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http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=277

DoraRose is trying to fight her way through the enemy horde to Quade. Her axe gets stuck in a ferret, so she leaves it and draws her sword. Slicing rapidly as she adjusts from the heaviness of her axe to how light her sword is by comparison, she quickly slays a trio of rats and gets closer to the evil squirrel. "Quade, you coward! Face me!" She fears that the hamster is going to lose if she can't get to them in time....   

As the Ferravale fighters get closer to the enemy, the Chieftain falls behind into more of the middle of the group. Curse her short legs! Her bodyguards stay loyally beside her, refusing to leave her behind. As they get closer and closer, a roar breaks out from the group of vermin: "FOR FERRAVAAAAAAAAALE!!!"   

   
Minsc blocks a slice, another misses as he pants and grows tried and then a gasp of air as he feels the blade plunge into his shoulder blade and blood drips down the blade, he grips his own and swings towards the squirrel with all of his energy as he feels himself starting to pass out.   

Later, in taverns across the city of Ferravale they will recount this moment as the Charge of the Guard. It isn't the most epic tale, in retrospect much more training is needed for the Guard to effective at open warfare, at least one guard tripped and was trampled by his own mates. Others have trouble keeping formation.   

But none of that matters when the beasts slam into the enemy force, hacking and slashing and clashing with Quade’s forces. Bandit himself stays in the center, shouting orders. Despite this being one of their few open field battles the guard holds its formation, trying to divide and conquer the enemy.   

Xander frowns, he needs to get out there and help as he goes ahead and catches sight of Minsc and fears the worse "Minsc!!" He focus and his eyes flash but he controls the urge to lose control, he will not as he growls and slices at the vermin in his way so 4 rats and a couple weasels die fairly quickly,   

Edson goes to try and block Quade and check on Minsc as he frowns.   

Quade  narrows his eyes "Move hedge pig I need to finish him off..."He looks at Dorarose and smirks "A maid...fight me, well whatever little girl" Meanwhile Marek does something he normally wouldn’t in a fight. He lays aside the sword and takes off the borrows armor and sighs, a gash is hurting fairly bad as he nods "Infirm is..is best as may last mere moments out there...."He frowns more when he sees Xander go out "That’s either bad for Mr. Xander or bad for any vermin in his path"   

Zolomon watches as the badger takes out some vermin, and as the dozens of sparrows do as well   

Minsc fights to stay awake as blood pools around him he looks at the hedgehog and then his eyes close. He is alive as breathing shows this and one could take his pulse but from a distance he looks dead.
   

   
As Blisa starts to fight, the look of trepidation on her face switches to a slowly-forming grin. After a few minutes of slashing and stabbing, a low chuckle starts to trickle out of her, and it continues to rise in volume until she's laughing manically as she inflicts pain and death upon her foes! Her bodyguards stay near her, killing the enemy and protecting the Chieftain as best as they can, which is getting difficult as the last vestiges of her sanity and self-control (temporarily) slip away.   

DoraRose yells something unintelligible in rage as she is insulted. Little girl, huh? She is suddenly a tornado of death as she lets her rage fuel her, and a weasel runs away screaming as she roars and leaps over her suddenly dead foes. She nearly flies at Quade and goes to chop his (fluffy) tail off!!!!   

Angela turns and spots Xander leaving the Abbey. "Oh, no, 'e needs to not!" LilyMoore comes running over with the old Healer's herb satchel. "Nana, you forgot this in the Belltower!" The elderly mouse grabs the satchel and orders, "Get Marek to the Infirm while I try to stop that crazy badger!" The Healer is then out the gate.

...and is confronted by a fox. "I don't 'ave time for this," she grumbles as she slices him with her crystal. The fox falls to the ground convulsing as the poison does its deadly work. Any other vermin who get in the old Healer's way will suffer the same fate...   

LilyMoore goes to help her friend inside. "Come on! I....it's not safe out here!" She looks terrified.   

Tearing through the Ferravale guard ranks a pine marten and several rats slay a few of the guard, opening the ranks to further attack. "Ah blazes..." Bandit curses as he moves to quickly fill the gap. He meets one rat and slays him quickly, the weight of his claymore breaking the opponents blade made of weaker iron and cutting into his shoulder. Bandit Rips the blade clean, raising it in time to block the attacks of a savage pine marten. Swinging a hatchet in both paws he slashes and strikes against the fox. Bandit struggles to keep up with his rapid attacks. "A...little help? Anyone?"
   
The fox snarls, swinging his blade around to lop off the beasts head...and missing terribly! Bandit can only watch as the marten makes a scissor motion with his axes across the fox's bulging belly. Bandit screams as the tip of the ax blades catch in his chainmail, ripping it appear and sending iron rings flying in all directions.   

This is it, thinks Bandit. I'm slain! He screams, head butting the marten and knocking him backward as his claymore comes down upon the creatures head. Breathing deeply the head guard steps backward, paw reaching down to survey the damage done. Half expecting to see his guts spilling out of a horrendous wound Bandit is surprised to find himself unscathed. His chain mail tunic is torn to pieces, leaving his stomach fur exposed but unwounded. The fox still pats himself down just to make sure he is still alive. "Ok then..." he shrugs, heading back into the fight.   

The sparra warriors are accomplished fighters, and it shows as there battle the Quade's hoard. The infantry probable was not trained in fight a flying legion like the sparrows, and although the archers do shot down many, once they are located they are dealt with efficiently.   

Xander kills a couple rats and one about stabs Lilymoore and Xander beheads the rat, he looks to see Minsc and thinks him dead as he growls and his eyes flash again...he knows he is gonna lose it.."Inside Lily....."He makes his way towards Quade , this squirrel has killed enough of his friends he needs to go down and one look at the badger smarter vermin flee, yeah they quit.   

Edson frowns as Minsc passes out and quickly takes his pulse, finding a weak one he is relieved and scoops him up and rushes inside "Excuse me, coming though out of the way!"   

Marek goes to help Edson get the hamster to the infirm, "Someone find Mr. Leon or the beaver..both maybe" Quade meanwhile takes a swing at the mouse maid and watches as more of his forces die, and others run "Get back here fools!"!   

And to think, Dominik had gone out today merely to take a simple stroll in the woods for his usual patrol shift; hardly anything ever happened in his part of Mossflower, and so it had come as a great surprise to him when he had gotten word that Redwall was apparently under attack. Part of his duty was to make sure that things like that didn't happen, and so the immense hare had altered his course and made a swift beeline for the Abbey to see if what he had heard is true. Dom moves as quickly as he is able, soon enough the walls of the Abbey come within sight, the sounds of battle reaching his ears as well.   
   

LilyMoore screams as she is almost stabbed, but then she is saved! Backing up, she hears what her friend says and nods. "I'll go! I'll be right back!"   

Angela is slashing the enemies who notice her, ignoring them as the scream and collapse to the ground in their painful deaths. She tries to get the badger's attention. "You're not fit to be out 'ere -- LOOK OUT!" she bonks a fox on the head; he had been trying to sneak up on the badger.   

DoraRose ducks the squirrel's swing....just barely. Growling, she goes to slice him from hip to shoulder, oblivious to any wounds she got before.   

Blisa is still laughing like a literal lunatic as she cuts and slices and stabs at her enemies! Her bodyguards are sustaining injuries, but are somehow managing to avoid death, except for that one new recruit. The young cat can barely tell the difference between friend and enemy anymore, so her soldiers had better stay behind her, just in case she gets more confused...   

   
Xander is lucky he put his armor on, but not his leg and arm guards just the chest plate as a ferret manages to cut his lower arm, he spins around to see the downed fox and frowns, another fox clacks his blade into the armor and the badger punches it out. He pants and looks at Angela "Your...gonna....get hurt.." And some rats attack them and Xander goes to slice at the rats, he still wanted to get to Quade.
   
Edson meanwhile helps to get injured guards to the infirm after he gets Minsc there, he also helps an injured sparrow, well least he has something to do to help.   

Quade glares as he swings and then the mouse maid gets luckily, over half of the squirrels tail comes off as he goes to shove her down and looks at the old mouse and grins as an idea comes to mind, he rushes towards the older mouse in an effort to grab her and try and make her lose the staff onto the ground   

Bandit is feeling pretty good right about now. He's escaped death at least twice. He's in the thick of it now, using his dagger in one paw and an ax in the other, both looted from enemies that after his claymore got stuck in the guts of a fellow fox. His armor looks bloodied and his tunic torn. "Regroup!" He shouts. Calling his guards and enemies alike to his side. He fights, claws, bites, slashing down enemies as he works his way back to Blisa and her body guards. "Blisa! Order the guards to regroup. We can charge again and end this!" he says.   

Dominik quickens his pace even more the closer he gets, and if anyone happens to be paying attention to the path they would see the intimidating, looming form of a mahogany-furred hare approaching the chaos currently swirling around the Abbey. Without a word, his expression steely and grim, Dom draws the massive sword slung across his back and enters the fray, though he remains at the back of the group; any of the beasts attempting to flee down the path in his direction are swiftly cut down without much effort, leaving an escape route for the enemy pretty much null and void...at least on the path.
   
Zolomon shots an arrow at Quade once he finds an opening.   

DoraRose roars with laughter as she struggles to stay focused and in control. But the Bloodwrath is rising, and she may not be able to fight it for too much longer. But then she's knocked over, and she follows the evil squirrel's trajectory with her gaze.... "NO, LEAVE HER ALONE!!!" She screeches as she sees him head after her grandmother.   

Who just happens to be slicing at enemies right now. "I can take o'myself, sonny!" Angela grumbles at the badger as the vermin she manages to hit fall to the ground convulsing. Seeing Quade come at her, she mentally recants her statement and tries to hit him with her poisoned crystal.....   

Blisa is still laughing, although it's sort of now a wheeze because her breathing is faster and harder now that she's been fighting and working hard for a while. She doesn't notice who's in front of her; she just sees that it's a fox, and so she lashes out at her Head Guard's ankle, aiming to fell him and slice his throat (a signature move of hers). Ferdinand grabs her arm and says, "Blitha! Hey, that'th Bandit!" The Chieftain's laugh stops abruptly, and her gaze snaps to focus on the fox's face. Ooops. "Call a regroup!" The ferret orders, but all the cat can do is shake her head.   

Oh, snap..   

   
The fox let's out a panicked yelp as he feels a sudden sharp pain in his leg. He falls onto his side, only able to watch in shock as the feline's blade comes down to slit his throat. The dagger grazes his neck, nicking the flesh before he saved from such a fate, "Are you INSANE!" The head guard cries. He tries to get back up but his leg buckles under him. "BLIIIIIIIISAAAAAAAAAAA!" he shouts.   

Quade ducks the staff and goes to try and knock it from her paws with one of his own dead rats, then he  he goes to grab her, and lay his blade at her throat. He tenses up as the hare's arrow hits him in the upper back but he is still standing as he breaths deeply and looks at the beasts, he looks at the badger "Come on...finish me off stripedog...one move...ONE MOVE....she falls dead" He starts to back off, he is losing and he knows it and this is a way out alive...."I am going to leave now....yes and no one follows me....or death to the old hag here"   

Xander kills a ferret and then raises his blade at Quade only to stop and lower it slowly...he snarls as he stands in front of Quade. He wants to just behead him and he easily could most likely as his eyes return to their normal color as he breaths in and out deeply watching the squirrel "Yours sealing your own death Quade"   

Dominik continues to cut down those who are unfortunate enough to stray into his path. Eventually, the large hare sheathes his sword once again, seemingly getting bored with the weapon, and he goes at it with fists and footpaws. Occasionally, he reaches down to lift a vermin off the ground bodily, flinging him into the nearest tree with as much force as possible. Others have their neck snapped with a twist of his large paws, and yet others get a solid kick right in the face, likely breaking whatever bones that are in that general area. Dom seems generally nonchalant about it all, no battle cries needed...that steely expression remains upon his face as he tries his best to help drive the vermin out of the area.   

Zolomon frowns, he fires an arrow at a ferret who goes to stab Dorarose and then looks ready to fire one at Quade but frowns...he lowers his longbow he can’t risk killing the healer.   

Angela barely has time to register that her staff is now on the ground before there's a sword at her throat. She immediately freezes, her paws up to show that her staff was her only weapon.
   
DoraRose screams when her grandmother is grabbed and comes up off the ground swinging. The few vermin close to her are now dead (or wishing that they were) as she staggers forward a step. "Let her go, you coward!"   

The old Healer waves a paw at her granddaughter. "Don't fret, Sweetheart. I've been in this situation afore, and I escaped. I can do it again. Just do as the squirrel says." She will let Quade lead her away.   

Ferdinand shakes the Chieftain again. "Call a regroup!" Blisa blinks, then yells as loudly as she can, "Warriors of Ferravale, to me!" "You heard the Chieftain, to her! Regroup and charge!!" Clarissa roars, stabbing a stoat with 2 daggers. Valerie kneels down and starts wrapping the Head Guard's wound. "Yes, she is on the verge of insanity, but don't say that to her face ever again," she whispers, "for your sake."   

The fox only manages to lay there, tail twitching as he begins to growl. Bandit manages to slaughter his way through a hostile army with no problems, but what brings him down in the end? A kitten! With a knife! Who is supposed to be on his side! "BLISA! I'll feed you to your own snake!" Despite his flailing arms it seems like Bandit is out of the battle. In the end he sits up, letting the beasts tend to his rooms. Oh the words he is going to have with the chieftess once they get back to Ferravale...   

Quade glares at them , he has 10 beasts left, well about 5 on the ground alive but badly wounded as he starts to back off with the healer, back to his base.   

Xander growls as Quade takes off and then drops to his knees and shivers as he coughs back some tears. "I'm...sorry...sorrry he got away"   

Zolomon quickly is coming down from the wall and out the gates to be by Xander's side"Xandy?....You ok?"   

Dominik is quickly running out of beasts to mangle, and his attention turns to the hostage situation a short distance away. The hare makes his way in that direction, watching as the squirrel begins to take his hostage away. "Is right. Let go," the large hare intones regretfully in his deep voice, looking quite annoyed that he didn't get close enough to Quade while he was able. A frown crosses his muzzle. "Vil find soon, don't vant harm to come to her now. Not sure vat vil do, is crazybeast."   

Henry looks with rage at the retreating form of Quade. He shouts after the squirrel. "You shall be known as a crowed, and a liar for the rest for your life one thousand seasons after it! Mark my words worm! MARK. MY. WORDS!”

DoraRose falls to her knees weeping. Angela lets herself be led away; they don't need to drag her, she knows better than to fight. The fighters from Ferravale mill about for a few minutes, then one of the higher-ranking guards starts giving out orders. Blisa takes a step forward, but then collapses to the ground in a faint. Ferdinand scoops her up and rushes her inside. The remaining Ferravale-ians and Redwallers start to gather up the wounded. An Abbey guard manages to retrieve Dora's axe as she's led inside, still crying. How is she going to explain this to her children?   

Xander stands and makes sure any wounded are taken inside and any stray vermin, are well killed. He lets some tears fall and looks to the other Mossflower Defenders "I am...getting inside need to report to Benar...and Zolomon..Henry help any other wounded and find a place the Ferravale beats can stay" He heads inside   

Dominik trails behind a little to make sure there are no surprise attacks from the fleeing enemy; when he is sure that things have calmed, the hare turns and quietly follows the others into the Abbey.   

