer of his arm. "Certainly. My bodyguards can find things to do." Ferdinand comes up, and the Chieftain informs him that she's going to be talking to Benar for w little bit. He nods and goes to keep track of the bodyguards. As LilyMoore helps lead them to the dormitories and the rest of the group goes about their business (although Terfil follows Lily, watching her closely), Angela follows the leaders, intent on checking on the Abbot.   

Gorvenalus decides to tag along with Benar, he does speak to some beasts quietly and nods "Ok someone can find Mother Krisha check on her as well alright" He gets a nod from Brother Rick and Sister Anna and then is off to follow Benar and Blisa.He will make sure no one bothers the abbey and once inside his office will close the door and sits down.   

   
A wake has been laid on in the great hall in Ginnny's memory, a large wreath of spring and early summer flowers made up with her name on a frame in front of the tapestry. As cake and tea and people gather in small knots to remember her the Abbot guides Blisa upstairs to his office.
   
Once the chief is inside the abbot looks out and meets Angela's gaze, he sighs and mouths, "Fine.. later..." at the old healer and shuts the door to the office and moves toward his desk. He is solicitous in making sure Blisa is settle, a cold drink or tea and making sure Gorvelanus is comfortable too. Then he moves to stand before the window looking down at the grounds, lost in thought for a long moment.   

"There is no easy way to say this so... last Friday, Mother Krisha, Ginny and Lily took the little ones camping. A visitor, a hare named jet drugged them and let vermin in through the south gate." he turned around, the sun behind him, his face in shadow and his eyes are burning, a light in them that Blisa might recognize, the light of a warrior on the edges of anger.   

"They stole our children Blisa, they murdered Ginny and Jet that poor sole, whatever hold they had on him ended in his death as well." he grips the back of his chair and stares at the chieftan.   

"If I did not have the safety and security of the entire abbey to think of, I would be out there right now with my Champion and the entire world would burn to bring those children back to us..." the light fades out of his eyes as he steps smartly and sits down and in the light it is Benar, the kind, gentle old abbot of Redwall once more.
   
"So I am afraid I am left to ask you by the terms of our peace treat to now discuss terms for lending us some of your warriors to help protect the abbey. Our champion and strongest warriors are away, the Log-a-Log is here with his shrews and Skipper is going to send a few otters but it will not be enough.."
   
He shakes his head, "Martin has already indicated to me that we must guard the home as well as hunt, word will spread, probably already has that the Champion and Martin's sword are away. Many will see this as an opportunity to strike at the abbey... I mean to make sure none can shatter the peace of Redwall, so that when Matilda brings the children home, their home is still standing..."   

He pauses and holds out a hand to Blisa, "Will you aid us, daughter of Mossflower, Chief of Ferravale? Redwall Abbey needs you."   
   
Angela doesn't believe that the Abbot is fine, but she heads up to her Infirmary for now. She'll catch him soon. Blisa sits and curls up comfortably in a chair, accepting the drink....which she has to set down once the Abbot starts talking. Her green eyes flash, and her tail lashes back and forth, poufing up angrily. Her gaze is dangerous, the kind of dangerous that hints at the crazy she keeps hidden. She goes to grab his paw with one of her own, holding up the other to silence him. "You need not say anything further, Benar. Even my villagers who dislike our treaty will help defend Mossflower and Redwall, if only to spite the slavers who took your Dibbuns. You have no need to fear." She decides to not tell him about her half-formed plan to monitor part of the woodlands herself with the help of her snake. What Benar doesn't know about Basilisk won't hurt him, right?   

Gorvenalus sighs "The vermin...planed this, and it all happen so fast, no one knew till the next morning what happen"He says sadly"I also think its affecting Krisha more than she is letting on, but your also very stressed Benar."He is not sure whom needs more rest the Abbot or Badger Mother.   

Benar says, "Indeed... Matilda has left with Xander, Caleb a young warrior visiting us and DoraRose..." he squeezes Blisa's hand, "There are threats, I have received.. hints of them but Martins spirit is with the sword and the Champion right now or...." he looks out the window, "Someplace further..."
   
Blisa gives the beaver a mildly irritated, offended look. "Um, please be careful with how you use the whole....'vermin' label." Since she and her villagers would fall under that label, she is a bit touchy about being called that. "I worry more for those monsters once Xander and DoraRose get a hold of them." She looks puzzled, though. "Where could Martin's spirit be? Could he be talking to the Badger Lord?" Why isn't he talking to me? is her silent question. She'd like to get a message from the guiding spirit of Redwall.....that could be helpful...   

Benar gives Govenalus a look when he uses the vermin word! But he doesn't comment, "Martin is... I do not know, beyond my sight... but something will come from the south I know that much... so we need to prepare the abbey but not leave the rest of Mossflower vulnerable."
   
Gorvenalus frowns"Sorry..."He is just upset "The slavers....something from the south? The abbey could be in...danger?"   

Blisa's tail swishes back and forth as she thinks. It's still all poufy from how upset she got. "From the south?" She can't really take Basil down that far. Too far from home. And the snake can't be let loose because he literally can't hunt to save his life. Plus, he's too pathetic to go when she tells him too... "That can't be good....I know my Ferravalians will be more than happy to focus on the woodlands and not step foot in the Abbey. I'm not sure how well we can help guard from the south, though."   

Benar leans back and closes his eyes, "I think... it would help if... there are a few of your ferravalians you would not mind or who you think would behave if they are stationed in the abbey?" he sits for a moment, "South... and the east, through the forest... that's all my dream showed me..."   

Blisa is quick to nod a reassurance. "Oh, yes, there are. But I will also send others to focus on the woodlands. I'll keep Patch out of Redwall, though. He's an excellent spy, but I don't feel like seeing how many creatures he can make angry with him."
   
Benar says, "Yes please keep him away for his own good, we nearly wound up holding two funerals, another inch to the right and Krisha would have caved his head in with a forge hammer.." he shakes his head, "I mean who provokes the badger who just had her baby stolen... what sane person does that..." he shakes his head and will see Blisa and Gorvenalus too the door, "I will speak to you both soon. For now I need... to get some rest. Thank you Blisa."

Blisa smiles grimly. "Dumb beasts like Patch." She goes to give the squirrel a quick hug before he opens the door. "I will do whatever is in my power to help keep my home-away-from home safe. I promise." And that includes taking her snake for some outings. Now she needs to tell her bodyguards and figure out some things before they head home...

Early Summer and Redwall Abbey is a picture of calm, peace, and tranquility beneath the morning sun. The crops in the fields are beautiful, the orchard is dotted with budding young fruit and the majestic red-sandstone buildings seem to gleam under the light of the morning sun.   
The peace and tranquility is shattered however as the main doors open and Abbot Benar comes down the steps shooing people this way and that. "Ok Brother Berrangar leave the orchard check for this morning, a day off won't hurt but we do need to water the flower gardens still."   