Zolomon nods "Right Xandy" He checks on a couple guards and a ferret from Ferravale and helps inside.   

The bird bard throws a smart salute. "Sir, Yes, Sir!" and he hops to do as he was bid, getting some will sparra to help him with some of the bigger beasts.   

Xander gets inside and frowns as he looks around “Where is Abbot Benar?” He asks an order beast and they speak ”His room” The badger nods and heads to the Abbots Quarters. After he speaks with Benar he will go somewhere in the abbey, and just get some alone time and some tears out.

Meanwhile the wounded are tended to and others are calmed down as the danger has  ended and any killed will be buried and a funeral planned for later. Zolomon takes a couple otters to make sure no vermin are around the outside walls and to make sure all wounded was for sure inside and then heads back in himself almost bumping into Oz.

Oz frowns “Careful Zolomon….go eat and get some rest.”

“Is Xandy ok Oz” The hare asked.

Oz just speaks quietly” I will check on him, now get food and rest “ The badger then heads off to find Xander, least he is in the abbey so that’s a relief.

==Redwall Abbey Entry==

Xander was able to walk around now, his vision still a little blurry and light hurt a little but it was much better now and he was glad of that. Though he did walk slowly, but not too slowly.   

Patch made it to the entry, he isn’t sure how he did..sheer willpower and the fact Quade's stab missed anything vital, the dagger hit his breastplate bone but still hurts like heck and he was smart enough to just leave it be. The guards are unsure what to do when he able stumbles inside with a groan.   

Xander blinks a few times and raises a paw to block off the sun getting in his eyes and closes them briefly before opening them to see "Patch?" That is Patch right as he gets closer and then gasps and jogs the rest of the way over “Patch!"   

Patch looks up and basically gets up only to fall ageist the badger with a yelp of pain. A dagger is still in his breastbone, he has cuts and bruises all over and a gash on his leg..."Stripy......Ya...abbey got to be ready Quade coming with his...horde..." Ok stay awake, passing out is bad very bad.   

DoraRose comes from the main Abbey building, Butterclaw the Sparra chattering away at her as she tries to understand. Spotting the commotion of sorts that's happening at the gate, she shoos the bird off to get Angela, then she jogs over to the little group. "Xander? Patch? What happened? Here, lay down on the grass until a Healer gets here." Making sure that the gate is securely shut and bolted, she goes to help the rat. "What happened?"   

Xander frowns, it’s bad enough his eyes hurt a little but could be worse as he carefully lays Patch down “Quade is nearby? Where?"   

Patch frowns as he replies his voice a little weak "Clearing.....north..coming here, maybe Ferravale....he has close ta 200 beasts and ...."He shivers as a pain goes through him.."He..t..tried to get info...didn’t give him any....so he attacked me...heeee s..stabbed me" His eyes droop some.   

DoraRose files this information away in her head. "You, go tell Magramba, and you, warn the Abbot," She orders 2 guards, who go running to do as she bids. She turns back to the rat. "Okay, you're okay, you're safe now. We'll have the Abbey ready in no time." Angela can be seen hobbling from the Infirmary, Butterclaw flying over the grass ahead of her, carrying her herb satchel in his claws. "Angelamouse Healerworm on her way!" He chirrups. The Warrior takes the satchel and gestures for him to fly off again. "Now go find Lily, please; we may need her to ring the alarm bells!" The sparrow flutters off to find the bellringer.   

Xander listens and frowns "Patch...s..stay awake please, I don't, I can't watch any other friend die."   

Patch tilts his head"Why...sort of tried...need rest." He mutters somewhat and coughs, the cough makes him tense up in pain and shiver. “This...hurts..."   

DoraRose goes to pat the rat's cheek (but not on his scratches). "Because if you go to sleep you may never wake up. I'm pretty sure you don't want to die. Focus on my face, Patch." Angela hobbles up and immediately sets to work, giving her attention to the dagger growing out of his chest. "'Old still, young un. This will 'urt." She goes to put pressure on it and then tries to remove the dagger.... LilyMoore, meanwhile, comes running from the kitchen yard, Butterclaw fluttering at her shoulder.   

Xander steps back so the others have room and blinks a few times as he sits by the wall, every so often a worried glace over at the others.   

Patch frowns as his eyes do close , only to snap right back open as he screams out in pain when the dagger comes out and shivers. Some blood leaks out before slowing some and it can be seen the dagger didn’t go down all the way through the breastplate bone...and managed to miss anything vital, by mere millimeters that is. He breaths in and tenses as it hurts to breath so pain keeps him awake.   

Angela goes to put herbs and peppermint oil in the wound, then quickly tries to sew it up and wrap tight bandages around it. "Now for yer other wounds...." Dora goes to hold her daughter close. "We may need you to ring the alarm bells, so please stay close by. Quade is probably on his way to attack here." Lily nods, looking worried, then goes over and sits by the badger while the Warrior mouse helps the Healer. "You guys will be able to defeat him...." She murmurs to the badger. Butterclaw perches on step above their heads, ready to take more messages around if necessary.   

Xander frowns "I...hope. I can't fight to well if he comes too soon. I will try though and all the other defenders are here at the abbey."   

Patch breaths in and out as he feels pain and manages to stay awake. He nods slowly and has been quiet, mainly to tried, sore to speak but at least he is awake.   

DoraRose helps her grandmother by handing her herbs and bandages and stuff as she asks for them. Angela quickly but efficiently sews up the wounds that need to be sewn, applying peppermint oil to kill the pain first, and herbs and ointments to prevent infection, then wrapping the whole shibang up in bandages. (The rat may or may not be resembling a mummy by the end of this procedure.) LilyMoore goes to lay a paw on the badger's arm. "Maybe you shouldn't fight, then? I mean, if you're not at your best, then wouldn't it be best to not fight? That way beasts wouldn't have to worry about protecting you."   

Xander frowns "I..have to fight, I am leader of the Mossflower Defenders and they need me. I would have my armor...." He frowns “Though it doesn’t always help sometimes...his 2nd in command still got me down and had his foot paw on my throat." He closes his eyes "The others had to come to my aid. I..I couldn’t see and was pinned down"   

Patch breaths slowly but is still alive. He stays mainly still for all the bandaging and placing of herbs as he has a bandage around his chest now, one on his leg and a small one on his upper arm..." Tired...sore.....And Quade wants revenge....someone should warn Blisa also"   

DoraRose purses her lips. "It's not safe to send any beast out right now; even birds would be in danger, as we saw with what happened to poor Thunderwing." Angela sits back and sighs. "War. I was 'opin' that I would never see it again. I 'ave seen too many wars in my lifetime..." LilyMoore nods as she continues her conversation with the badger. "So what would they do if they were in a battle and you were in danger because you're not at your best? They could get killed trying to come help you."   

Xander sighs and frowns"But ...a leader is supposed to protect them"He frowns as Thunderwing is mentioned before speaking "The one who killed him....is dead. Quade doesn’t have a 2nd in command right now and maybe that’s a good thing"   

Patch says, "What..Thunderwing is dead? He died?"   

DoraRose looks at the rat. "....oh, I'm sorry. I thought you knew. I'm afraid he was murdered...." She pauses to let the badger speak, then she sighs and rubs her forehead. "The sooner Quade is stopped, the better." Angela stands and hobbles off, muttering about otters taking too long to bring the stretcher. Lily says to the badger, "But how can you protect them if your disability will put them in danger in the first place?"   

Xander feels the tears come now and covers his face with his paws, he didn’t see it happen but he saw the end results and tried to find the ones who did it, he also buried the eagle later that night only to be ambushed by Rowtag while Quade and a few others had a fight with the other Defenders, he almost died and it scared him a little, not knowing if he would fully see again scared him too. He is silent but the tears do fall still, a couple coughs show he is trying to not cry."I....I...don't know....still need to help..somehow"
   
Patch says, "I...sort of ..been Quade's captive past few days. He saw me spying on him.....and got me..but I refused to speak to him"   

DoraRose bites her lip. "Oh, I'm sorry. Is he the one who did this to you?" She gets a blanket and goes to cover him up. "I have no idea where those otters are with the stretcher; we may have to move you to the Gatehouse to wait. Do you mind sharing sleeping quarters with Marek?" LilyMoore goes to gently hug the badger. "Of course you do. You can help plan. You can help provide weapons, and arrows and sling stones and stuff for the walltop defenders who don't go marching out to fight. I don't know what else you could do, but I'm sure there's more that doesn't involve you going out and risking being a liability. Besides, this is temporary, right? You should be able to fight well here in a few days; maybe you'll have all your sight back by the time Quade decides to attack and it won't be an issue anymore."

   
Patch shivers and nods "Quade wanted info........stripy?" He coughs "Ya let ya..Mossflower group help ya....your still leader regardless.." He shrugs "I...know Marek....we sort of get along" Then again he isn’t in the tavern so....   

Xander frowns, "I can see..mostly, things are just a little blurry and the sun hurts my eyes....a lot" He listens to advise and thinks "I am leader..yes unless Marek wants the leadership back but he is sort of not abe to fight either from what heard and I could let beasts know where to go .Group has Zolomon..Dora Henry, Minsc and Brookshire....well Brookshire is somewhere anyways. There is also Edson and a squirrel that sort of likes to smash things"   

DoraRose nods. "Don't worry, I'll kill a bunch for you. But hopefully Quade'll wait until your eyesight is all better, although I doubt that would be his reasoning to wait." Lily looks at the rat. "Should we maybe get him inside?" Butterclaw chirrups. "Ratworm needs rest in wormbed!"   

Patch does look tired "Thanks....for helping me...Quade sort of...off on his stabbing, heeeee...probably thinks I died"   

Xander says, "He won’t wait and hopefully he won’t get inside and will stay outside I do trust the group to be careful and ....hopefully no bad injuries or....worse on our side."   

DoraRose smiles at the badger. "Don't worry; I know how to be careful. Now, could you please carry Patch into the Gatehouse?" 2 otter Order Brothers exit the Infirmary, carrying a stretcher as they run away from Angela, who is waving her staff at them. She has removed the poisoned crystal with the express purpose of hitting them with it. 'No violence in the Abbey' is a grey area when the old Healer finds beasts loitering around instead of doing what they promised they would do.....   

Patch looks as a stretcher comes "Or....they could carry me guess"   

Xander stands and notices the otters, “Infirm most likely be best, think only others there is Rayen and...well Leon is sort of there guess...should I carry him or?"   

DoraRose cringes as she hears one of the otters back-talk Angela, who then explodes in yelling mixed with what is probably profanity in another language. "You definitely should. They're kind of.....in trouble." Lilymoore sort of understands the language her great-grandmother is seaking, and so is staring at the old Healer in shock. Such language!   

Patch just chuckles and then regrets it as pain..hurts to laugh and luckily wasn’t loud so that’s good.   

Xander frowns, ok he can still see lot better than earlier, he blinks a couple times and then picks up the rat carefully and goes to carry him to the infirm, "We also shouldn’t let just anyone on the wall tops....just in case"   

Leaving the otters to their fate of being yelled at and lectured by Angela, Dora follows the badger and rat, Lily and Butterclaw going off to wait in the Belltower for word of it the alarm needs to be sounded. "Absolutely. I'm thinking only beasts able to use bows and slings should be allowed up there. Magramba can do anymore talking with Quade, unless Benar is willing to either wear armor or use a bow or something."   

Patch says, "Yeah bad idea for him to go up there.....the abbot that is...."He seems to care less if he is carried, he rather have the badger carry him than risk the otters dropping him while arguing with a healer of all things "Yeah...."   

Xander frowns "Benar stays inside..Quade would focus on him and try and kill him...no....and Gorvenalus needs to stay inside as well...Minsc can be outside and Zolomon can use a longbow he be good up on the walltops....Minsc also needs to be careful" He looks around and finds a cot to lay Patch on as he sits down and ends up laying down "Also....Kurt....is stays inside, I think he quit working for Quade so.....he needs protected" He yawns and ends up falling asleep and he most likely needs it.
   
DoraRose nods. "I'll pass the word along to the guards about who Quade will probably target." She gets some white willow bark tea for the rat and places it on his bedside table. "I know this will cut the pain. Try to get some sleep now; it should be okay now that your wounds have been ended to." She goes to cover them both up with blankets, and the she leaves. There's a lot of work to be done in preparation for the upcoming attack...   

Patch gets the tea and sips it a little and makes a face, but if it will help he will slowly drink it and then sleep

Log
Oz-papa Oz and dibbun caretaker
Benar-Abbot of Redwall
Quade-evil squirrel
Minsc-Hamster
Xander-Leader of Mossflower Defenders
Kurt-Robin

== I added some things from earlier as they seemed important as well, Benar speaks with the bird Kurt…later Oz shows up and then Benar again.===

RW Abbey: Infirm
-----------------------------
Several beds are lined against the red sandstone walls of the Abbey's Infirmary. An examination table, separated from the rest of the room by hanging blankets, rests against the far wall.  Tucked into a small alcove is a sizeable workbench with various containers for mixing and preparing medicinal compounds.  Against another wall is a desk for use by the Infirmary Keeper.  A curtained off alcove behind the desk hides a locked door to the Infirmary's supplies and linens.
----------------------------

Kurt was still tied to a cot and at the moment was trying to peck at the rope to get free. His wing still bandaged but he figured he could hop fairly quickly. He puffed out in anger and about fell off the cot he was on.   

Xander was semi awake when he heard the bird and blinked a few times, thanks to Quade's 2nd in command his vison was still so dark , he still couldn’t see as he sat up and "Hello....ummm Mr. Robin?"   

Kurt spun around and glared "Its Kurt..stupid stripedog needs back off now"   

Xander frowns" I..I don’t plan on hurting you. I am Xander and leader of the Mossflower Defenders, I was hoping we could talk. Just some info on Quade I am not looking for friendship as you most likely are not either" He keeps his distance, one to be careful and two he is unsure where the bird is.

   
Kurt studies the badger, watching his movements before he tilts his feathered head “What is wrong with you?" He is curious and adjusts a tail feather, "What want info for...I will tell nothing"   

Xander nods "Alright.....and Rowtag used some sort of powder on me...threw it in my eyes and hopefully its temporary,Minsc said it is as Quade used it before or had a beast who works for him use it." He lays down slowly and sighs."Sorry to brother you Kurt." He is silent before asking "How is your wing?" He leaves it up to the robin if he answers or not.   

Kurt just stays silent before quietly speaking "Wing being fine....why is stripdog asking?" He hops a little closer and studies the badger again.." Blinding powder...tis temporary yes but usually not given chance to recover...how you breathing and speaking now?"   

Xander is startled a little and is surprised the bird is speaking so he decides to answer" My other group members helped me..Rowtag is dead. But I am guessing that’s not the only strong beast he has."   

Kurt again quiet, then speaks "Rowtag always seem...too for sure of self..surprised not dead sooner. Quade has others strong yes and not so strong...150 beasts he calls friend. Plans to attack Redwall and Ferravale."   

Xander listens "He may have a little less now, Zolomon mentioned 2 rats and a couple stoats that died and that Quade escaped...most likely to keep them from getting to where me and Rowtag was....."He frowns as he closes his eyes " If they didn’t get there when they did I most likely would be dead...probably headless Rowtag said something about my head looking good on a pike...I couldn’t see and he had me pinned down...then my friends arrived and saved my life and led me back to the abbey."   

Kurt chirps a little, he can't get too close with the dumb rope on his talon, he circles in a small area and looks ready for a nap, but before he slips into sleep he does answer one thing "Wing is feeling better....thank you"   

Xander nods "Your welcome." He leaves it at that and decides to get some more rest himself.   

==Some Time Passes==

Kurt sits like most birds on one of the cots, talon still tied to a post on the cot. He eyes the bandage and still seems surprised they helped him as he picks at the bandage a little. He had pecked the rope some but hasn’t for a while as if he either gave up or just plain stopped.   

The door opens and Benar steps inside, the grey squirrel talks quietly with the sister on duty then approaches the bed. He frowns at the rope but doesn't comment for now though he definitely looks displeased, "Good afternoon friend Robin," He says softly, "I understand you had an accident whilst scouting out my bell tower for Quade."   

Kurt looks over at the Abbot "You are the Abbot of the red walled Abbey...what wanting now?"   

Benar asks, "I mostly want to ask why are you working for Quade? He wishes to burn this place down and kill everyone who lives here. Surely you can see that this is wrong?"
   
Kurt shifts some as he looks at the rope "Quade keep me long long time.....why abbey help me? Stripdog said no harm for me..seems to try and be friend...why?" He is quiet before replying “I am Kurt...messenger and spy for Quade yes, gather info, take info or..." He stops there before replying softly" Get death"   

Benar sits down on the bed next to Kurt's "You do not have to you know? We helped you because here in the Abbey all beasts and birds are free. If you want you can live here, be safe and free, well fed, no spying, no messages, no threats from Quade."   

Kurt seems to think before answering "Quade have plans....destroy abbey and village up north of abbey. Plans to very very soon with his horde as calls it. little over 150 or so beasts...unless gotten more by now'”

Benar inclines his head, "Can you tell us where he will attack? What direction he will come from? Anything you can tell us will help."   

Kurt gets a worried look and backs up a little and pecks the rope a couple times before stopping.   

Benar considers his options for a moment then reaches for the rope and unties it from the bed, "You are not a prisoner, you have to stay in this room until your wing recovers. So you can rest but then you can leave, but I would urge you to stay, to rest, to find out what life is like away from Quade"
   
Kurt eyes widen as the rope is untied, "Untieing me?" He sounds surprised, he could so hop away or peck this squirrel but he doesn’t make such a move. "Quade come soon...he knows Kurt gone too long...Quade has archers and beasts in trees...beasts on road...Quade wants...leaders gone...wants them dead. Also want badger that leads Defenders to be dead..had assassin...not sure assassin may still be around...outside..Quade not easy fool or trick, he seems revenge...also wants finish job of last two  of CrystralBrook Village"   

Benar says, "Indeed Quade is not easy to trick or fool but his biggest advantage of operating in secret is gone. We can easily defeat him now we are warned. If you help we can defeat him easier"   

Kurt asks, "Help how? I not go outside this room...Quade could see me and kill me for betraying him. Quade not care for many that work for him...only cared for his pet..a wolverine that was killed."

Benar says, "You can tell us things Kurt, and we will help you, shelter you, give you a place to live"
   
Kurt nods "Kurt...will help you, long as stay safe. I say how many..maybe gotten more now...some fight well and most do not, some he lie to , to get to join him"   

Benar says, "I see, well the more we can reveal his lies to the less beasts he has to work with him"
   

Kurt says, "He may be attacking soon....if known to most...may try attack when dark or early before most wake" He frowns best a bird can" Abbey beasts most likely die many on side but maybe some his die too"   

Benar says, "Indeed, sadly in any battle there will always be some casualties. But at the end of the day we must protect and defend our way of life. HE was here today, threatening us but we shall stand firm against his kind."
   
Kurt nods "Tis not good...will be back very very soon for revenge..maybe 1...2 days if lucky" He then remembers "Quade sometimes uses powder that blinds victim for few hours..long enough to take away life when can’t fight back as well. Sight would slowly return but...could be killed before that unless lucky to avoid death and get away elsewhere. Seen very very few not die.....had one of his beasts try use it on another but they managed to escape and not die...was lucky"   

Benar says, "Ok that is good to know, now we know about it young robin we can protect ourselves against his powder. I am sure he plans to use it on our defenders." He stands up, "Thank you friend, rest now and we shall do our best to protect everyone"
   
Kurt nods as he decides to rest. He then says a quick "Thank you....."   

==More time passes===

Oz made his way to the infirm to check on Xander "Xander are you still here?"   

Xander sits in bed, he then stands and frowns, least it wasn’t total pitch black anymore but odd blurriness and motions and light "Uncle Oz....yeah just..."He frowns and just sounds like he isn’t sure whether to cry or be grumpy.   

Oz walks over slowly" I heard, some beast that is friend to Quade did this. Are you any better?" He is concerned but let’s Xander speak.   

Xander reaches out, bumps into a table and then once he feels Oz's chest he hugs him tightly "I don't like feeling helpless, and this is scary..w..what if I don't ever get my sight back, what if it IS FOREVER...I am supposed to be leader of the Defenders, I am supposed to help others...."
   
Oz wraps his arms around the other badger "And you are helping others. From what I heard its temporary....now can you see anything, based off before and now, different in any way?"   

Xander calms as he speaks "Sort of...fuzzy light and maybe movement but not what it is just movement of some sort but it was pitch dark before and...scary, still is.....Uncle Oz is it ok to ask you something ?"   

RW Abbey: Late Rose Garden
----------------------------------
The Rose garden offers solitude and peace from every-day life of the abbey.  A feeling of tranquility is presented through the roses and the open area that seems to flow over everything around.
Buds stud the plants along with greenery that shows through the last remnants of icicles that simplly /won't/ leave.  The last vestige of the winter snow has long since melted from the trainquil little spot -- seeing as it's a popular place for young couples it's no wonder that the new carpet of grass under foot is now trampled flat.  As it matures it will come back, but for now, it can remain flat. The little buds are already showing their colors, even a few of the early-bloomers beginning to come out and open up.  A lovely place to represent spring, no?
-----------------------------------------

Oz takes Xander's paw "Let’s get some fresh air and we can talk outside" He goes to led him outside slowly and into the open ground and towards the rose garden. “It’s quiet here, no blooms yet but it is early yet....sit there is a bench...here"   

Xander follows, he stays close and reaches out to feel the bench before sitting "How do you....we are in the abbey right?"
   
Oz smiles "I know my way top to bottom, left and right and all around the abbey how many paw steps to here and there. Now what was it you wanted to ask and this is the rose garden by the way Xander"
   
Xander trusts him "So...." He frowns" Yeah...I know mine in temporary but yours isn’t..isn’t that scary? I mean I also wonder how you walk around so....well sure of not running into anything"
   
Minsc makes his way to the garden and stopes "Oh...sorry I was just....sir?" He catches sight of Xander " You are out of the infirm are you better?" He then sighs "Cause we have an issue...Quade came and demanded surrender, course Benar said no and now Quade declared war basically"   

Oz says, "I was at first yes, very scared and worried...so much I even argued with my brother to the point he almost left, but I learned to get around before I became fully blind....I knew it would happen and it did over a season I slowly became blind...shapes...light slowly fading and then nothing but I learned how many footpaws to and from all over the abbey...I knew voices and scents and just learn them more quickly now. You are lucky its temporary" He tilts his head to Minsc "Quade was here? When?"
   
Xander listens "Quade....was anyone hurt? What did he...did he say anything else?"   

Minsc says, "This morning...maybe right before lunch and just he would be back with his so called friends. Also Kurt I will leave alone sir...promise Benar said he doesn’t want anyone but him or Magramba to question it...I mean him and I am sorry for my actions of threating to kill the robin, it’s just....my past is...is gone and just refilled with pain, sorrow, loss and I want Quade dead and if anyone else works for him, then dead as well, I will die trying if needed"
   
Oz says, "No killing in the abbey Quade and I am sure Magramba and others are getting ready for any attacks"
   
Xander stays seated "Then the Defenders need to be ready as well."   

Minsc nods towards Oz "Of course Oz..."He goes to reach out and touch Xander's shoulder "Sir...what about your vision? Quade could come before its fully back...is it any better?"   

Oz steps back "I know the rose garden is good for mediation....I need to check on the dibbuns" He then walks off.
   
Xander seems to tense up a little when his Uncle walks off and then relaxes "Meditation, hmms Grandfather did it a lot and my vision is better, not total pitch black more faded and fuzzy light and shapes and  burning feeling now."   

Minsc asks, "Meditation, whats that?" He sighs “It sounds like your recovering. So a temporary blind beast is led here by a permit blind beast, is that what they call the blind leading the blind?"
   
Benar walks up "Meditation is a form of relaxation...Hello Xander....Minsc. How are you both, well I hope" He walks closer "A novice mentioned your blindness and I spoke with Kurt, he mentioned the powder is temporary...I also untied Kurt and he was told to stay in the infirm."   

Xander nods" I talked to him some. He seems afraid of Quade. I..with your permission of course Benar, want to offer Kurt...well friendship maybe or least make sure he knows we will help his wing as don’t think Quade would of helped him"   

Minsc snorts "Quade would just kill him, I know Quade for many seasons if he thinks someone isn’t useful to him he kills them or just does something to allow them to die”
   
Benar nods "Kurt has been helpful. I told him he could be free to choice if he stays or not, maybe to live here, He has given info about Quade whom I fear plans to attack soon, maybe sooner than we think”
   
Xander says, "If Quade would just kill him and he knows that then he should be glad to stay here and if he is helping us that’s good"   

Minsc shrugs "Maybe, or it’s a trick just like Quade did...wouldn't surprise me in the least. Maybe we should go to Quade before he comes to us..burn his base down or...flood his stupid mine tunnels, seal up entries and make them all die!"   

Benar frowns "Minsc please calm down, going out would be wrong and we have help coming to us...the Guisum, the Sparra, Ferravale....The Mossflower Defenders, a small group of fighters from the woods I heard is to help and any other fighters under the Champion Magramba. Do not go out alone Minsc"   

Xander listens as he speaks "Minsc...stay inside, listen to Benar and to me. We have to stay together in this not go off alone, Quade wants that. We are a greater and stronger force together and weak alone"   

Minsc shakes his head "Both of you just BACK OFF!!..LEAVE ME ALONE!" He then storms off.   

Xander stands and tries to follow "Minsc...get back here!" He walks a few feet and sighs, great which way did he go.   

Benar lays a paw on Xander's shoulder "Xander...let him go, I think Minsc does need to have some time alone, the guards are not letting anyone leave the abbey so he will be inside somewhere I promise and they are only letting certain beast inside."
   
Xander stops but can feel tears on his face "I am still not good at this leader stuff...I should just let Marek have it back."   

Benar says, "You are a fine leader, no beast is perfect Xander nor will they ever be 100% perfect. Martin didn’t always have things go smoothly either, nor do I..but you do well and have earned your leadership and should be up to you to keep it, even after all this is over." He pats him on the arm "Meditate Xander...and when you’re ready to go inside I will help guild you inside and then we should get some rest. It may be a long day tomorrow"
   
Xander nods and takes a few deep breaths and goes to meditate and is this way for a an hour before opening his eyes "Abbot Benar?"   

Benar had fallen asleep and blinked as Xander spook and rubbed his eyes "Where....oh yes the rose garden" He sat up and looks around "Oh dear..how long have we been here?"   

Xander stood slowly blinking as his vision was still hazy "An hour or so...we can go inside and meditation helps" He smiles.   

Benar dusts off his tunic as he stands "Good my friend...lets head inside." He will go slow and allow Zander to follow him" Infirm or your room?"   

Xander says, "My room is fine" He follows closely till they get to his room and he manages to find his bed and lay down “Good night Benar"
   
Benar says, "Goodnight Xander"

Gorvenalus decided to explore the woodlands and maybe find some of those needed herbs, one being Mint he happen to find a little of, as well as some clover. He was alert for a little while and then started to relax a little as he walked along but had gotten slightly lost.

Alert? What's there to be alert about? The beaver has the woods all to himsel- no wait, there is a lizard coming down the pathway towards him. A red scaled beast dressed in civilized vestments and a fancy wide hat. He has a long sword at his hip and seems to be moving quite quickly towards the beaver.

Instead of stopping however Dylan hat tips the beast and continues on down the road.

Gorvenalus backs up and watches the odd beast and blinks slowly "Oh...well that is, rather odd to see"

Even Dylan has good days, days where decides not to ruin someone else’s by robbing them. Besides, the beaver looks too poor for the lizard to rob.

But not too poor for the archer that loosens an arrow at Gorvenalus's feet. The shaft sticks there in the ground before him as a warning not to take a step further. "Hault!" Comes a voice from the forest around them and soon a small gang of vermin appear about the two. Rats mostly, four in all and armed with pikes and short swords. Out of the bushes steps a pine marten who looks just as thin and hungry as his rats. He is armed with a bow. "Oh come ON!" says Dylan as he slaps his fore head.

Gorvenalus eeeps loudly as the arrow lands at his foot paws and looks around as the vermin surround him and adjusts his glasses "Oh my, this is not good...let me guess Quade is your boss?"

The marten raises an eyebrow, "Who the blazes is Quade?" He laughs, "Nah, nah, We be free beasts mate. This be nothing more than simple highway robbery. Speaking of which, drop your valuables please. We would so hate to dirty the forest floor with your spilled guts."

The lizard let's out a long sigh, "Oh come ON." He repeats, "Listen, the irony of this situation does not escape me but, can you extend to me a professional curtesy? Surely a group of bandit's must know who /I/ am."

Sorry, I think I would know a lizard as...unique as yerself. Now, make with dropping yer coin or my rats will eat ye lot fer supper." The rats begin to press around them, using their weapons to menace them.

Gorvenalus frowns "I...am sorry to say I have nothing of value and haven’t for a long long time and Quade is a squirrel, one that is on the wrong path as he only wants power and what he thinks is his."

"Fascinating story, pity I don't care." Says the marten, nodding to the rats. One with a spear advances on the beaver. "Hey boss, think we might cook em fer supper?"

Ew? No!" The marten replies, "Have you ever tasted beaver? They are all stringy and chewy. Lizard is much better." The rats all laugh at the marten's potential jest. It's hard to tell if he is just being threatening or serious. Dylan laughs as well, "Oh I havn't heard /that/ one before. Before we get too much farther there is one thing I would like to point out, you know just to -KNIFE TO YOUR FACE!" The lizard twists the hilt to his longsword before swiftly drawing a small dagger hidden inside. He uses it to slash the nearest rat, a splash of red appearing across the beasts snout as he screams.
Battle ensues...

Gorvenalus gasps and backs up "No need for violence....oh dear!" Three rats come towards the old beaver, he seems unsure what to do and finds a large branch and manages to slam one in the head, he frowns and goes to check on the rat's pulse as it groans, yep still alive as he looks up just in time to see the other two rats who may be glad their buddy is alive but not so glad the beaver knocked the rat out and their blades look fairly sharp.