He gestures, "Sister Catlyn, herb garden, gather everything that should have been gathered first thing and get it to Lacota, he'll need herbs and spices to make lunch," lifting his list the abbot reads a line then points, "Novice George, Novice Sabelle, Wine Cellar with Matilda, help her bring up anything she needs," the novices scurry off and Benar checks the list again.   

"Ok I think that is everything that should have been done first thing..." he shakes his head, "I am going to go see why Lilymoore didn't ring the bells, I suspect she just slept in after helping with the little ones all night at their camp out. I should have asked someone else to ring the morning bells, or got up and done it myself, now scoot everyone, let's catch up on the chores before I get an angry Friar aimed at me, scoot..."   

With the various members of the order and their helpers dispersing the Abbot starts to head over toward the orchard. It had been quite nice to have a lie in, even the Abbot hadn't woken up on time without the bells ringing in the new morning. As a consequence everything is a little bit out of kilter, the sun is rising toward the mid-morning point. But a slow start never hurt anyone, the elderly squirrel making a note to maybe do this more often. It wouldn't hurt everyone to have a day when the bells don't ring in the morning, let people sleep in, of course, next time it'd be less of a mad rush if it was planned in advance.   

Strolling around the edge of the pond the Abbot can see the tents ahead, still set up for camping, and shakes his head with a fond smile. Spotting Ginny resting with her back against a tree, chin against her chest the Abbot shifts direction and starts moving toward the elderly hedgehog, picking his way past the first row of tents. He slows and frowns at the fire-pit, there was no fire lit which was odd. Then he pauses and looks around, something seemed off and he couldn't quite put his finger on it.   

He's about to call out to Ginny when it dawns on him, the bells might not have rung but no way the dibbuns slept in. No way they wouldn't be up causing havoc unless of course the DAB saw everyone else was still asleep and have snuck off someplace. Groaning the Abbot heads for the hedgehog, dreading where they have got into, probably the pantry... he's going to have an angry Lacota any moment now he just knows it.   

"Ginny," he calls out, "Ginny wake up we need to..." reaching down to shake her shoulder the abbot freezes as her head flops sideways at a very un-natural angle and then the old hedgehog slumps sideways, sprawling on the floor at his feet.
   
"Ginny..."   

Benar drops to his knees and rolls her over, eyes widening in horror as what he is seeing registers, "No... Ginny...." his head snaps up and he looks at the tents, "Krisha.... Lillymore...." he dashes to the first tent and throws it open, empty... he leaps across to the next, pulling back the tent flaps and... empty....
   
"Help..." his first cry is stifled, his throat seizing up and he has to lean against a tentpole to steady himself, then the throws his head back and screams for help at the top of his lungs. Stumbling to the next tent he throws it open and stares inside at the tangled blankets, lying half out of her sleeping bag is Krisha, she is breathing, he can see that much and kneels down next to her. Shaking her the abbot moves back outside when he can't rouse the badger and looks around wild-eyed, not quite believing what he has found.   

Screaming for help again he kneels down beside Sister Ginny once again and gives her the best dignity he can manage right now. Taking off the long red stole he wears around his shoulders the squirrel drapes it across her face, hiding the unnatural angle of her neck from view.   

Then throwing his head back he screams again for help, his voice carrying over the still quiet air of the Abbey, a piercing, jarring cry that has no place in the tranquil summer drenched splendour of the abbey grounds.
   
Krisha groans, what was the screaming and why was she being shaken awake. She also had the worse headache ever as she groans and tried to sit up" ohhhhhh....ok wot happen.."She tries to stand and stumbles onto the grass with a groan, little trouble walking just yet as she coughs and sits up holding her acheing head, ok she just has to focus, stupid mega headache.   

Gorvenalus heard the scream, was that the abbot? He frowned and hurried to where the yell had come from. He moved rather fast for an old beaver." What the seasons?"   

LilyMoore is in a tent, empty save for her. She had collapsed while getting a blanket for a tired Dibbun -- the coverlet is still clasped in her paws. Butterclaw, having reluctantly agreed to help his best friend watch the Dibbuns and sing them songs, is sprawled awkwardly in the entrance of another tent, a blanket in his claws, having had agreed to sing a few Dibbuns a lullaby to help them fall asleep. Little had they known that the Dibbun's sleepiness had been caused by drugs.   

Out in the middle of the pond is alone gosling. Who should it be but Gracie, blue blankie wrapped around her shoulders, corners trailing in the water. Upon hearing someone she knows, the goose starts crying and honking loudly, circling in the dead center of the pond, too afraid to come to shore.   

DoraRose comes from the Gatehouse at a dead run, drawn sword in paw. She speeds towards the Abbot and halts beside him, guessing at a glance what happened to Sister Ginny. "Oh, no...." She dashes inside a few tents, crying out when she sees her daughter. Coming back, the Warrior mouse's blue eyes flash. A guard comes dashing up from the south wall, paws waving. "Dora! I went up as relief for the south wall -- the guards up there are asleep, and I can't wake them!"   

A crowd has started gathering, instantly mustering to their Abbot's cries for help. Angela hobbles out of the crowd, smacking beasts out of her way with her staff. "Outta my way! A 'Ealer might be needed!" She kneels beside the late Sister, but one glance is all she needs. Swearing quite colorfully, the old mouse stands. "Where are the Dibbuns??"   

   
Xander has been by the entry, he oversleep and now seems to know why or least he thinks he does. He frowns and quickly goes over to where the pond and orchards are frowning, but has yet to figure out what is going on since likely too many beasts near the abbot and poor Sister Ginny yet.He asks a novice "What's..going on?" The novice looks like he is about to cry, they have not been a novice long,"Something....bad I think" The badger frowns and walks a little closer, the novice stays where he is shivering.
   
The Abbot reaches out as if to stop Angela as she kneels by Ginny, but it is not needed, he does squeeze her on the shoulder however. She can probably feel his hand trembling and note the way his other arm is looped around his tail tightly. But his face is calm, he can go climb into the attic later and have a breakdown, right now his people need him.   

Sister Catlyn and her group were the closest, having been in the herb garden, the middle-aged mouse stops by the Abbot and asks, "Ginny?" Benar's shake of the head is all she needs and she and she positions herself between the crowd and the hedgehog, with Angela there as well for all the world looking like she is helping the hedgehog it should stop most beasts from seeing the truth for now.   

"Ok everyone be calm..." Benar says, he really wishes he had his staff, the bell on the end is always good for cutting through the noise. He claps his hands together, "Silence... everyone...." he takes a deep breath and turns and almost sags in relief as he sees Matilda leading George and Sabelle, the gleaming length of Martin's sword resting unsheathed on one shoulder. That alone is enough to quiet most people, the Champion with Martin's sword bared inside the abbey grounds, unheard of.   