So does the lizards as he comes at them. One rat leaps at the lizard, the other at the beaver. Both are armed with short swords and use them with experience. Dylan is pressed backward but holding his own, blocking the short sword with his dagger in one paw, swinging his sword with the other.

The rat after the beaver tries to tackle him and stab him with his deadly blade! Meanwhile behind him the marten is quickly notching an arrow, trying to get a clear shot at either of them through his own beasts. "Blast it all, MOVE!"

Gorvenalus moves backwards and avoids a tackle only cause of the tree root and he falls backwards onto a bunch of mushrooms and weeds.

"Ha! You call this fencing? I've fenced hamsters with more agility than you!" He says, pressing the attack. He swings his sword to lop off the rat's head...instead it strikes the martin's arrow right out of the air. "By the dark forest! Did you see that?" He says, gasping. "Blazes! That's a once in a life time-GAK!" As the lizard stands chatting the rat he slashed earlier leaps onto his back, biting down onto his neck. "GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!"

Gorvenalus starts to get up and gasps as a blade comes down towards him, he goes to get out of the way and his foot paw in in tangled in the twisted tree root and weeds!

Xander ventured out for a couple reasons, to find clues on Quade and to find a couple friends, one he found and after a shock as quickly heading back when he heard the sounds of fighting and was just in time to see the downed beaver, he growls and dashes forwards in time to barely block the rat's blade with his own, his eyes flash as he snarls, he takes a few deep breaths  to regain control and goes to push the rat back with his own blade!

Dropping his blades the lizard grabs onto the rat on his back with both claws, "I said. Get. OFF!" He rips the beast from his back, tossing him at the rat in front of him and the two go falling down into ground in a tangled mess. The rat still standing let's out a gasp as the badger appears before him. "BOSS!" The rat squeaks in terror as he tries to hold his own against the beast.

The boss however is not having any of this, he turns to run, abandoning his beasts to their fate. "Oh no you don't!" Dylan dashes forward, stepping off a rat's face and leaping off of his enemies to tackle the pine marten. The two collapse into a snarling mess of hissing and biting and clawing as they wrestle with each other.

Gorvenalus opens his eyes as they had been closed and he just watches  as the badger shows up and the fighting goes on around him. He seems too worried to move and the fact his ankle may be broken from the fall.

Xander narrows his eyes and his large blade slices at the rat in front of him, it’s clear he is not in a good mood right now for whatever reason.

"Eat him? EAT THE LIZARD?" Dylan shouts as he tries to wrestle with the marten. He gaps when the beast hits him in the chin with his paw, rolling on top of him and holding his bow in both paws like a club ready to smash his face in. "LIZARD MEAT IS TASTY! DEAL WITH IT!"

The rat meanwhile is still holding his own with the badger, blocking and parrying attacks until his buddies finish untangling from each other.

Gorvenalus goes to get his foot paw free and goes to stand only to fall sideways as it becomes clear, the ankle or foot paw is broken or seriously sprang

Xander is growing tired of the rat, and stabs forwards with his blade "Leave my friend alone!!" He has managed to regain control of his emotions, just barely.

The rat leaps backward, cackling with mad laughter as the blade misses his chest. The laughter stops as the blade keeps going, stabbing into his leg. "GAAAAAAaAaaAAAhHHHHhhHh!" His scream fills the air. The remaining rats are now standing again ready for combat and to help their fellow rat in -wait, no, they are turning to run and flee for their lives into the forest!

"DIE FILTHY LIZARD THING!" The marten shouts as the bow comes down. Dylan's fist however is faster, catching the bow as his free fist comes up to smack the beast across the jaw. Thrown off of lizard Dylan quickly returns to his feet, swinging the bow around him until it connects with the marten's head. There is a loud SNAP as the bow breaks and the marten goes flying into the ground, stunned and unmoving.

Gorvenalus watches in shock as he sits down on the forest floor and watches, well least most are running off so that’s good right?

Xander snorts as he backs up enough to swing the blade at the rat's head

A loud, terrified shriek fills the air as the pine marten holds up his paws, "Wait! Wait! I surrender! Please don't kill me!" He curls into a frightened terrified ball, "I surrender!”

The rat stumbles backward, with both paws he holds up his sword to deflect the blow but the badger simply powers through it, knocking the sword out of the beasts paws and loping off his head in a single stroke, "No wai-" SLUNK! The rat's body stands there for a moment longer before it collapses onto its knees and falls over.

Gorvenalus looks back and forth and slowly stands to lean on a tree as he speaks calmly" Xander...?" He looks over at the martin and lizard, wandering what will happen with them

Xander is managing to calm slowly as he lowers his blade and then  looks over at the beaver, "S..Someone k..killed a friend of mine...and...don't know..w..what to do...or who did it just ideas"

The lizard rolls his eyes at the marten bandit before turning to see a...BADGER? Ah well, it's Mossflower. There is always a badger handy to toss into danger at a moment’s notice. Not caring about the conversation between them Dylan retrieves his dagger, sheathing it into the hilt of his sword before tapping the marten on the shoulder. "Well beasty, I am mighty tempted to NOT accept your surrender, but I am a merciful beast if nothing else. So how about I give you a deal? You join the crew of Dylan Locke...or DIE."

Dylan stands there, grinning as the marten's eyes go wide. "Dylan...Locke?" He mulls the idea over. "I choose death."

"Right then, come with me and we will give you proper training and..." Dylan blinks, "What?"

"You're reputation precedes you reptile. Joining your gang is a DEATH SENTENCE. Those that follow you always end up with fates worse than simply dying! I don't want to be eaten by some snake or...or gutted by woodlanders!"

Gorvenalus frowns as he looks to Xander "We should leave while they are distracted I am thinking its unwise to stay and find out results"

Gorvenalus frowns as he looks to Xander "We should leave while they are distracted I am thinking its unwise to stay and find out results"

Xander at first seems in some sort of depressed mood, he then nods slowly and goes to  let the beaver lean against him to help him walk"Yeah...yeah need to get back to the Defenders...got some not good news"

The lizards shoulders slump. "Seriously? You would rather DIE than join my group?"

The marten narrows his eyes. "How many beasts have you lost? Dozens? How many were eaten by snakes, or ...or butchered?" The marten cringes under Dylan's glare. The sword comes up...before slowly being put away. "Go." He says simply and the marten takes off into the woods. The lizard watches the two beasts walk away before turning for the opposite direction.

Gorvenalus allows the help, he tenses as the marten runs past and then relaxes again. "Bad news?" He frowns.

Xander nods "T...Thunderwing's...dead..." He decides its faster to just fully carry the beaver on to the abbey. “I get you to the infirm and then have a meeting"

** I spoofed a Ferravale Guard, Oz is in it later and so is Patch **

Log

Oz-Papa Oz and dibbun caretaker of abbey
Patch-Spy and rat
Xander-Leader of the Mossflower Defenders
Edson-Warrior in Defenders
Benar-Abbot of Redwall
Minsc-Hamster
Spoofed Guard and varies abbey beasts
spoofed shrews of Guisum

FV:Creepy Hut: Main Room

This hut is down right creepy, and it seems whom ever the under taker is its best you leave them alone. The home is simple and odds and ends fill the room and against a far wall is a chair that looks old.

Xander groans, sunlight in the window...he is then sitting up quickly as he oversleep, how did he over sleep as he scans the room. Most are here except for...he frowns.   

Minsc slowly open the door and walks on it, "Looking for me...sorry had to explore, got lost and then got back here...I don't think any of the vermin against  us will come here, it’s too darn creepy if ya ask me"   

A Ferravale guard nods a hello and slips back outside to watch the doorway.

Xander spins around, sword almost drawn and then relaxes and frowns "You went out?! How..I mean I know how, why what if Quade was out there?"   

Minsc stays calm "Little too jumpy aren’t we?" He says quietly and sighs as he sits down." I like to know where I am, that’s all"   

Xander takes his paw off the blade "Well...after what happen it pays to be jumpy and your right most avoid this place"   

Minsc looks around "Yeah...I mean who stays in an undertakers home to hide”   

The guard outside seems to care less, well sort of but hey he is getting paid to be here and he is not disobeying the chieftain.

Xander manages a chuckle"I...don't know I sort of just followed him, it was better than dealing with the horde who most likely would of made us all dead"   

Minsc shrugs "Yeah...anyways any chance I can get better clothing, or armor...light is fine..and a better weapon?"   

Xander blinks "Ummmm....maybe, but I wouldn’t want you to go out alone, I could go out and help. best could." He sighs "Headquarters are gone, burned to the ground”
   
Minsc frowns, "I guess, together is best. The sword Quade wields is mine. I want it back"   

Xander says, "I will do my best to help you get it back. Your Minsc right?"   

Minsc says, "Let me guess Benar mentioned my name"   

Xander shakes his head "No Gorvenalus mentioned it, he's a beaver with blue robes. Strange symbols sort of like..."He blinks "That blade...the one that’s yours"   

Minsc looks hopeful "He is alive?" He smiles and nods "Yes the symbols are the same"   

Xander says, "Yes he is and worried about you"
   
Minsc says, "Where, I must go to him"   

Xander blocks his path "No..stay please, I am responsible for not just Benar, or my Defender members, but you as well. As you said you need some better clothing and some light armor. Maybe a better blade"   

Minsc nods "Fine..and whats this Defenders thing?"   

Xander says, "Mossflower Defenders, group of warriors, fighters, helpers...we have an eagle and even a sparrow in the group. It’s not too big I admit" He frowns "We did lose....3 members thanks to Quade, and one is injured but alive and somewhere in Ferravale...Edson is here with us, and Zolomon, the hare, is at the abbey I heard."
   
Minsc says, "An eagle ya say, now that’s a powerful alley"   

Xander smiles "Yeah it is, we are hoping to find a healer , but we have the abbey and Ferravale and a couple members of the group know healing skills...maybe not as well as a full healer but how to bandage, apply pressure to a wound, things like that and I know some plants for healing...how to take a pulse and such"   

Minsc says, "Good skills ta have, my mate..."He frowns "She..was a healer, Master healer in fact so I know a fair amount myself"   

Xander notes the frown “I am sorry, Quade will pay for all he has done soon...trust me"   

Minsc says, "I know he will...I want to be part of your group..healer, warrior..why not both who is leader right now?"   

Xander says, "That would be me...Xander Winters and please, you don’t have to call me sir, I mean it’s alright just so odd since I am younger than most of them and Zolomon is like my age"   

Minsc smiles "Minsc Thorton"   

Xander smiles "Welcome to my group"   

A guard enters and nods” Would anyone like to get something to eat?”

Xander says , "I will be back...promise"    He nods to the guard “Is fine, I can get it”

Minsc nods, waits till the badger is gone..and well seeing as anyone else is sleeping he simply slips out and disappears down the path after the badger is out of sight and the guard looks away.

==An hour later==

Xander watches where he steps, he has gotten use to this, well sort of more use to as he looks around before heading back to the hut.
   
Patch followed the badger, he was curious "Stripy?"   

Xander at first spins around  a paw on his blade, then seeing its Patch he shakes his head "Good grief...Patch I about beheaded you...what are you doing following me?"   

Patch frowns "Yeah....could ask you same thing Mr. jumpy....I am helping Markalway remember....."   

Xander looks back and forth before grabbing Patch and goes to drag him inside "Inside..then will explain"   

Patch normally protest to being grabbed and shoved into a hut, especially this one, "Hey..whoa whats the hurry. First ya jumpy then you push me into here without answering my question, I was looking for you, do you know your headquarters is a pile of ash now?"   

Xander locks the door and frowns "Yes...."He sighs "And you be jumpy too after the last two days I had...."   

Benar is sitting quietly on the ancient looking chair, he looks up and frowns at Xander, "Can we please return to the Abbey Xander? I have been away quite long enough as it is."
   
Patch eyes widen as he looks to see the speaker and his jaw drops "The...abbot is here?" He looks back to Xander and chuckles "Then again who wants to come near here to Mr. Creepy one eyed hut to look" He then goes to sit down, hey this is all news to him.   

Xander nods as he answers Benar "Is that wise? Quade is still out there and probably looking for you."   

Benar asks, "Perhaps he is, but I would be safer back behind the walls of the Abbey surely? With yourself and our allies from Ferravale to escort me I should be able to make it home." He glances at the rat and inclines his head, "Good day to you"
   
Patch bows "Hello sir...I am a friend trust me."
   
Xander nods slowly "I can get you there, if you’re sure. I have a feeling Quade may try and go there,don't know" He sighs "Sorry, just a lot to figure out, work on...being leader of a group now and all that. But at least I know where..well most of the Defenders are at least"   

Benar says, "Well I am glad you know where the defenders are. But I think I'd still feel safer with my champion to back me up and the guards too." He stands up and shakes out his habit, "He's not going to get inside the walls of the Abbey, not now we are aware of his treachery." He then glances at Patch and smiles, "I am always glad to meet friends."
   
Xander frowns “Your safe with me also, I wouldn’t let anyone try and harm you, they would have to get through me first." He looks to the door "We can let the guards here know I went to get you back to the abbey, also the abbey...and here should work on a plan to try and stop Quade...maybe attack his base since we know where it is now, or least try and find out how many follow him"   

Patch listens as they talk" Ya want me to try and find out something and report back?"   

Benar places a paw on Xander's arm, "I know you can protect me but you have others to worry about my young friend." He looks at Patch and frowns, "Do not put yourself in too much danger, Quade is insane."

Xander smiles a little, he then nods his head "Yeah I agree with the insane part, maybe more insane now. I mean we got lucky we happen to see him go into that mine or...well not sure would want to know possible outcomes or what ifs..so when should we get back to the abbey, I could even try and have a meeting with the defenders since most are at the abbey...one is here in the infirm in Ferravale, but we have allys here like Blisa and some beasts here."   

Patch says, "Yeah I heard, we tried...let me rephrase that, he burnt down that Defender base, not that it was that big...when that’s rebuild ya need a bigger place and spying is something I am good at, and hiding..picking locks if needed."
   
Benar inclines his head to Patch as he speaks, "Well I can't say I like the idea of fighting myself but Mossflower must be defended and allowed to be free. We should try to congregate our allies in one place and come up with a proper plan."   

Xander says, "The abbey most likely be safer"   

Patch says, "I can let chiefy know you headed back"   

Benar says, "Ok then, let us return to the abbey and come up with a plan. Blisa's people on our side would be a great help to."
   
Xander nods as he glances at Patch   

Patch says, "I will stay in the village, you can go as the less beasts thar is the better, and you can like stick to the woods, or whatever is safer"

RW Abbey:Entry
-----------------------------------------
You stand on a grassy sward between two cottages.  To the south you see a small, calm pond.  To the north lies an open space where the Abbey has its feasts in the warmer seasons. To the east is the Great Hall, a massive structure that rises far above the abbey walls and is completed with large towers that pierce upwards into the sky.  The main building is completed with a large, iron banded door that would allow one into the Great Hall. 
Its Spring time
---------------------------------------------

It is around lunch time and a couple novices are outside, some beasts are inside and some are getting ready for planting crops, hey it’s that time of the season and it will need done very soon they just have to get the ground ready for planting. Oz is in the entry sitting in a chair keeping the dibbuns from getting in the way too much, sadly for Sister Ginny he can't keep them away from muddy puddles, the puddles seem to draw the dibbuns to them and get rid of any clues they ever had a bath.
   