"Matilda, take the guards, check every gate, secure the walls, check for any sign of... where our children are," the Champion nods and starts calling off names, marshaling those who have training to her side, giving them orders.   

"Dora, get the Gatebook and," he spots Gorvenalus, "Take the recorder I want a full accounting of who is inside the abbey and are the accounted for, take a full headcount as quickly as you can" he swallows heavily, "Sabelle, help Mother Krisha up... and..." he turns and looks at the pond, "Someone get the row-boat ready I can hear Gracie in the middle of the pond we need to retrieve her everyone else is to return to the Great Hall and remaind there..."   

He looks as everyone as the hubbub starts to return but Matilda swings the sword of Martin and it hits a rock and the blade rings, "You heard the Abbot, if you have not been given a task, great hall NOW!" that tone of command is enough to get most beasts moving.   
   
Krisha is unable to stand right now feeling ill,dizzy and has a serious headache "I..I can't...head hurts too much.."She could stand with some help but this pounding headache is not good, she does note the dibbuns are missing but maybe they are hiding, but one can't walk away or ..well do much "Where..where is..oz?" She coughs roughly and frowns, still somewhat sleepy but not as much now.
   
Gorvenalus walks closer and helps get breasts to walk towards great hall" Someone needs to see where the other dibbuns are at. Hiding?" He frowns and hopes the dibbuns are just hiding and not.....missing.   

Caleb would slowly come out to the Great Pond, looking around the area slightly groggy. After having helped with some small clean up, the mouse retired back to the infirmary and noticed most if not everyone was missing or out cold. He didn't wanna disturb anyone. He had eating what was left in his bag and came out to find... a mess. Empty tents, groggy beasts, and... a covered form. Mouth agape, he wanders forward towards the first person he can find, DoraRose. Caleb gives her a wave and makes a motion to ask what was going on.
   
DoraRose was actually on her way to check the closest gate when the Abbot stops her. Obviously upset, she hesitates, then nods. "Aye, I will. Emyuil!" The mouse spots her brother in the crowd and points to the one tent. "Get Lily to the Gatehouse, and stay with her until she can come tell us what happened. Zarok, Terfil! Do the same for Butterclaw," she adds, pointing to the tent where the sparrow is. Then the Gatekeeper, shaking slightly, sheathes her sword and beckons to the old beaver. "Come on. Let's get counting."
   
LilyMoore stirs slightly as her uncle gathers her up and carries her to the Gatehouse. However, since Butterclaw is a bird, the drugs affected him more than the others. Zarok follows the mice, carrying the sparrow, as Terfil goes up to Angela and whispers at her. The old mouse frowns and gestures at Catlyn to see to Sister Ginny. "I need t'check on those who seem t' 'ave been drugged." She pauses for a moment and goes to rest a paw on the Abbot's shoulder. "You get Gracie. I think you both need it. I'll be back when I can."   

The old mouse heads off, stopping by the Badger Mother first, but noticing she's awake, says, "I need to check on Butterclaw. I'm concerned that he's not awake yet." She follows Terfil as they go to the Gatehouse.   

Gracie is still circling in the dead center of the pond, her honks having died down to just regular crying. Her blankie is wet, but since she's a waterbird, she isn't really noticing, especially with how distressed she currently is.   
   
Xander walks slowly and frowns, ok..those that helped Krisha are..ill? Or something, he frowns more and quickly gets to Krisha and helps her stand, but then mutters for her to sit down catching the last few words he frowns "I..don't have him..."Worry comes across his face now,he will stay by Krisha till a healer can look at her and make sure she is ok, then he is going over to Benar.   

Caleb just sort of stands there as it seemed DoraRose did not even notice him... curses for being smaller than your average field mouse. Either way, the boy would wander back towards the Abbot and come around with his pad this time. He holds it out towards Benar with a frantic look on his face. "Abbot Benar... what has happened? Please, tell me how I can help."   

Gorvenalus goes to help figure out where everyone is and frowns " Any recent guests?"
       
Matilda is slowly taking charge, she has beasts heading up onto the wall or heading to the champions cottage to grab a quarterstaff. She stops as something catches her eyes and marches over to the south wall gate. She uses the tip of her sword and the whole thing thumps backward off its hinges, she curses and snaps.   

"Dora, Caleb with me now," which is a testament to the Champions skill that she knows exactly who here two best assets are right now. The gatekeeper and the traveling warrior. The hedgehog doesn't wait but is through the gate, sword at the ready. But she stops upon finding the corpse of the hare Jet just outside the wall and curses, kneeling down to look at him. She doesn't recognize him personally but the Gatekeeper will.   

Back in the Abbey the Abbot leaves Catlyn to care for Ginny, he can grieve for her later. He would make use of Xander but Krisha will need him more so he grabs Brother Berengar and has him help push the row boat out into the lake. With the otter brother rowing the Abbot leans forward calling toward the gosling, "Gracie, it is me Benar, swim to me little one."   
   
Krisha groans and coughs, ok she feels ill as likely the other helpers out here do as well but it seems she was sliped more of the drug, she leans onto Xander and frowns"You don't...have him..where is...is he, where are the other dibbuns.."She will sit down and groans her head still hurts a lot so she can't focus right now or she likely be panicing more since her cub is missing and he was RIGHT beside her.   

Caleb hears his name called and comes out with Dora, heading over towards where the hedgehog calls out. He doesn't know Matilda personally but he has heard some rumors as he was being treated in the infirmary. After all, a warrior recognizes the call of another even if they have never met. Coming out it seems his fears were proven true. A hare lays there and he comes out to look around the corpse. His scans pick up the dagger in their chest, writing down for Matilda and Dora to see. "A dagger... it looks vermin made, no way it was found in the forest somewhere. Seems he wanted to fight back."   

Gorvenalus hmmms and checks on helpers from the tents that had been outside, some awake, some semi-awake, one still sleeping. He looks around for clues.   

DoraRose had only just gotten the books out of the Gatehouse and started pouring over the entries when who should call but the Champion! Gritting her teeth, the Gatekeeper hands the book to Gorvenalus -- he can figure out who all's here -- and dashes over to the wallgate. Nodding to Caleb, she notes that he's still here and he's new to the Abbey. Then there's the hare. Pointing at him, she says, "That's Jet. He came a few days ago. I didn't meet him, but it's hard to miss a hare." She kneels beside his body and goes to rummage through his clothes, searching for anything that could offer them a clue. Her face is hard and angry, and her blue eyes are flashing.   
LilyMoore comes bursting out of the Gatehouse, her uncle right behind her. Emyuil catches her as she trips, vomiting from the drugs. "The Dibbuns! Where are they?" Angela comes out next and makes her way to Krisha. "Butterclaw should be fine. 'Ow are you feelin'?"
   
Gracie stops circling and hugs her blankie closer. Tears run down her cheeks, but she stays right where she is. "Honk! Fewwet huwt Sistew Ginny an' touch hew face an' she fall down!" The gosling is much too young to understand just how the hedgehog died. "An'....an' foxie an' ovvew vewmins tooksded da ovvew Dibbuns! I stayed hewe -- Squiwwelbabe was /mean/ an' twied to take my blankie!"   

Xander stands and lets Angela tend to Krisha and looks around, he takes a deep breath and walks over towards some others to see just what is going on, what news will be brought, he waits to see how he can help.   

   
Benar lifts Gracie into the rowboat and Berengar starts for shore. The abbot frowns, "A ferret and a fox... took the others?" He glances toward the shore, "Faster Berengar, faster...." the Abbot then does his best to calm Gracie down and gets her to repeat her story once more then does his best to rock her to sleep.
   
As they reach the shore he'd call, "Lilymoore, I need you now..." he'll then hand Gracie over to the mouse-maid, trying to soothe the dibbun before ordering Lily and Emyuil back into the gatehouse. Then with Berengar in tow he starts for the south wall where he last saw Matilda.   

Matilda frowns at what Caleb has found, then she nods, "Thank you Caleb..." she then moves back to let Dora search his body and starts to scan the ground, "Help me search Caleb, tracks, clues, anything..."   

It's a fruitless task however, about a hundred yards from the wallgate, hidden in the trees is a clearing. There are clear signs of a camp, the odd discarded piece of equipment or clothing and dents where a wagon must have waited. But whichever direction they left in the vermin have cleared their tracks thoroughly and the champion turns to her young mouse companion, "Can you see anything? If not we need to secure that gate and tell the Abbot..." she stares off into the trees, "I fear our little ones have been kidnapped."   
   
Krisha shivers a little and coughs, she looks at Angela a little more awake and mutters "Headache.....feel dizzy and...."Yep, she just prooved felt like about to vomit and comes muttering a sorry, she still thinks the other dibbuns are hiding, least till she gets news other wise,as xander walks away she groans"Who has..Oz? He..he couldnt of walked off....cant even..crawl"

Gorvenalus looks over logs and sighs as he can't find much out of place and walks back toward the pond to see what else may of been found, a few questions to half asleep, ill beasts he doesn't get much and frowns.
   
Caleb would look over what is found, nodding towards Matilda as she calls to him again. He makes sure to keep himself at the ready since his blade was still within the gatehouse. As they search, he makes sure to keep himself looking for tracks, or any signs of life. The camp proves to be a bit fruitless as he looks over everything. He seems to dig and pick apart where there were some things, but just shakes his head. He writes up something and shows it to Matilda. "Nothing... they were here but left after a bit. They've got a good head start too, by the signs of those indents... these guys were good, clearing their tracks. We need to secure everything before embarking to find the little ones."   

   
Gracie doesn't fight being picked up and held, but she does resist the whole 'being rocked to sleep' thing. "Yeah, an' ovvew vewmins, /too/! Where dey take da ovvew Dibbuns?" She tells him all she saw once again, but it's admittedly not much. She and her blanket are dripping wet, so Benar's lap is probably soaked by the time they get to shore, short trip as it is.
   
Lily takes the gosling in her arms and starts to protest being sent back inside, but Emyuil exhibits great wisdom in steering her back to the Gatehouse, especially since he has to scoop her up, gosling and all, halfway there when another dizzy spell hits the Bellringer.   
Angela frowns. "Krisha, I need you to stay calm. Ye're in no position to do anythin' right now..." Terfil comes dashing out of the Gatehouse, arms waving frantically as he hollers and tells Angela that Butterclaw is throwing up! Muttering a curse, the old Healer hobbles back over that way. Birds don't handle anesthetics very well, and she's obviously very worried.
   
DoraRose has found things on the dead body! She pulls out some vials, some empty, but others filled or half-filled with liquid. She tucks these into her pockets, and adds the cotton balls and lint she finds. She also finds some papers. One is a list of all the important people in the Abbey, another is instructions to give the Badger Mother an extra dose. Standing, the Warrior stuffs the papers into her pocket, too.   
Somehow sensing the Abbot approaching, the Gatekeeper looks at him, fury blatant in her blue eyes. "I think we found a spy," she says, pointing to the prostrate hare and pulling out the papers. Handing them to the Abbot, she points in the direction the Champion and Caleb went. "Should I follow Matilda, or should we wait for them to come back?"   
   
Krisha frowns as she tries to stand "I..gotta find find Oz...gonna find him...and.."She is a bit more focus, for now"Wots...going on...."Till she is not as getting up was bad and she lets out a groan and passes out, luckly on soft grass...A pulse will prove she is alive but its gonna be a few more hours till she is awake fully.   

Benar stares at the papers Dora gives him then looks down at the dead hare. He leans agianst the stone doorframe and sighs, "What made you do it..." he whispers to the hare, "What could drive you to help them... kidnap children..."   

He rubs the bridge of his nose, "We should wait... I dislike this gate being broken, they could come back..." he shuffles the papers, "Me, you, Matilda... he has it all here, that Matilda and you spend Friday night in the Gatehouse playing cards and having dinner... that I have supper with Gorve, Lacota and Catlyn on Friday nights, that Xander was unlikely to go out to a dibbun camp out... he knew where all of us would be."   

He raises his eyes to look at Matilda, "This was meticulously planned, they must have been watching us for weeks." Benar is distracted as the cry goes up that Krisha has fainted again and he turns as if to go back but it is at this time that Matilda emerges from the woods.   
The champion had waited for Caleb's assessment in case she has missed anything then moves back to join DoraRose by the south gate. The hedgehog is grim as she walks up to Dora and the abbot then shakes her head, "They are gone, professional, cleared their tracks, it's going to be a devil to track them down."
   
The hedgehog hesitates then glances at Caleb then over at Dora, then steps inside and rights the fallen southgate and pulls it closed, giving herself some privacy with the young mouse warrior, the Abbot and Dora, "We cannot delay too long before starting the search, whe more time they have to get ahead of us the harder it will be."   

The abbot opens his mouth but she talks over him, voice low and serious, "No Benar, I know you mean well we cannot in good conscience terf the Abbey out into the woods searching for vermin tracks. Not with baby kidnappers on the loose, they already killed once."   

She straightens, "Iit is going to have to be a small team, we find their tracks, then if possible we come back for more people or we grab our friends from whichever village or encampment is nearest depending on which direction they are going and then strike them swiftly."   