Xander arrives about this time, staying very alert and making sure Benar got back safe, maybe over reacting once when it was just a  small group of  shrews, but he was glad to see a couple friends. It took a little longer but he smiles when he sees the abbey gates and seems to sigh in relieve.
   
Benar is chatting quietly to the GOUSIM shrews as the small party Xander is leading heads into the Abbey. He looks up at the great red stone walls then over at the main building and sighs, "It is good to be home."
   
Oz hears the voices at the glances and then the entry and goes to walk over to them listening and then catching one voice as a smile forms "Benar...your back home, are you alright?"   

Edson follows shortly after the abbot, Xander and the shrews, shrews are interesting so far, but he isn’t interested in them as he heads over to Xander "Greetings sir, hope all is well"   

Benar says, "Indeed, Xander here and some of his Defenders rescued me from where Quade was holding me captive. How is everything here my friend?"
   
Xander nods to Edson as he places his blade where it needs to be "Its...bout as well as can be. Going  to have a meeting soonish Edson so stay around ok"   

Oz goes to gently hug Benar “I am glad your safe now Benar, the abbey was worried and things here are..fairly well, with you back I am sure a lot of the worry and stress will be lowered."   

Edson nods as he speaks "Zolomon is here, so is Dorarose..Thunderwing is somewhere....speaking of Zolomon, he is..well bit down...Jasmine she..."He frowns.   

Benar says, "Well I am glad people are here and ready to help." He leans into Oz's hug, "And I am glad to be home"

   
Xander speaks to Edson "I...know..." He glances around "Least we know Quade is not allowed back inside the abbey"   

Oz nods "Yes...Quade got caught in a lie...as well as trying to harm someone" He frowns "Which reminds me....not that it’s something we can’t do without but we are out of mint, sort of got rid of it as a safe guard and I know some more is not yet in the gardens for another couple weeks think...other than that other supplies are fairly good"   

Edson says, "Better safe than sorry I always say."   

Xander goes to sit down on the steps heading up to the wall tops, looks like he needs some rest   

Benar chuckles and leans against Oz, looking tired, "Oh dear out of mint... that is a horrible problem... I am rather glad to have to deal with that rather than the rest of what has happened over the last few weeks."   

Oz makes sure Benar doesn't fall over" Do you need help to your room Benar? I could have someone tell the friar to get you something to eat as well, something to drink as well."   

Edson glances over at the abbot, and also at Xander before speaking "I say rest may be good for a lot of us, one thinks better after rest...so whom do we have still to help us against Quade?"   

Xander answers "The defenders...Ferravale..some shrews now, and not sure whom else, oh and the defenders have a new member...Minsc Thornton, whom I should make sure is alright, I talked to him briefly last night..he hates Quade, though it does worry me how much he seems to hate him"   

Benar makes himself stand up a bit straighter, "I am ok thank you Oz, it has just been a long few days. I think I will go have a long bath and change."   

Oz nods “Just get a good meal and some rest afterwards Benar...Me, Lacota and Magramba can handle things still so you can get some rest, and the infirm has Anglea and Leon if needed"   

Edson says, "Minsc...the hamster? Yeah bit moody and seems to think he doesn’t have to listen to any beast...he needs sat down and talked to not have a hey I am free now let’s go kill the vermin idea going"   

Xander sighs as he closes his eyes, "I can try....but I don’t know what all he went through, none of us do but yes someone should try and talk to him"   

Edson shrugs "Good luck with that...I am going to get lunch, I will be somewhere in the abbey" He then heads off.   

Benar says, "Minsc  had a very bad time of late, especially as Quade's prisoner, I am sure in time he will find hope again."
   
Oz lets the others speak before he does "It may be wise to make sure he gets to the abbey. It’s most likely even less safe out there now."   

Xander nods "He was in Ferravale...I could check and I would be careful I promise. The sooner Quade is dealed with the better. Then we can focus on better things like planting and figuring out fun things like a spring feast or what cookies to bake...or what to make with pottery, and pottery is relaxing I found out"   

Benar says, "Well I will leave things in your hands Xander and see you all after I have had a bath""   

Xander blinks and then nods "Alright Benar..."   

Oz says, "I will let the abbey know your home Benar and if needed to not disturb you unless it’s important"

RW Abbey: Cavern Hole
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This room is slightly smaller than Great Hall, but still of a size large enough to accommodate a great number of gathered beasts. A large fireplace is set into one of the walls, and there are a series of small tables and chairs near one end for beasts who are eating late, or simply prefer the smaller tables for their meals. Cushions and blankets have been set in one corner. A short flight of steps leads up to Great Hall, and along the walls of the stairs, going both ways, the word 'Redwall' has been carved into the stone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------   

Xander sat at a table with Oatmeal Cookies, as well as some Sugar cookies, October ale and some slightly burnt wheat scones.   

Zolomon enters the room and grins "Food...good food fer a change" He has his side bandaged under his tunic as he sits down and frowns slightly "Hey Xandy..."   

Xander smiles "Glad to see you up and about Zolomon, we are going to find Benar and Marek soon, also someone named Minsc think it was"   

Edson follows the hare soon afterwards and stops as he blinks. Ya burned de scones...."He then shuts up and sits down as he tastes one and shrugs, not bad and gets some ale."So we got a plan or not sir?"   

Xander answers "Working on it..I mean this leadership thing is new to me, Thunderwing is looking for Quade and I do know he has a robin, Quade that is, that acts as I am guessing a spy for him so be careful, robins are rare so..as said careful please"   

Zolomon gets a cookie and nods "Course Xandy....he has Jas by the way, need to find and save her as well. I never forgive me self if something happens to her"
   
Edson asks, "That’s why we plan, any other news?"   

Xander says, "Well, those vials he had in the cloak Thunderwing got may well be his poisons, and hopefully Angela can figure out a working cure and a mixture of herbs the old beaver mentioned, be used to help also, even if it only helps a little or slows it more"
   
Zolomon says, "My guess is where ever Quade is, is close has ta be."   

Edson nods as he drinks some October Ale and finishes his scone" He could be in the woods, or by that river where ya seen the one beaver, he say much more?"   

Xander says, "Just some tunnel that collapsed but that there was some other tunnel that looked safer. Now Quade has archers, he has poisons too and is skilled in fighting, plus he is a squirrel so could be in the trees"
   
Edson says, "so watch the trees...got it"
   
Xander mutters,  "Wait….tunnels like underground?"   

Zolomon hmms? He listens to the badger"Could be underground...or not...don’t know"   

Edson says, "My advice is stay away from tunnels, anything underground is for moles only"   

Xander says, "Yes but if it’s an idea where Benar and Minsc are...we should try and look, the sooner the better I..I just don’t know of any places like that around"   

Zolomon says, "Xandy has a point, we should blooming look and be careful doing it. I say a good sign...well sort of bad, is sudden vermin attacks, may mean we are close"   

Edson says, "I suppose, "But I would wear that armor sir and us as well, rather safe than sorry or dead"   

Xander says, "I plan to, don’t worry...my grandfather even has a helmet, well sort of its like chainmail you wear on your head and it covers the neck and shoulders, but not the face...covers back of the head as well, it does fit me..guess my Uncle Zee fixed it up a little...well before he died"   

Zolomon nods "I have bark leather and with me longbow can attack from faraway"
   
Edson looks to them "I have chainmail vest, not much but it will help some"   

Xander sips October ale as he listens "Good...its protection none the less"   

Edson gets another scone "SO when do we leave?"   

Zolomon looks to Xander for a reply   

Xander looks around and takes a long sip of the ale and coughs roughly, ok got to remember to take that slow, "Umm...let’s see we still have us...Thunderwing, Henry, Lee...somewhere out there. Dorarose." He hmms "Brookshire is too injured and Jasmine is a captive, as is Marek"   

Edson says, "So...7 altogether who can still fight"   

Xander says, "And 2 captive...1 injured"   

Zolomon nods "I am a bit pained but lot better than Brookshire, she got two arrows in her, but she be alive and that’s good"   

Edson says, "So most of the group can fight, good...we need more members"   

Xander says, "I am unsure who else would join, but others are willing to help still"   

Zolomon says, "Well Ferravale has beasts and some others here can fight"   

Edson says, "Any help is good"

Xander nods "Yes...any help is good. that’s true"   

Zolomon says, "You’re doing good Xandy, not ta worry"   

Edson nods "He is right. You’re a good leader...you plan and think things out, make sure we know to have protection before we leave, figure out whom is able or not able to fight"   

Xander manages a smile "Thank you both, but it’s still all new to me"   

Zolomon smiles as he stands "I say we jolly well go out now." He places 4 cookies in a pocket, you know for later.   

Edson shakes his head at the hare, course cookies are always needed. He nods "I agree..we get armor, weapons and whatever else is helpful and we head off"   

Xander smiles more"Yes..we meet on the road outside the abbey...2 hours" He says and then stands and heads to get his armor and weapon

*** TWO HOURS LATER ***

Xander led the other Defenders. He has on his armor, as well as the chainmail on his head, neck and shoulders. He also had The Blade Of The Northwind Storms on his back. He keep very alert and scanned the skies, the trees and the road.

Zolomon stayed close by and every so often looked behind them or to the side as they walked. He had his leather armor on and his quiver of arrows, and longbow and a saber at his side” So any idea where to go Xandy?”

Thunderwing stayed close, mainly the air where he circled and kept an eye on the group, as well as an eye out for trouble.

Edson had the chainmail he mentioned and keep his alertness up, “I know of no tunnels in the woods or by the river sir, I wonder if anything is near this, tis like an area that wasn’t too far from Mossflower Defenders base, 3-4 huts in some small abandoned  village maybe”

Xander slowed “Maybe we can look, anything else?”

Kurt flew around nearby and landed on some fallen tree, one that had been on fire a couple days before, he glanced around as if looking for someone.

Zolomon taps Xander on the arm and points to where the robin is quietly

Xander starts to speak and sees the robin and motions for the two to go with him behind a couple trees as he watches the bird.

Thunderwing has seen the robin and stays close, circling once and landing on the top of a tall, tall oak tree and peers down at them from above.

Quade appears as he quietly speaks with the robin and then heads down a path.

Kurt follows his master, saying something back to him.

Edson keeps an eye on the robin as well, his eyes widen and he lays a paw on his sword when he sees Quade.

Xander frowns and holds back a growl, “We follow them” He mouths to the other two, saying it slowly.

Zolomon nods and goes to follow the badger wherever he is heading.

Edson nods once, looks around and skyward and then quietly follows, he keeps alert of trouble or dangers along the way

Thunderwing shifts a little and finds another tree that’s a little less tall, but he still stays well-hidden and quiet best he can.

Xander watches where the squirrel goes and gets as close as he can.

Quade enters an old mine tunnel and is seen with a tall cat

Zolomon tries to get a little closer and frowns, he then goes inside

Rowtag is inside, as is Quade. The mine has a long tunnel one direction and another that becomes a dead end, close to the entry the cat walks away from is a couple side passageways, again dead ends but short enough to hide in and not be seen if one is careful and quiet.

Quade nods to the cat, “Its time, go to the cell and kill Abbot Benar, we take his head to Redwall, then see how they like me, they want to see the true me” He smiles coldly “They will get the true me”

Edson shakes his head at the hare and looks at Xander frowning.

Xander quickly goes  to follow the hare and then grabs Zolomon’s arm “Too…close” He whispers in his ear and then frowns as he pulls him into a side passageway.

Zolomon hears the cat and Quade and then he in this OMG moment he hears  Xander’s voice and  not knowing it’s him right away almost stabs the badger when he is roughly pulled back , he then frowns as he  stops just in time, he whispers “Their gonna kill Benar……” A look of horror on his face.

Xander tenses up and a ton of thoughts go through his head at once, what to do what to do? This is not one of those let’s think this through type thing, they need to act and act quickly!

********************CLIFF HANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*************

What will they do? Will they be too late? Is Benar going to Die? Is Zolomon and Xander going to die?......Your have to wait for part 2!!!!!!  Coming Soon!!!!!!!!!!

RW Abbey: Great Hall
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here.  A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance.  The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist.  The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
 
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.
 
Soft light is slowly beginning to filter in through the stained glass windows high above your head.

Xander sits in the large chair sipping some October Ale, only a little bit and has a couple rice cakes with honey beside him as well.   

Down the steps comes a slow humming and then, the hopping form of a black throated sparra.
   
Xander glances at the sparrow "Hey" He says quietly and leans back in the chair, its then seen his bandaged leg under his knee, the one on his wrist is gone.   

The sparrow looks stops on the steps. "Greetings stripyworm." Says the sparra. He is then silent for a moment as he looks the badger over. "Youum wellfine stripyworm?" He finely asks.   

Zolomon enters the room slowly, his ear burnt from a fire and his fur, as well as his clothing still smell like forest fire. He also looks like he been in a rainstorm.   

Xander nods "I guess..."He then stands, limping slightly over to the hare "Zolomon!..w..what happen to you?"   

The sparrow just stands in the stairwell, not really sure how to respond to the hare entering the room.   

Zolomon sits down "He tried to kill us Xandy....he set the headquarters on fire, it’s gone....and like a couple huts nearby it..me, Edson, Jasmine, were all there..he wanted us dead Xandy"   

Xander frowns "Who did?" He looks worried, he isn’t sure who Jasmine is, "Wait. The Mossflower Defender's base?"   

The sparrow's unnatural golden eyes narrow. "I told  spyworm that has abbeyhead."   

Zolomon nods "Quade...he did it..."   

Xander eyes flash as he growls, he takes a few deep calming breaths "Ok....ok...that’s it...he needs stopped, he tried to kill Uncle Oz..twice, he killed my mother...he killed a dibbun, he killed a novice and he has someone else in the infirm in a deep faint"   

Zolomon takes a step away from Xander "Xander...calm down" He frowns "But wot can we do. The Defenders have not leader now"   

The sparrow shakes his head slowly. "I tolled them, strike when the worm first shows him head."   

Xander calms as his eyes go back to the normal color, "You have a leader...me." He says "Word spreads Quade is not a good beast....and the Mossflower Defenders will have a meeting..so need to find Dorarose, Edson, Brookshire,..you said  a Jasmine, and course Thunderwing...any other members I didn’t mention, besides Marek whom is missing"   

Zolomon says, "No..Jasmine wants to help as a cook and she can use a dirk .And your...be leader now?" He smiles "I like that idea"   

The sparrow watch form the stairwell, he has nothing to contribute right now. His not quite sure what is happening, but whatever it is, he likes it.   

Xander smiles "I..admit I am a little..scared, not rally ever led anyone before"   

Zolomon smiles "Yeah ya have, the tavern remember...well not totally but when we couldn’t find Quade...cause yeah he probably caused it...you helped get me and some others to listen and get the tavern back under Ferravale control"   

If any were watching the little sparrow in the stairwell, he would notice playful lights starting to dance across the sparra's eyes as he began to laugh. "No beast knows how to led before he does so. Do you think that Matthias crazy mouse knew how to led?"   

Xander looks at the bird, "Well...he learned guess by doing" He smiles "You want to join Mossflower Defenders? You could be a warrior from the sky, or spy maybe"   

Zolomon grins "Birds be cool, and your have help Xandy...ummm I can still call ya...don't have to call ya sir now do I?"   

Xander smiles "I am not Sir..I am Xander...Xander Winters...leader of The Mossflower  Defenders, I am a friend, I am a protector of my friends and family...I am me" He smiles.   

The sparrow chirps with joy. "I was think I could learn to be a healer, all armies need healings after all..." the sparra stops and laughs again. "Meum get ahead of meself," He hops down the stairs and in to the Great Hall and bows deeply. "I am the sparra Henry... poet."
   
"And I would be honored to defend Mossflower with fine worms like you.” The sparrow says.

Zolomon smiles "I be Zolomon Arturo Garrick Anderson IV...at ya service Henry"   

Xander smiles "Then you’re welcome to join Henry...what skills do you have?"   

Zolomon folds his arms over his chest "We will need to rebuild the headquarters, but that can wait till this threat is taken care of"   

"Skills..." The sparrow thinks for a moment, "Meum strong flyer, not strongest, but if you need I can travel as fast as any worm. I have a great wit and skilled with the word. If you would like something else of me, I may not know how to do as well as some other beast..." the sparra spreads his wings. "But I can learn."   

Xander nods "Alright, a messenger is good. If you know healing herbs you could find those and fighters are always needed"   

Zolomon says, "This is good, The Defenders grows and we have a good leader now.."   

Xander says, "A bard maybe...they are like poets..singers and could still fight and learn healing"   

Zolomon says, "See you got good leadership skills Xandy"   

Henry laughs, "Bard... Meum likes the sound of that! Henry the poet the bard...." The poet makes a little frown and then shrugs. "It needs work."

Xander smiles ," I will need to have a meeting, discuss what to do, how to do....we need to get the abbot, Marek and Minsc free as soon as possible."   

Zolomon nods "Course Xandy...meetings are always good"   

The newest member of the Defenders seems notable unthrilled at the prospect of a meeting, but agrees that it is needed.   

Gorvenalus makes his way slowly down the steps and finds a nearby chair.   

Xander walks over to the beaver "Hello sir, you doing ok?"   

Gorvenalus manages a smile "Fairly well ad...fairly well...the vixen is still in her deep faint, Brother Leon is slowly recovering but we do still need the antidote to what Quade used or I fear the vixen may never wake, and your Master Healer may be awake now but the effects are still there, he could start to worsen again without it, the antidote would make sure all ill effects were gone as I can only do so little to slow effects, he may of gotten a good deal less than her, but as I said...he could still be in danger of death"   

Zolomon frowns "That’s not a good thing...maybe someone could steal it off Quade or ..bally well something"   

Xander frowns "We..don't need anyone else dyeing....so Quade clearly uses different kinds of poison...ones that would kill quickly, like in the tea and others guess that work slowly but can still be deadly"   

The sparrow Henry (who the beaver would recognize but not know the name of) look slightly worried, (only slightly he never was much of a worrier). He turns to the badger. "What worm be heally worm while big heally worm is unawake?"   

Xander listens, "Who is in deep faint?..Rayen....and our Master Healer is Leon, he was in a like faint a week but woke up, but he is in a wheelchair...course Rayen was really bad injured and...in the infirm longer, lot longer. Quade gave her something, more of it and probably Leon too just not as much"   

Gorvenalus says, "Yes is my guess...but still any amount, even if it’s a weaker poison...is still not good. He is making it look like it’s a long process of...not healing maybe, the poison he tried to use on the caretaker sounded like a much quicker one, to make it look like a heart attack...Quade used both in my home lands."   
Zolomon says, "Then we try and rob him..somehow"   

Gorvenalus asks, "Quade is not a fool, how would you rob him?"   

Xander says, "Well I...I would figure it out....wait use something against him...sleeping herbs, we get whatever vails he keeps and figure out which one is an antidote and which is a poison"   

The black Throated poet shakes his head, "Youum mistake me questionings sir," (Henry knows the badger said not to call him sir, but that was to the badger's close friend, which Henry, as of yet, is not.) "Meum ask, what heally worm is second in command, whoum chef hear when chef hear is gone?! If it be fox heally worm, who be third in commend?!"   

Zolomon blinks "Ahhh...umm in command of Redwall while abbot is missing....Oz..Lacota...Magrmaba and Leon...and think Elmef as well"   

Gorvenalus just listens as they talk.   

Xander sighs" We need to find Quade or one of his helpers before...."   

The poet shakes his head again, more vigorously then before. "No, not who be in charge of abbey when head worm is gone! Whom be in charge of healing when chef healer in gone!?!"   

Xander says, "If Leon would...get worse?..Angela is..why?""   

Zolomon frowns," Yes Leon and that Angela is the main healers...Rayen and some novices be under them   

Gorvenalus raises a paw "I know the healing arts also...I can help in the infirm as well"   

The sparrow poet shags to calm down. "Leon worm is in no condition to heal, So, the responsibility of healing fall on the second in command, right? So, can she do anything to help the foxworm now. If so, we don't need to steal from spy beast at all. If she needs herbs of some kind that she does not have, we can collect them. Only if we know we are out of options should we try to steal form the enemy."   

Gorvenalus hmmms "If ...if pictures are sent, then maybe...I know of a plant that may help. I don’t know..he tends to strengthen some things and make them moreso..dangerous"   

Zolomon frowns "Well I bally well know very little of healing, maybe how ta stop bleeding or sort of bandage...good skills when a healer is nowhere around"   

Xander says, "We still need to find whatever he keeps around..."   

"If you don't mind me saying so, if we are going to sneak into spy worm’s base," says the sparrow, "finding the poisons cannot be the only reason, Sir. Besides, did you not just say we should have a meeting?... Sir?"
   
Xander sighs, "You...your right..a meeting"   

Zolomon says, "That is wise, we just need to find the others...I could go"   

Gorvenalus says, "Discussing plans is always important"   

The golden eyed sparrow turned to the beaver, "Youum spoke of a plant big-tailed worm."   

Gorvenalus says, "An herb called Rue, there is none here, but it may be found in the woodlands...maybe"   

Zolomon says, "Should I go get Thunderwing and Edson, need to check on Jas anyways"   

Xander nods "But..if you’re not back in an hour or two I come looking for you, cause they were supposed to be here I just hope they didn’t find trouble”
   

Gorvenalus says, "I hope so as well my friend"   

"Me three!" The sparrow looks between the two beasts. "What? Meum wanted to be included on the hoping."   

Gorvenalus nods and smiles "If we get the poison to analyze that’s good as well but we need this fast or quickfast, and a couple other herbs..pictures can be found to help"   

Xander frowns as Zolomon walks off looking worried   

Gorvenalus quickly thinks and gets up "Yes...Rue...Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Cilantro, and Black Walnut...these can be found and used."   

The poet call Henry on the other paw is carefree. Infect, he can not think of anything that could ruin this day for him... except maybe his new boss get captured, but what's the likeliness of that happening right? He looks at the beaver. "Meum could fly into Mossflower and collect as much as I can before the meeting! If that's okay with you Sir?" This second comment was directed at the badger.   

Xander nods "Just...be careful" He can get use to being called sir "And then you can find Angela"   

Gorvenalus looks to the steps "I should check on the vixen and your Master Healer"   

Xander nods "Yeah...Gorvenlus..do you think I will do well as a leader? I am new at this....and guess will learn along the way"   

The black throated sparrow make a quick salute with his wing, then he takes few hops and takes off. Out the door, across the courtyard, and over the abbey wall.   

Gorvenalus says, "Sometimes the world seems against you This may leave a scar, but as do physical scar. Emotional l ones heal. The things you have learned will guide you And nothing can silence the quiet voice still inside you telling you, you are you and no one else and I feel you know who you are now, so my friend. Keep that in your heart..always"   

Xander smiles "Thanks” He decides to get his mind off things, he looks to the kitchens…maybe cookies are good at a meeting, so he heads that way.

The beaver nods “You are most welcome young one” He watches the badger walk off and then sits in a chair.

In Log:
Oz-papa Oz and dibbun Caretaker
Quade- warrior and tempary leader of the Mossflower Defenders..for now
Lacota-Friar of Redwall
Elmef-Groundkeeper of Redwall
Gorvenalus- old beaver and an abbot of a far off land
Xander-Warrior badger in training
Henry-Sparrow
RW Abbey: Kitchen
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a long, narrow room with five large fireplaces set into one wall, and two equally large wood burning iron stoves set against the opposite wall. Several small, rectangular tables rest in here, but there are no chairs available. The rest of the wallspace is taken up by an entire array of shelves, cupboards, and counters which hold the day-to-day cooking supplies and utensils. The kitchen is clean and well maintained, and more recent efforts have been made toward organization of the cooking ware.

On the wall just right of the door leading into Great Hall is a neatly penned chart, which lists the names of beasts assigned to cooking duty as well as the dates and times they are scheduled. A small note above the chart urges residents to volunteer for at least a slot or two a week.

The curtains around the windows have been drawn against the night. The room is dark and the ovens are cold.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Quade slipped into the kitchens, he had left and returned from searching as he said and now looked for a late snack, it was fairly easy to snatch something this late
   
Oz was already in the kitchens making himself tea and hearing the squirrel he snorted, "Quade...so you find anything on your so called walk?"   

Quade tail puffed up and he spoke sounding calm "No...but I am calmer now and want to tell you I am truly sorry for earlier...stress does get the best of us and perhaps I am wrong about the lad. I did look for him" Not a lie" But didn’t find him, maybe he left and who knows where he went"   

Oz says, "Why does it seem your confused..you care and then you don’t and then you care again. And why try and make others seem like things are their fault."
   
Quade stays calm as he speak "Stress as I said before, does that to a beast...I mean you know stress I am sure seeing as only 3 leaders are in any shape..well two maybe to help much"
   
Oz would glare, but can't "I don’t trust you Quade" There he said it and waits on a reply

Quade narrows his eyes as he is glade the badger is blind as he walks over and snatches a couple muffins and looks at the tea and back to the badger. “Do relax Oz....you should calm yourself as it be a pity to wake anyone at this hour"   

Oz crosses his arms as he listens, "If you’re taking something you should ask first"   

"Ask first?" The squirrel smirks, whats the fun in that as he eats a muffin   

Oz says, "Yes ask first and your changing the subject...as a leader you and me are talking now...in the cavern hole...now"
   
Quade asks, "why cavern hole, I mean it is late wouldn’t want to wake anyone would we?"
   
Oz says, "Somewhere else then....you know what outside is fine, it’s not raining now"
   

RW Abbey: Kitchen Path
------------------------------------------------------------------
A broad path leads down through the short grass of the area. The orchards spread far and wide on one of the sides, near the abbey's outer wall. From this distance the dirt path can be seen winding through the grassy orchards, and along with it many dibbuns eager for the sweet cheeries, apples, and various other fruity delights. Nearby the vegetable garden makes its presence known by the plumpness of the fruits and plants. The kitchen wall rests on the other side of the garden path, and the large kitchen door usually sits propped open to ease the heat of the kitchens. Often, a beast can catch tantalizing wisps of the foods being cooked. Beside it is a small breezeway that seems to connect the kitchens to the great hall. The great hall appears still great even in this distance, dwarfing the kitchen structure.
                             
Springing to life after a long sleep, summer is in full force.The beauty of the sun echoes everywhere from the vivacious flowers, eager to dance in hot breezes to the green shoots of grass, swaying as accompaniment to the lead of the flora. Puddles and muddy spots have been chased away by the golden rays of the sun. During the day, it seems as if buttermilk has been poured over the road, changing the dull brown color into something wearing the majestic touch of the sun-- perhaps a path to the heavens.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Quade snatched more muffins and smirks as he grabs the tea and follows

Oz heads outside and then mutters something, "Great..."   

Quade watches him “Forget something, I have that tea and some muffins...I even got me a cup and don’t worry I will...help make more muffins"   

Oz arches an eyebrow, he is silent as he listens and he sits on a bench "Sit...now" The voice almost sounds like a command and maybe it is.   

Quade sits slowly as he sits down the tray of muffins and the tea cups, he takes one though and speaks calmly “How about I pour the tea...hmmms"   

Oz says, "I can pour my own tea"   

Quade thinks fast "With your one arm still in a sling and your good arm too, wouldn’t want the dibbun caretaker injured more..would we?"   

Oz says, "Fine "He mutters "But you’re not leaving till we chat as I said I don’t trust you, now tell me why I should trust you"
   
Quade relaxes a little as he pours himself a glass and the badger one"Well...I did get the dibbuns back here and if I wasn’t trustworthy would I do that, I been trying to help search for Xander would an untrustworthy beast do that"   

Oz listens to the squirrel as he talks, he studies voice tone and snorts a little" Why did you not tell beasts sooner where they were and why did the fight from what heard seem easy?"
   
Quade asks, "dumb luck?" He has yet to add anything to the tea, he will wait "It happens"   

Oz arches an eyebrow "Dum luck?" He shakes his head and decides he may as well get a muffin, maybe it will calm his nerves, “Any news on finding anyone missing, you have mentioned looking so hard after all"   

Quade narrows his eyes, the badger is annoying and he is unsure how long he can keep up this calmness before he loses it, he somehow keeps most of his calm as he looks to a vest pocket "None yet, but one never stops....giving up on things important to them"   

Oz says, "well finding our friends is important....and I thought you were pouring tea"   

Quade takes a deep breath, oh yes the tea. He calmly and slowly gets out a small vail and drops some into a cup and again it’s in his vest.  This is different than another vial, this one a LOT more deadly.He gets some honey for himself, yes that’s the possible noise and its scent would be smelled, not so much an order less vial of stuff.. "Honey in your tea I like it"
   
Oz says, "No "It’s simple and short reply, he does smell the honey "Now about Xander, when he gets back I want you to apologize to him and I want to be there when you do so I know you did"
   
Quade scoots the tea over “Why do you need to be there, cause you don’t trust me?"   

Oz doesn’t take the mug of tea yet as he crosses his arms over his chest "That way I know it was done that’s why"   

Quade rolls his eyes, "Whatever...fine. But I did sent a friend to help Xander, see I was looking for him...but I do plan on going back out a little later, you know when it’s better light..now why don’t you drink your tea before it gets cold"
   
Oz still keeps his arms folded but does relax a little, "And who is this..friend of yours?"   

Quade closes his eyes, silence and then opens them again.. "Does it matter, he will find him." He watches him as he takes his own cup of tea and sips it, "As I said..relax..drink some tea, eat a muffin..." As the squirrel does his best not to grumble at all this talking, less talking already.   

Lacota can be seen approaching from the gardens, carrying a basket on his arm.   

Oz frowns, he does finally pick up the tea mug figuring if Quade is drinking it, its fine...though his tea is a bit discolored, but anything else seems normal. But he has yet to take a sip of the tea yet.   

Quade watches him, he is silently distracted when he sees the Friar and slowly stands, "I should get back out and see if my friend found Xander or not...you can stay here and drink your tea....and relax" He goes to walk away without looking like he is in too much of a hurry.
   
Lacota picks up his pace. "Leaving so soon, Mr. Quade? How inconsiderate."
   
Oz starts to take a sip and stops as he lowers the mug, sitting it down.   