She points, "That means I need you Dora, and you youngster, you seem to have your head screwed on and have experience, possibly Xander too. It never hurts to take a badger and from the sounds of it they have taken his son," she grimaces, "I'd leave him behind but he'd just follow," she took a deep breath, "We leave Emyuil and the other guards here under Benar's command to protect the abbey. It won't take word long to spread that the Champion has had to leave to chase vermin. Benar you send word to Blisa at Ferravale and the Skipper, you fill the abbey with warriors. With me away someone is bound to see an opportunity and try to attack the abbey. That is your priority, do not let Krisha try to follow us."   

Benar looks like he wants to argue, he wants to go with them but he has the whole Abbey to look after, "What do you need?"   

"Caleb's sword, Dora's Axe and some supplies, we three should circle around to the main gate then slip off and start searching. That gives Dora a chance to say goodbye to her family quietly then we strike out and find them. If we traispse around inside everyone will try to follow us. Once we know which direction they are going in we can call on our allies for help and chase them, but until we know where they are going they have the advantage and it could take several days just to find their tracks."   

Benar hesitates again then nods, "You're the champion Matilda, I will follow your guidance, Dora will you go? Young Caleb? I .. have no right to involve either of you in this but Redwall needs you now, the Champion has choosen you to be her companions and her hand is guided by Martin... if you will I'll meet you all at the main gates in about half an hour with everything you need."   
   
Gorvenalus peeks out and waits by the open gate to see what is found out, he goes to stand by Benar " How bad...is it?"   

Caleb would simply nod and look to them all as he listens to the plan. It has been a while since he's had to track others but this will be a good opportunity to gather up trust amongst the Abbey. He would have to tell Benar later... but he really was thinking of staying here and this just proves that the Abbey needs an extra hand around the area to help protect them... with a champion and a warrior gatekeeper by his side, he felt safer as well. He writes down some stuff and hands it off towards Benar and the others. "I will go with Matilda. If she believes I am of help then I see no issue. I've traveled for a long time and learned tracking along the way so I know I can help to at least find where they went. When you believe we should start, I can start with preparing."

DoraRose snorts. "Benar, don't insult me. Redwall is my home, even if I'm not a member of the Order. I'm going, and you have every right to ask me to, my friend." She pauses and reads Caleb's note, nodding. "We could use all the help we can get. I'll need to convince my brother to stay, but I think I can do it. LilyMoore would, I'm assuming, be Gatekeeper while I'm away. I'll be leaving my sword with her and taking one of the lesser-quality bastard swords from the armory. She can wield it well."   

She jerks a thumb in the general direction of Ferravale. "Blisa would be more than happy to help with defenses. Actually, most of the village will. Many of the vermin there don't like our treaty, but we all agree in how much we despise slavers. They'll help if only to spite those who stole the little ones."   

The Warrior turns to head back to the Main Gate. "I'll meet you there in half an hour, then. I'll take this time to speak with my family, unless there's something else?" She lets everyone else catch Gorvenalus up to speed.
   
   
Benar just hugs Dora tightly, "Lily will be a fine gatekeeper, though her handwriting needs work, I'll keep them all safe Dora," he nods to Caleb and Matilda and then draws the recorder back inside with him, "Bad, very bad, the dibbuns are gone and the vermin who took them have got clean away."
   
Benar says, "Matilda is going after them, she's taking Caleb and Dora. Can you go to the kitchens, fill three packs with supplies for them, then bring them to the gatehouse? Tell no one but Lacota what you need, I don't want half the abbey trying to follow them. Now I best go make an apperance and calm everyone down and Gorve... I am ordering you not to go with them."

He looks around and turns Gorve toward the far side of the pond, away from the crowd of Angela's healers gathering around the collapsed badger mother. He glances at the wall guards standing near the southern steps, "I want four of you on the south gate at all times," he shouts to them, "Foremole will be along shortly to fix it," he lowers his voice to Gorvenalus once the guards move off.   

"Matilda is going after them, she's taking Caleb and Dora. Can you go to the kitchens, fill three packs with supplies for them, then bring them to the gatehouse? Tell no one but Lacota what you need, I don't want half the abbey trying to follow them. Now I best go make an apperance and calm everyone down and Gorve... I am ordering you not to go with them."   

Matilda nods to Caleb and squeezes his shoulder then starts toward the road, "Thank you both..." she looks down at Caleb then at Dora, "Now my dreams make sense..." she turns and walks ahead, "I dreamt that I was on the road with Dora and a Mouse I did not know... when I saw you today Caleb, I knew you would be joining us."
   

Gorvenalus nods as he listens and frowns, " Alright I will do do, I hope they are found soon."   

Xander soon appears haveing heard what he needed to hear, he had helped get Krisha to the infirm, and now stands there , a growl...oh and he has his blade so thats where he also went "Four..."Angery badger, best not say No Benar"I am hunting down the vermin and RIPPING thier heads off!!!" He is FAR from happy, he looks to where the champion is and the others and snorts, he is not too calm right now.   

Caleb would take a moment to relax and smile towards Matilda. Her dreams... does she have dreams of that warrior he saw on the tapestry? Either way, to know that he was within someone's dream meant he really did have a purpose to being here. Thoughts of home rushed through Caleb's mind and he felt a bit burdened knowing he left it all behind... but this is a second chance. He would then look towards Dora and simply nod to her in understanding, letting her go for whatever she needed. However, before he leaves he would look around the gatehouse for his sword and take the bundled weapon. He also looks towards Benar and hands them something. It's a folded piece of paper, in shape like a letter. Caleb would only make a motion for him to read it once he's gone and wanders out to go get his things.   

Nissaya the albino otter Brother is in the group of Healers helping the Badger Mother. Angela comes out of the Gatehouse just as her granddaughter arrives. DoraRose guides her inside, and anybody passing near any of the windows for the next half an hour will hear the rise and fall of arguing voices.   

But eventually the Gatekeeper seems to win, and at the correct time she comes out, LilyMoore wobbling along behind. They go to the armoury, and once they reemerge Lily has her mother's sword strapped to her side, and Dora has her axe and a different bastard sword. They head to the gate and slip out, waiting for the rest of the party to join them   
   
Benar sees Xander with his sword as he is crossing the green, ok he is ready for this. It isn't time to go baul his eyes out in the rafters yet, that's tonight. "Xander..." he says striding up to the badger and not giving him a chance to talk, "There you are, now no arguing with me please, we don't have time."
   
He lowers his voice and points, "I am sure you do not want to leave Krisha right now but I need you to join Matilda, Caleb and DoraRose and go track the vermin down. Matilda is being guided by Martin in this, so I need you with her and to follow her orders."   
He looks up at the badger, "Matilda had a dream the other night, she spoke to me about it, we couldn't make much sense of it but now I know. She was on the road with a mouse she did not know, DoraRose, yourserlf. There are other figures but she could not make them out... now I fear the dream was a portent of this journey."   