Quade stops "I have something to do..."He looks back at them and shakes his head, yeah he is gonna walk faster..before something else happens.   

Lacota comes even closer. "What's the hurry, Mr. Quade?" He nods his head. "Oz... Lovely day for a spot of tea... Mind if I join you?"   

Elmef comes walking in from the orchard, carrying a basket full of various tools and equipment used on tidying up the orchard, "Oh afternoon everyone."   

Oz frowns as he seems to be listening, but not to anyone here oddly.."Why...."He then pushes away the mug and stands up seeming confused. "Maybe...not" He didn’t drink any of it.   

Quade frowns, why more beasts "Hello Elmef..I just need to look for Xander....and my friend...I am sure other things are more important than me" He then walks to the gates..rather quickly and mutters something under his breath   

Elmef frowns after Quade as he hurries of and shakes his head, "He is a strange beast... anyway how is everyone? Friar, Papa Oz? Having nice days I hope?"   

Lacota hrmms. "Hello, Elmef... I'm having a rather good day. I was out checking the gardens, in fact. Tell me something, is my distrust of that Quade fellow pure paranoia?" He reaches for Oz's tea, hmming thoughtfully. "What kind of tea is this?"   

Oz speaks softly "Mint...suppose to..." He goes quiet and then speaks quietly"One will fly...One will lie...One will fall...And one will rise. Trust will be questioned--but the true light will be known, the liar found out when the One with no hope escapes.." He then just sort of stands there looking confused.   

Elmef looks over at Lacota, "I can't say I know him that well, I do find it..." he trails off and looks at Oz as he speaks, "What was that Oz? I didn't follow all of that."   

Quade stops his muttering and looks back, where has he heard....he suddenly speeds up, he makes it out the door and to the gates.   

Lacota takes a sniff of the tea in Oz's cup. "Mint, you say? It certainly smells right, but it looks strangely cloudy." The squirrel dips a finger into the tea and licks it. "Eugh. Are you sure this is mint tea, Oz?"
   
Oz lays a paw on his forehead "I don't know...wait..Quade made it, but he was drinking some as well..but when I started to drink it...I saw Martin...he said stop and then ...there was something else but can’t remember" He frowns..wait he saw something a brief second..that can’t be good. " Something is wrong with the tea..."   

Elmef frowns and sets down his basket and reaches for Lacota's cup, "Here let me have a look at this..."   

Lacota nods. "By all means." He hands the cup to Elmef, frowning now.   

Oz frowns, he tilts his head as he seems to listen to something towards the entry. He frowns, luckily he didn’t take a sip, even half of one from that mug as his had some kind of poison in it, the other mug...well didn’t and that’s the one Quade had been sipping from. “I usually make my own tea."   

Gorvenalus frowns, he is too old to lift anyone so he goes to try and pat the badgers cheeck to wake him up, least get him to where some others are. He doesn’t get as far as he likes as he slowly lays him down and sits down himself completely worn out, it’s been a long morning.   

Xander groans, he is sort of awake and has a swollen leg, a claw mark of some sort on his lower arm, he is also shivering fairly badly. He has his grandfather’s armor on but that’s muddy and has some stained blood on it....the gate guard has the blade now.   

Oz frowns, he did hear something as he walks away from Elmef and Lacota and is beside the newcomer and Xander rather quickly, "Xander..." Worry is in his voice.   

Lacota watches Elmef a few moments, then notices the commotion of the newcomers. "Xander? Is he back?"   

Gorvenalus steps back, he stumbles a little , he doesn't say anything, he knows no one in this place, but they still have a right to know, "The...lad was by the river....and there was some..some creature after him...but they were on the ice, and fell in...I managed to get him out, and got him here with help from some...rat who knew the way here." He sounds worn out, tried and seriously suddenly feeling his age.
   
Xander manages to open his eyes half way to focus on Oz.. “Your...alive....Quade said...you were dead...said I ruined...everything when killed that..Bolt..fox" He then passes out totally.   

Oz frowns as he listens to Xander, he feels for a pulse and is glad there is one, but worry still shows,"He needs inside."   

Elmef returns from where he has been examining the tea and hurries over to the crowd, "Oh dear what did I miss?"   

Gorvenalus stays seated, he slowly looks over as Quade's name is mentioned, "Quade....Quade is to not be trusted...he has captives" He coughs and shivers some, he may be normally able to handle cold water from earlier but he is also weaker from being a captive himself for a lot longer.   

Lacota frowns, shaking his head. "I never trusted Quade, and I've said that numerous times... I'm going to inform Magramba."   

Elmef says, "If he has captives then he must be followed and stopped...."
   
Oz listens as he stays by Xander, least till someone can get him to the infirmary, "I have a feeling Leon didn’t fall down the steps on his own...Quade helped."   

Elmef frowns at the remnants of the tea, "And if you had drunk that tea Oz you'd be having a very natural seeming heart attack about now."   

Gorvenalus is half listening, a couple other abbey beasts do come, a couple healers who look over the beaver and one checks on Xander, as the old beaver leans ageist something and remains sitting up.   

Oz frowns, "It’s a good thing I didn’t drink any of it, I started to a couple times, but was trying to listen to Quade and Lacota and..before that..I did wonder why he seemed so eager for me to drink it...he was drinking tea though...." He stops right there "His was fine...mine was the only one not ...."He shakes his head "Quade wants the ones in charge out of the way..."   

Lacota hmphs. "He never tried to kill me, that I know of... Though I have come very close to outright accuse him of kidnapping and worse several times."   

Elmef says, "Well it sounds like he has our abbot. We need to get out there and find him"
   
Gorvenalus frowns as he finally finds his voice again "Is his name...Benar?"   

Oz says, "He may of tried soon..."He tilts his head at the beaver"You saw Benar sir?"
   
Gorvenalus coughs roughly, he most likely needs the infirm to rest in "My name is Abbot Gorvenalus....least I was...before Quade and his...band of beasts destroyed my home, me and my friend Minsc whom he still has were the only ones left alive"   

Lacota asks, "What's that, though? You've seen Benar?"   

Elmef looks at Gorvenalus, he then moves over to try and help the older beast, "Come on, sit down you need to rest and a drink and we need to hear your news."   

Gorvenalus nods "Food and drink...would be good and yes I saw Benar..."
   
Oz says, "Benar is alive then, this is good news but we still need to find him"   

Down from the sky comes a black throated sparrow. "What happening in worm house?" he inquirers after a unfaltering landing.   

Oz decides to let the others talk, he is going to help get Xander to the infirm.   

Elmef says, "Welcome friend Sparra," the mouse says, "This noble beaver  has just brought us news of our missing leader." He helps Gorvenalus into a chair and waves down novice a sends them off for food and drink.   

Lacota seems a bit taken aback by the new arrival. "This is all highly irregular..."   

Gorvenalus smiles at the help and a chair to sit in.   

The sparra looks tired, like he was just flying for a while. "Good." He says wearily. he then get a strange look on his face, as if he just realized something. "Wait... was head worm missing?"
   
Elmef says, "Indeed our abbot is missing, he has been kidnapped it seems by someone we thought was a friend."
   
Lacota crosses his arms. "Well, *some* of thought he was a friend." The squirrel then places a paw on Elmef's shoulder. "I mean no disrespect, though... You said yourself earlier that you hadn't been around Quade enough to form an opinion... So it's not you I'm somewhat miffed at..."   

Gorvenalus nods, he has yet to speak much as he is still fairly weak and worn out.."Quade...has tricked many...he tricked me a long time ago."   

Elmef shakes his head, "I have to admit it makes sense now... it's not like the Abbot's party into the woods wasn't well protected. It could only have been betrayed..."   

Lights dance playfully across the weary sparrow's eyes as he speaks. "We know who spy worm is, and he don't know we know, right? So, let us lay a trap."   

Gorvenalus frowns "If he knows I live...then he will not be tricked so easily"   

Lacota shakes his head. "If we set up a trap, it will be up to Leon, Oz, Elmef, Magramba, and myself to decide how it's to be done. Frankly, I have my doubts he'll be foolish enough to come back here, because he tipped his paw in a big way this afternoon, and he *must* realize we're onto him by now..."   

Elmef shakes his head, "It is a good idea friend sparra but like Lacota says, he will suspect we now know and be ready for that..."   

The black throated sparra gives a little sort of shrug, as the lights continue to dance. "Well, if he does suspect our suspicion, then it would be best if we try to save the head worm now. If weum strike fast and hard, spy worm may not have time to put up defences. And even if he do, we gain nothing from waiting."   

Gorvenalus smiles as a novice brings him something to eat and drink, to which he happily eats the offered food and drink, he frowns at a thought, a memory, "Quade may try and harm your healers...they were the first ones he went after when he came to my home" He frowns "One needs...plans to win against Quade and his horde...yes he has vermin who work for him...he also has another captive you may know...and had a young mouse maid as well"   

Elmef says, "We shall tell the champion and he will come up with a plan. That is our best bet Magramba knows what he is about and will see to it that this is ended"
   
Lacota nods. "I'll talk to DoraRose, as well. This needs to be dealt with quickly."Lacota suddenly frowns. "Mouse maid?"   

Gorvenalus nods, "A..Lillymoore.....and he has a stoat, but the stoat is on the side of good..someone named Marek, Quade wanted to slay your abbot, he and Minsc got in the way...as I said your friends were alive last I saw them.....I hope they still are alive"He clears his throat “Lilymoore is with a Thunderwing…”

The sparrow seems annoyed that his ideas are being shot down, but he is just a young sparra, and has no authority. Besides, they may go with his attack asap idea anyway. He gets a strange look on his face when the beaver talks about healer, but he has nothing to say at this time.
   

Elmef smiles at the sparra and holds out a hand, "We will need all our friends by our side however when we do attack to take back our Abbot and stop him. I am sure all the sparra will fly by us so we may destroy the dark worm"   

Lacota hmmphs, looking decidedly unimpressed at the mention of Marek. "Oh, so he lives... How... Delightful." He waves a paw dismissively. "At the least, I am much relieved that LilyMoore is unharmed, and Benar as well... Quade will most likely move them all, though... We need beasts to scour the forest."   

Elmef says, "I'll go start assembling some teams and liase with Magramba we must all be ready to do what we can to help"   

Gorvenalus says, "You are not...friends with this Marek?"
   
Lacota shakes his head. "The notion that I'd be...friends, with that...that...that *fellow*, Marek, is laughable, at best. It's a *very* long story, and it's not one I recall fondly."   

The sparra says nothing. He stares at the ground raped up in his own thoughts.
   

Gorvenalus blinks "I do know he seemed....very protective of the one called Lilymoore"   

The sparrow, (who at this point has basically dropped out of the conversation) starts to hum quietly to himself.   

Lacota turns to face the beaver. "He does that. He has his own warped sense of 'loyalty' that suits himself. He claims to be all about honor and all those noble things, but you know what? He's a vermin, and all vermin will do the same thing, if given the chance: they'll stab you in the back."   

Gorvenalus frowns at the squirrels words, "A rat showed me and the young badger the right path to the abbey and they seemed correct....I do hope the young badger is ok...Xander I think the other one called him"   

Lacota sighs, seeming deflated. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry... Yes, Xander... I hope he recovers. I consider him a close friend."   

The sparrow looks up from the ground with a start. "Xander!?" He exclaims, "Meum been fly lookseeing for that worm for days! You mean heum been found?"   

Gorvenalus says, "He...sort of ran into me...but some..thing, I do not know what it was...was chasing him....it tried to kill us both but he and it got on the thin ice.....both sank but I managed just barely to get him out of the water....to get here "
   
"Thatum be not good. Is he going to be wellfine." Asks the sparra, a little worry, but mostly just interested.   

Lacota frowns. "Most distressing. At least he got back here."   

Gorvenalus says, "He is in the infirm...the other one...Oz?..Took him there, The  young badger is strong for his age and very skilled "   

"I see." Says the sparra. He then looks up at the Grate Hall, as if to see the infirmary form here.   

Gorvenalus stands slowly "I should...get some rest"   

The young sparra turns back to the beaver. "Farewell strange wormy thing, may the winds fill you wings allways." Then the sparra takes off into the sky, he has a lot to think about.

Redwall Log

Oz-Papa Oz and caretaker of the dibbuns
Henry-Sparrow
Zolomon-Archer hare in Mossflower Defenders
Thunderwing-Eagle
Patch-Rat
Spoofed Novice Ted and a few assorted abbey beasts in entry

==Oz shows up once they get to the abbey==

==Somewhere along the road or in the woods, little of both==

Thunderwing watched from above the air as he soared through the air, he flapped a couple times to catch a wind current and scanned the area below before flying back to land by the hare.

Zolomon always did keep a certain distance from the large eagle as he took a couple steps backwards “Hey..TW..find anything, good or bad…signs of Xandy?”

Thunderwing lowered his head as if upset, “Thunderwing find no friend Xander, but Thunderwing may of found staff.” He points a wing a little ways down a path and then goes to fly a few paces and land again waiting on the hare.

Zolomon follows and looks around. He spots the broken staff and frowns “That’s Ozzy’s staff alright…but wot happen ta it?”

The staff was broken in two pieces and blood was dried and caked on it, also some mud was on the staff from being on the forest floor a while.

Thunderwing tilts his head and puffs out, “Some beast made the staff dead”

Zolomon frowns and gets an old blanket and carefully wraps the two pieces of broken staff  in it and picks it up “Ok TW you keep looking for Xandy and I will report to Ozzy”

Thunderwing nods and takes off into the sky.

Great Hall
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here.  A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance.  The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist.  The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.

Oz sits in his chair, he is still annoyed with his staff being missing, and with Xander missing too its making him more stressed and more grumpy. He has some tea he sips slowly and sighs, his arm still in a sling as his shoulder heals.   

Zolomon walks in slowly and frowns "hey..Oz...ummm feeling better?"   

Oz frowns "No, I will feel better when I can be less stressed...I need my staff and I also would like to know where Xander is."   

Zolomon nods and sighs some "Well I didn’t find Xander....found ya staff, but ummm...you may not want it back"   

Oz arches an eyebrow as he sits the mug of tea down "Why would I not want my staff back?"   

Zolomon frowns and lays it down on a table, after laying a towel down. "It’s broke in two and...has blood all over it" He steps back "And TW is looking for Xandy still, not ta worry he will be found...hopefully soon"   

Oz traces the staff and frowns, he gets a rag that’s wet and cleans his paws "Who had it? Why the blood on it and how did it get broken?"   

Zolomon shrugs, "I jolly well have no clue Ozzy and no one was around it at the time, but thar was a campfire or a clue one was used not too long ago. Had ta of been a strong beast, then again it was broken or is in two pieces, as for the blood it’s like all over it and not where ya normally may think if one perhaps used it in self-defense...then not sure how well a staff causes blood...or how easy one breaks in a fight"   

Oz answers "Depends, this staff was very well made and shouldn’t of broken easy in a fight..again a strong foe and staff can cause blood to be spilled"   

Zolomon nods, "Maybe when it was jolly well broke?"   

Oz sits back down slowly" Easier then, is the blood on the broken ends of the staff as well?"   