Entirely ignoring Xander's sword and desire to go the Abbot keeps talking, "Please Xander, the Abbey needs you, Oz needs you, so please join them outfront of the main gate."   

Matilda meanwhile will skip across to the Champions cottage, giving Dora time with her brother and take Caleb with her. Opening a cupboard with a key from around her neck she starts pulling out pieces of armour, a set for a hedgehog and another set for a mouse. She eyes Caleb up and down and nods, "Good... I had a feeling I'd need these, so I had them prepared, can't have you travelling with us without some proper armour young one."
   
Once the Champion has outfitted Caleb and herself with armour she will take the mouse out of the maingate to join Dora and Lily just as the Abbot leads Xander outside. Matilda and Benar draw a few steps away to converse for a moment and he hands her a small bag. She peers inside and looks shocked but he closes her hand around it and nods then steps back to the others and whilst he waits for Gorvenalus to arrive with their supplies he speaks to them.   

"I can only thank you all, please journey well, stay safe and bring our little ones back, may Martin guide you all, Champions of Redwall one and all." he bows, tail blowing in the wind.   

   
Gorvenalus does soon come out with suppplies needed for the four travelers and nods as he lays them out and steps back.He is worried but tries to not show it"   

Xander does listen to Benar, he glaces back at the abbey and back to the Abbot "They took my son too...the vermin will ...die"He tries to calm some and manages it, he listens more as he nods he is going with the others to hunt down the vermin. He seems to debate on going inside to check on Krisha but if he does...he might end up staying so he just will head off with the others when they are ready to go."The beasts are slavers....they must be stoped, I also worry and have a bad feeling why they took my son, thats why they need tracked down and found. The other dibbuns need rescued as well."They just need to figure out the correct direction and once they do...those vermin are in very bad trouble.   

Caleb would soon come out towards the main gate where they were to meet up, seeing that Matilda needed of him. Heading towards the cottage, he was actually rather surprised to see the sudden things of armour. Caleb had never really worn armor before but to see it here and that it was meant for him... this really was a serious outing. He would let Matilda help him with the armour set and simply nod in thanks, shouldering his bag after having lightened the load. Once he was out with the others, Caleb would open up his bag to show the others what was inside while he gathered the supplies: There was an item that looked like it was meant to pry open doors and wood, a hand made grappling hook, fishing line, an extra set of clothes, some preserved meats, nuts and a waterskin to carry some water with him. He would add the other supplies to his bag and shoulder it, nodding to the others as he unwraps his blade. He runs a hand along the length before a small florish allows him to sheath it along his back, writing something.He runs a hand along the length before a small florish allows him to sheath it along his back, writing something for the others. "I have travelled for many seasons and I must repay Redwall for taking care of me in this time of need. Now it's time to return the favor. I am ready to leave when you all are."   

LilyMoore is near tears, but she just hugs her mother tightly, then waves to everyone. "Please be careful." DoraRose nods, then gives Benar a formal bow. "I will follow these slavers to the very gates of Dark Forest if that's what it takes to bring out Dibbuns back. I promise." She will then follow the Abbey Champion wherever they must go next...   

   
Standing at the outside the main gates with Lilymoore and Gorvenalus the Abbot puts an arm around Lily's shoulders and takes Govenalus' hand, "Go with our blessing and bring them home."   

Matilda nods, the sword of martin at her waist in its sheath and starts south, her intention to return to the clearing and start searching from there. With Xander, Dora & Caleb by her side they have a long journey ahead of them.   

Krisha has been chaecked a few times as she went in and out of her drugged sleep, she is finally awake enough to sit up, under careful watch of the healers on duty of course and sip a little water but she is very likely gonna be made to stay here a couple days.   

Benar walks in, he stops by the door and looks across at Krisha then dismisses the healer keeping an eye on Krisha and walks over to her bed. "Krisha," He sits on the edge of the bed, "I... we need to talk."   

Krisha frowns as she coughs a little, another sip of water before the healer walks off with a frown" About..what? Wot was going on by the pond...I didnt see the dibbuns or....or Oz and Oz was right beside me last night,I know he was and Xander said he didn't have him, who has him..."She coughs as she speaks too much,its clear she is worried even before she gets all the details.   

Benar takes her hand in his, he stares at the floor for a moment then squeezes her paw, "Krisha... they have been kidnapped, vermin have taken the dibbuns and... Oz..." he looks up, "Matilda, Xander, Dora and Caleb have gone after them."   

Krisha blinks at the news, then tears form "No....I....I failed in my job, what kind of Badger mother am I to let them...get taken"   

Benar says, "Krisha No," the abbot squeezes her paw, "You have not failed, you could not stop them, they planned this Krisha, there is no way you could have stopped them and if you had been awake, they would have killed you..." he takes a deep breath, might as well get this over with, "They killed Ginny too," he stares up at her, tears rolling down his cheeks.
   
Krisha frowns "Nooo"She sniffs, and closes her eyes speaking again" We....are gonna have to have faith the dibbuns are..found and come back..safe."   

Benar says, "Martin is with them," he says holding her hands, "I know this..." he stands up and squeezes her paw, "Matilda and the others will bring them all home to us..."
   
Krisha nods, "Yes..."She is still crying though, she is still worried, she ends up not saying anything else and sort of stares at the celling till she slips back to sleep
   
Benar leans in and kisses Krisha's forehead, "It is not your fault," the abbot then leaves the infirmary, ignoring everyone he climbs up to the third floor and into the attic. From there he clambers out into the great hall and up to the rafters of the hall. There, out of sight of everyone the Abbot finally breaks down and crys, in the one place no one will find him.

This happens before right before the dibbun campout, like earlier the day, so before the campout events in this log .
   http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=1620

WHO:

Krisha- Badger Mother

Xander - Leader of Mossflower Defenders and mate to Krisha

Oz- Badgercub

LOG:

Krisha woke up and sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes, the sun was not up yet but she had things to do to get ready for the campout. She got up and went to get Oz from his crib and smiles at him "Hey little one"

Oz coos and smiles or sort of smiles, he has just started smiling but not yet doing much else but at least one could tell when he was happy or when he was grumpy.

Sister Ginny comes into the room "The dibbuns are getting excited about tonight. I told them we still had classes to do but only for half a day."

Krisha nods "That sounds nice and so far they been good, there is to be cookies and apple juice, even candy chestnuts and fun games to play"

Xander slips in and smiles at Krisha "You..sure your up to this love? Not still recovering from childbirth?"

Oz hears his father and reaches out with his tiny paws.

Sister Ginny nods "That's why she has helpers..me, Sister Anna, Brother Rick...about 3...maybe 4 novices and this visiting hare is even helping out. They will be between the orchards and the pond in tents and have sleeping bags and pillows."

Krisha kisses Xander and lets him hold Oz, "And Oz will stay with me,he may not be able to eat a cookie or have apple juice yet but maybe in summer. For now just greensap milk and maybe I could try smashed up fruit...not sure if its too early yet or not for that"

Xander takes his son and smiles, he shrugs "Your the dibun expert my dear not me"

Sister Ginny hmmms "You can help set up tents Xander,that will be nice right?"

Oz yawns and falls sleep....infants favorite pastimes after all are eat and sleep most of the time.

Krisha smiles and gets Oz back in his crib "Yes he could help with that and moving the small table out to there for the dibbuns to set at for dinner, dinner will be simple ...a spring salad with cheese, some taosted nut bread, staryberry fizz and sliced carrots, later will be the apple juice with cookies and candy chestnuts.

Xander nods "I will get the table out there no worries and set up the tents.I will be inside though during the campout. I promised to help straighten up the attic some, then will likely go to bed early."

Krisha nods "Thats fine and do not worry I will be alright, have lots of helpers and will just be by the pond and orchards, its a clear sunny day and the night I was told will be clear as well so should be good...you can check on us after breakfast." She then heads off with Sister Ginny to do half a day of classes and then.....camp out fun!

If only......

They knew the future but no one knows that or what awaits to be found tomorrow morning.................................................................

*****This role play takes place over a couple of days time ICLY  the first part happens early evening Wednesday the 13th, the rest happens Friday night the 15th. ******** 

WHO:

Krisha- Badger Mother

Mistclaw-Evil Vixen, Slaver

Kurgan- Assassin, Poisoner, Slaver

Jet-A hare

Oz- Badger Cub

Keldorn-GOUSIM shrew(Seen towards end of Log)

Leigh-Healer in GOUSIM (Seen towards end of log)

Sister Ginny- Old hedgehog that been helping with dibbuns since Oz was Badgermother,yes she is OLD

Sister Anna- Helps with dibbuns,she is a squirrel mid-seasons

Spoofs of various vermin and sleeping dibbuns carried away.

LOG:

Mistclaw is getting annoyed as she waits by the wall. She slaps another buzzing insect and mutters. Maybe this was a bad plan, maybe it won't work, but she has hope.   

The hare was nervous enough but kept the truth hidden.The beast here were so kind and nice...maybe he shouldn't do this at all, but he had....he found out details and even a way to get inside unnoticed, it was easy enough to leave....but would he go back in and even help? He was not sure.He clears his throat and waits to be noticed by the vixen.   

Mistclaw snorts and then grins "Awww..so report to me and I best like it or I let Kurgan have his hare stew he wants so much."   

Jet whimpers a little and hands over a scroll "It's...its all in there...this is the gate..its old but the hinges are looser now.The..badger and some others are having a dibbun campout and this gate also leads right to where they will be between the pond and those orchard trees...you...you can get most of the dibBuns anyways...where is my daughter you said..."
   
Kurgan comes like out of nowhere "Oh she is fine, for now, and..most? Why not all of them...do that and you and your child are...free to be elsewhere"He grins, not a friendly one either as he looks at the walls and listens.   

Mistclaw looks over the scroll and nods "You have done...good.Now you are gonna volunteer to help that Badger Mother with the brats...and slip this"She shows a vial" Into drinks, maybe a little on the cookies or whatever and make sure that badger gets a little extra...then your gonna make sure the gate is open and let us in"She smiles "And not tell anyone as Kurgan said, your see your brat"That's a lie and she knows it,also curious "What is this about...most?"
   
Kurgan listens as the hare stutters and shivers "It..its just a badger cub...its not even..w..walking it crawls it be of no use and...."He is suddenly snarled at as the ferret grabs him and then grins and pats his head"I want it....we can find a way to keep it quiet, get some bottles of greensap milk mix..." The hare gulps and shivers and a nod"Go..."The hare bolts and waits till he is a LOT calmer before he gets back inside...a couple days just a couple days and he can get as far away as possible.   

Mistclaw looks at Kurgan like he is insane"Why do you want a stripe hound cub? It would be totally worthless" She slowly slips back into the woods by the wall knowing he will follow her.   

Kurgan speaks after they are further into the woods "You don't think do you Mistclaw...think of this..badgers..dangerous usually to us, but this one is a cub"He grins as a plan forms "Course would take some seasons of training..but think..seasons from now a powerful badger on OUR side."He chuckles "He or she can call me...father, I like that...but think of it..made to be a perfect assassin..killer....wonderful"   

Mistclaw frowns "Yeah....I think its a bad idea cubs that age are never quiet, they cry a lot and I am not watching some barely crawling brat, you can deal with it...I will deal with the rest of them we just need to get as far as possible before moring"   

Kurgan nods "Not to worry my beasts can cover wagon tracks perfectly, I also managed to get us a boat and it has enough space below deck to place the dibbuns...it may be a little space for them but once we are on the coast its not far to a dock and not the one in Halyard..another one. There a ship will be ready for us and we leave for the high seas and Gorax island"   

Mistclaw listens "The shore..Halyard? You best may sure that Lord Ciocan and his long ears don't see you. Want to talk of danger to us...that is, more like painful death to us, got plans for that?"   

Kurgan says, "You of little faith...long as you don't mess things up, they won't even know we were there. The river moss is half a day from that fool MT....maybe a little more than that...day maybe, the dock is between that and Halyard...the other side of Halyard, you would have to pass Halyard to get on the side the hares and the large stripe dog keep an eye on."He chuckles "Besides Gorax has been getting slaves for the past 4-5 seasons and the Long Patrol know NOTHING of it cause I am careful not to go that direction..so do not worry, it's very rare the long ears go past Halyard."
   
Mistclaw sighs and mutters "Whatever you say"She is concerned and knows to be careful but she also knows how determited beasts can get once they find dibbuns gone. They will likely be followed so they need to stay ahead of them."Hope your boat travels good till we get to the shores...cause trust me these abbeys and Mossflower beasts will be looking and may figure out where we went even if it takes a few days."   

Kurgan seems unconcerned "Let's get back to camp and as I said my men can brush away wagon marks and foot paw prints, not like we will be on the road the whole time and they will not know a direction right off, they could go east..west..south before they know we went north...and the river goes up as well as downstream. The baot I have now use to belong to a couple shrews..rich ones and a ferret,the ferret works for us now and one of the shrews are dead and he said he would kill the other one when he shows up"He chuckles "To check on his daughter...so we will have supplies and a lot of gold and silver as well now lets rest for a couple days from now"He smirks"Will be a grand day indeed"
       
***** ICLY THIS IS FRIDAY NIGHT AND ICLY BESIDE THE POND AND ORCHARDS ********   

It was good weather for the campout and the dibbuns had fun with games, they had a good dinner and now it was time for some tea and cookies, even candy chestnuts.To help was Sister Anna,Brother Rick..some novices and even the Bell Ringer Lilymoore was somewhere nearby keeping an eye on things.Krisha smiles and speaks to Sister Anna "Where is Sister Ginny at?" "Helping with dishes and probably tea and scones with Benar"The badger nods "That's fine"She yawns "She will be here soon I know.   

Jet was helping and all the while he managed to not be nervous, when he seemed it he just said dibbuns made him nervous.He frowned but when no one as looking he had sliped in the sleeping herbs and sprinkled some on the cookes,making sure it was mixed in the icing and volunteered to take trays out.He did save one cookie and mug, untouched, for himself to sip and nibble as he watched and waited.He looked up at the south wall, the north wall guard wouldn't see, it was dark...he needed to..."You think the..guard may want some?"   

Krisha hmms and rubs her eyes " That's...nice of you Jet"She frowns why was she so tired.
   
Oz was beside her, too small to drink or eat anything like cookies and such yet was practicing his crawling skills while Sister Anna watched with a yawn.
   
Jet nods and gives the last mug of tea and cookie to the guard, who was already tried.The hare frowns and mutters "For....Ciana.."He frowns and dropped a cloth to the forest floor and then sat down looking like he was near tears.   

Mistclaw easily slips in and smirks"Fun...." She looked around, good sleeping beasts and motions for 3 ferrets and a couple weasels to snatch the dibbuns and quickly even though the knockout herbs would be effective for a good few hours,they would be long up the road.
   
Krisha groans and had only laid down a morment...she blinked as she seen movment..wait what was happening as she stood and stumbled and landed on a patch of soft grass, the herbs had taken a little longer with her but she was deeply asleep now.The vixen ears go back..she waits and then smirks so far, so good.
   
Oz woke up and whimpered, course he had no clue and a whimpering infant isn't too much of an alert, he's a baby. But someone heard and that someone had fallen sleep in a char talking to Benar, no not the herbs she was inside and woke to see a blanket on her, likely Benar laid it on her and frowned when she noted she was to get back"Oh..darn it" Sister Ginny said and hurried out muttering and heard Oz and then a gasp of surprise as she backed off..vermin and were they taking the dibbuns!   

Kurgan steps behind her and cups a paw over her mouth, "Shhhhhh...."He grins,"I was not planing this but you see I can't have some old abbey beast go waking anyone so...go to sleep"His idea of sleep was not herbs as he instead quickly snapped her neck, he looked at Oz and picked him up,placeing a finger in his mouth to gum on..."Mistclaw get the beasts out of here now we are done here"
   
Mistclaw eyes widen "You just killed...." He looks around and motions for them to get the heck out of there, the only hope was no one comes into this area till morning. The south gate was mostly shut.   

Oz whimpers a little but then is gumming the ferret's finger and ends up falling asleep. Meanwhile what is left behind is a lot of sleeping beasts, the dibbuns are now gone that were at the camp and the limp lifeless Sister Ginny on the ground near one of the trees.   

Jet looks down and had slowly come down the steps, he looks at Kurgan "Am I..free to go now?" Kurgan looks at the hare, he nods to follow as he carries the sleeping Oz in his arms, he grins at the hare"Thank you for your help...oh yes I lied, but you are free."He watches as a weasel stabs the hare and the hare falls over dead, he smirks "Of life.."He then quickly joins the others into the woods. Tracks will be covered completely, the wagon left somewhere after a while and they would be long gone before those abbey beasts even knew what direction they had went.

===Soon by the river as the day is slowly starting,the sun is up===

They managed to travel in the dark and finally were at the river and the boat, the boat that once belonging to Keldorn and his family.Vermin quickly got dibbuns aboard,dibbuns that were still asleep..

The dibbun would wake chained up to a long line of slave collars and locked tight and solid to a mast and the floor. A couple guards watching them. The badger cub was with Kurgan.

Kurgan walked up to a ferret, one Wilson "Quickly set sail, the knockout herbs should still be effective another couple hours."

Wilson nodes "Not like anyone say much, you and your vermin stay below deck a couple days till we are clear of the area."He arches an eyebrow at the badger cub but decides to not ask."Though the GUOSIM is nearby."

Keldorn walked along,a  skip and a happy mood unaware of the danger he walked into. " I am glad to of joined your group, I won't take too long saying goodbye to Seriea"

Leigh nods, she was up early and decided she wanted to say by to Seriea as well, she liked the fellow shrew maid and had promised a small healing lesson and a book to keep.

Wilson frowns but stays on the boat.

Kurgan made she was ready, all below deck and then he seen...the shrews and quietly laid the cub down by Wilson and stepped over to get the boat ankor out and set the boat sailing off. He was not risking witness, that and not too far was Seriea....dead by the path, Kurgan had killed the fool weasel who did it but maybe they could make it look like some random attack.

Keldorn nodes and smiled"His smile then faded and he bolted to Seriea"S..Seriea...what is this?" Tears go down his face.

Leigh freezes and backs up"This is...bad"She quickly goes to get to a tree stump and give out a cry.Only she will not get even a whimper out.

Two things happen, one a dart is blown from a pipe to the shrew maid, the ferret knew she was a healer she could come in handle and these shrews were worth a lot of coins, though the other he had much better plans for.

Wilson stepped off the boat and sneered "She's dead Keldorn and so are you?" The ferret Wilson who has been his friend for seasons goes to slice a blade at Keldorn's chest!

Keldorn is surprised, "But we are...friends..how could you ya scum!!!" He tenses up, bright red forms but some is an odd shade of red, some is blood red on his upper shoulder, not a deep cut thank goodness.But he was the only one who knew he had packs of bright red dye in pouches under his silk shirt..he planned to use some on a new outfit....well so much for that idea. To most it looked like he had a serious wound.

Kurgan picked up Leigh and got back on the boat, looking at Wilson he speaker harshly "Finish him off and get on this boat now"

Wilson looked at Keldorn"I never liked you or your daughter, or your wife" He stabs at him again, another hidden bright red dye pack and a thick book are stated, Keldorn had planned to kick at the once friend but felt himself fly threw the air and hit a tree, he slid down knocked out cold and landing at an odd angle...from this view with all the bright red, mostly red dye and very little blood, he looked like a dead beast. The ferret Wilson got back on the boat as the boat sailed off.

No one paid the boat any mind, they had saw it pass by before. Wilson even happily waves to an otter and chuckled as he went on down river

Towards the western shores

Slowly towards where the now slaves would be taken

The vermin had won this round and the woodlanders had lost