Zolomon says, "No...maybe a little but more along the staff, like the other was wounded already and they hit the same area ? It also has mud so was on the forest floor a while, but no signs of any battle where it was found and ya think there be that...like slide marks or traces of fur, blood other areas even in the mud...trail of a wounded beast or two or a dead beast and no beast was around just the broken bloody staff"

Oz nods as he leans back to think "Odd...very odd and I know I had the staff after Xander left so he didn’t have it, but I am unsure who took it and they did it while I was sleeping in my chair as it WAS by my char when I fell asleep and beasts of the abbey know not to move it, they leave it alone so I can get it when needed or after my nap. I was worn out that night"   

Zolomon nods "Then, a guest...that was not like a mouse or vole, some beast that could get the staff and not have too much trouble caring or using it....hmmms otter, fox,..someone that size or larger or maybe slightly, slightly smaller could be possible "   

Oz says, "No one here would take my staff without letting me know and wouldn’t take it in the woods and leave it like you found it, they would bring it back here or have some other beast do it"
   

Zolomon hmmms "Bally well true there Ozzy, so thoughts? I could go back out and look for clues as I still need to find Xandy"   

As the badger is talking, a black throated sparrow hops into the room, humming in a low clear voice.
   
Oz says, "If you go back out again I say to be careful as we don’t need any one else missing, or captive or dead"   

Zolomon ears droop at the word dead, he glances at the sparrow before clearing his voice " I don’t want to find any beast dead, friend or not friend"
   
"Why would any worm be gonemissing in first place." Ask the unlighted sparra, suddenly vary interested.   

Oz answers "Because there is some bad beasts out there and they already have two  abbey beasts and have killed one other, one of our...make that two of our healers are in the infirm injured, course one may have nothing to do with this vermin band as they fell down the steps, but they shouldn’t still be unconcious two days later....and now my nephew is missing "   

The sparrow is silent for a moment, then he say. "Meum need to go thoughtthink, haveum wellday stripeyworm." Then he hops slowly out of Great Hall, murmuring something to himself.
   
Oz frowns at the name but lets it pass, he then stands and gets the mug of tea he had, some fresh tea and a nap sounds good right now as he heads to the kitchen

=An Hour passes and there is a gathering of beasts in the entry=

Zolomon is surrounded by abbey beasts as he carries some small form, he frowns as different voices are heard "He's dead." "What happen?" "It’s not safe.." The hare makes his way through with a pardon or excuse me" It’s then seen by those who can it’s a novice, a mouse..Novice Ted in fact.
   
Also with the hare is the rat Patch as he looks around, "What I didn’t do it...whatever" He scans the area and frowns "Ok where is someone in charge"   

Oz pushes through the beasts and makes his way over to the hare, "Zolomon..what happen, who is dead?" He has a feeling it's not Xander but his fear of just whom it is concerning.   

Zolomon walks forwards "It’s not..Xandy...tis Novice Ted, I saw him a lot in the kitchens his throats been...and he was left by some path along the road and he wasn’t that before.."   

Patch folds his arms "Stripy is nowhere around, well not in Zee's hut..I checked and not ta worry I can fix the lock...I yeah sort of, kind of picked the lock cause long ears here was worried and stripy not in Ferravale but I can ask around and help look, I am sure I am allowed ta blooming do that" Hey beats working for the creepy undertaker....and he is happy for a couple days off.
   
Oz frowns "Novice Ted....so he was left there you think?"   

Zolomon nods "Dried blood..day or so old." His ears droop "W..Wot do I do with him and if ya asking didn’t find Xander...this sort of came up and though best get back to the abbey quickly"   

The rat frowns, "We better not find stripy dead...I kind of like that lad, he saved my life from a snake once"   

Oz frowns "Snake..." He decides to ask later as he replies to the hare" Place him in the infirm,....and someone update Friar Lacota please...and Angela since she is in charge of the infirm till Brother Leon is able to be in charge again"   

Zolomon says, "Brother L is...hurt?"   

Oz nods "Yes...he was found by Dorarose on the steps unconcious and he still has yet to wake up.....also Rayen is still recovering, I just hope no other leaders get hurt. We also still have Abbot Benar missing, Lillymoore missing...Xander is missing too far as I am concern I just hope he isn’t captive somewhere"   

Patch listens "So...anyways can I help??"   

Zolomon frowns again, " I need to find me friend and alive...never would forgive me self if Xandy was dead...also Mr. M is missing...Marek." Just in case since Mr. M could be anyone, he hands the still form of Novice Ted to an otter to take to the infirm and sighs as he sits on steps leading up to the wall tops.   

Oz says, "I think we would know by now if he was dead...same goes for Benar and Lillymoore, Xander could well be with them or elsewhere."   

Patch snorts and then hears "And yes Patch your help is welcomed" The rat nods and salutes as he heads on outside the abbey.   

Zolomon says, "I just want to find him, wot if he is hurt somewhere."   

Oz lays a paw on the hare's shoulder "We all want to find Xander as well as the abbot and Lilymoore and they will be found"   

Zolomon nods "I hope so and hope its soon"   

At this point the same sparra as before lands near the badger and hare. He looks between the two, "What happened worm things?" He asks, A dab of worry in his voice.   

Oz nods, he tilts his head at the sparrow "A novice that was missing was found...sadly dead, a mouse that helped in the kitchens, his name was Ted"   

Zolomon frowns , he just sits there quiet   

The hare may notice the look for sorrow that comes across the sparrow's face. The sparrow raises his head to the sky, and starts to sing: "Poor old Ted, His good and dead. Someone made his blood run red."   

Oz frowns "Let’s not discuss...death, Novice Ted will be remembered by good times not bad"   

Zolomon sighs " not easy to forget when ya the blooming one to find him"   

The sparra stops sing with a huff of announce, "Meum was trying to respect thisum mouse worm's memory."   

Oz nods "It is alright Henry..Zolomon is just upset, I was worried myself on whom was found, I just wish for some good news soon"   

Zolomon wipes away some tears as he hugs his legs to his chest where he sits down   

"How youum know me name?" Henry squawks in surprise. "Who told you, was it the foxworm? It was the foxworm was it not? Meum should have known not to tell meum name to a foxworm. A foxmaid told meum never trust foxywroms...wait." The sparrow starts to contemplate the mater.   

Oz says, "Most foxes are evil yes...two here are not, Flicktail and Rayen and their dibbuns..." He frowns "Dibbun...they only have one now sadly...their oldest one...died"
   

Zolomon frowns at the news" Flicky had two dibbuns?"   

Oz says, "Dhaegan the youngest , and..Juliana was the oldest...she was found hurt, but sadly she has passed on to the dark forest. I am not sure if its related to recent events or not"
   
The sparrow (whose name has been revealed to be Henry) spoke, more than just a hint of announce in his voice. "Flicktail the carp, thatum him." Henry then thinks out loud. "Wait, thisum good, this means meum good poet. hummm..."   

Zolomon says, "So...3 abbey beasts dead...2 for sure we know may be captives and one missing and hopefully still alive, 2 injured and in the infirm, oh and your injured Ozzy and that one archer almost killed you...and the archer was found and...well he died" He looks at the bird "A carp?"

Oz says, "I believe carpenter...he makes furniture and things made of wood, but I think another will remake my staff...and the archer was found?"   

"Yes, he carps." says the black throated sparra. He does looks a bit worry at the seven beasts missing, or hurt, or dead. He does not seem that worried about the recovering badger, or the archer who tried to kill abbey beast.

Zolomon nods "Yes a fox named Bolt..if not the leader then bally well important to that band of badies...same fox that tried to kill you and that killed Sister Zinnia...Xandy went...well that’s who he went Bloodwrath on and killed, the fox mentioned killing Sister Zinnia and had thought he killed you too"   

Oz nods as he listens, he frowns as he rubs his shoulder, "Yes I got lucky, the dream telling me to wear Zork's old bark leather vest...saved my life, me falling backwards is what dislocated my shoulder. Xander carried me to the infirm in fact, only 2nd time in my life ever was carried and the first time was a much larger distance than just down some steps and across a lawn"   
   
"Who be Zinnia worm" Ask Henry, having never heard her name before.   

Zolomon says, "She was Xandy's mom...and at one time abbey recorder"
   
Oz frowns "Yes..my niece, she will be missed greatly."

"I see," The sparra says, he then turns to the badger. "Youum still no answer Henry poet's questionings. How stripyworm know meum name?"

Zolomon stands "I need to get back to finding Xandy...." He then walks on back outside.

Oz nods and tilts his head at the sparrow "I heard a beast mention the name of a sparrow named Henry and not many sparrows come down from the sparrow loft, hardly any as they keep to themselves and usually avoid us abbey beasts”

"It's called Warbeak loft," Says Henry, "After great sparra leader, Queen Warbeak."   

Oz nods "I have heard stories, think read one before I went blind of course"
   

The sparrow probable should not ask... but he does. "How youum lose looksee?" He asks as so as it comes to mind.
   
Oz does answer, "Some seasons ago when I was captive of an insane fox, who is dead now...I was his captive for over a season, I slowly lost my sight over the next couple seasons after my rescue...the first time I was ever carried. My brother Zork carried me a good 5 miles to get me back here, I was in the infirm half a season. I learned my way around the abbey...top and bottom, how many footpaws here to there, and now can go anywhere without trouble...well inside the abbey and I learn voices and every beasts paw steps..scents to know whom I am talking to, even birds have their own footpaw...guess hops "He chuckles a little.

Oh..." Says the sparra, not really sure how to continue the conversation. He ends up just standing there in silence.

Oz notes the silence "It doesn’t brother me greatly when it first happen, but not now..I am use to it" Small voices and giggling is heard and the badger is surrounded by the abbey dibbuns as he chuckles and smiles "Hello my dibbuns...pardon me sir sparrow I must go...talk later" He then lets the dibbuns led him towards the pond.

**Another tale of the captives, Gorvenalus my beaver alt is here, enjoy***

Underground Prison

This is a small prison cell, large enough to fit several beasts. A light comes in from an unknown source above, but the area still gives the feel of dark, damp and death, as if it is meant to extinguish all hope. Whatever beast finds themselves trapped here, is likely to meet their demise within these exact same walls.

Minsc is sitting in his corner, whats new though as he does this a lot lately

Abbot Benar is asleep, and nearby him is Lilymoore also asleep right now and staying curled up beside Benar.
   
Gorvenalus wakes up and makes his way over to his friend "Minsc...what is wrong my friend?"   

Minsc looks at the beaver as if he is insane "Whats wrong....we are still trapped and Quade is slowly at it again. And this Benar seems to have Hope but I know there isn’t any, Hope is just something in stories for dibbuns"   

Gorvenalus sits beside his friend "There is always Hope, it may be small but it never fully is put out"   

Minsc groans "It’s gone...ok. It’s nothing but dark and has been for a long time, We thought we had him and he tricked us, I just don’t know why he even keeps us alive"   

Gorvenalus says, "And without the night there would be no stars Minsc"   

Minsc says, "Stars have nothing to do with this and you know what it’s been a long LONG while since I have seen them too, let alone the sunshine. We been here how long Abbot..how long?"   

Gorvenalus says, "There is still hope my friend....there is..."He frowns, maybe he is finally losing his as well but he won't show it around his friend, "You know I have known you since you were a dibbun and when parents first came to my home, you are strong and I believe in you."   

Minsc frowns "You don’t totally believe it either, do you? Be honest with me"   

Gorvenalus says, "I ..don't know. Then what does an old beast know and I have not keep track of time here, nor the days...one my age would rather not"   

Minsc sighs "That’s why we have to try an escape again"   

Gorvenalus says, "We have tried and failed I do know this and it’s not like if we did we would get very far, it would be best if you managed and left me here, but take the squirrel and mouse maid with you."

Minsc frowns “I would never leave you behind Abbot....never, if I had to somehow carry you"   

Gorvenalus smiles faintly "I would only slow you down my friend"   

Minsc says, "So...it’s me and you both or neither of us, I am not losing anyone else in my life"   

Gorvenalus says, "Life doesn’t go on forever, we all have a day when we will die weather from illness, or injury, old age or whatever death has planned, it will happen no matter what we do....yes we can slow it and sometimes stop it but when it’s a beast time...its their time"
   
Minsc just goes to the other side of the room and sits down facing the wall, it’s clear this talk is over.   

The quiet is briefly disturbed when a new guest is tossed in, an unconcious stoat, Marek Redthorn. Also tossed in is a very small, barely enough, first aid kit of sorts and then footpaws leaving.

Gorvenalus  goes to Marek right away and frowns, tending to him best he can with what little he has been given.

==4 days later==

Marek wake briefly only to find himself in some sort of cell and then passed back out, he awoke again to get a better look at where he was and held back a growl from deep within him as he slowly stood feeling a little unsteady.   

Gorvenalus says, "Easy child, you have been unconcious for almost 4 days’ time." A voice, soon to be revived to be a really old beaver in a robe, but not like any from Mossflower."   

Minsc looks over "Well guess he is alive, not that it matters much in this place."   

Marek slowly looks to the source of the voice "I am far from being a child. I am Marek Redthorn and whomever is the cause of this will soon meet death" His voice is serious, he coughs and leans against the wall. His weapons gone and any other items he had such as lock picks or things in pockets.   

Minsc manages a weak chuckle "Good luck with that, he has managed to trick beasts fairly well so far, I just see history repeating its self in this land like it did in my lands"   

Gorvenalus frowns "Now Minsc my friend, please..."He walks over to check on Marek "I am Abbot Gorvenalus. I will not say welcome as no one would feel so in this place of darkness.   

Quade shows up and smirks “That would be me..Hello Marek it’s a pleasure to see you finally awake and so...weak. By the way do not worry the Defenders will be well taken care of" He smiles coldly "By Me"

   
Marek growls and looks ready to rip the squirrels throat out “Quade....." The name said in a cold hate.."I swear I will make your very VERY sorry you did this, your days are numbered Quade."   

Minsc backs up slightly, it’s clear he dislikes the squirrel and he rather not stand next to the stoat who most likely is ready to kill someone any second.   

Gorvenalus remains calm as he shakes his head "Quade, you only bring yourself trouble and sadness. You bring pain to others and it will only bounce back to you two fold or even more, maybe not anytime soon but one day in the near or far off future"   

Bolt enters and grins before bowing to Quade, “Any orders today boss?"   

The squirrel just smiles, his day will not be ruined as he speaks to the fox "Prepare to take over the tavern of Ferravale. Take Rowtag"
   
Marek glares, his voice full of hate "You have made a very deadly mistake Quade. I will have pleasure in ending your life and the fox's life as well. I WILL get out of here and you better be able to run faster than you ever have in your life"   

Minsc stays seated by the wall and listens, he has heard beasts threaten Quade, he has himself, but in the end he failed, he failed to stop Quade and he been trapped for so long he lost count of the days, weeks...months even.   

Gorvenalus sighs as he goes to sit by the hamster and fold his paws in his lap, the abbot has kept track of time best he could, but even his soul is now beginning to lose its hope of ever seeing daylight again.   

Bolt grins "Oh I can run fast, remember when I got your little mouse friend, you lost and I won that race." He then bows to Quade "With pleasure boss. I will take half the group and the rest can remain here. Others still join your cause as we speak and maybe some not so loyal to Ferravale will join as well, the chieftain has angered some by changing the rules a little...no wood pidgion, it may be a small amount but it’s still less on their side and more on our side boss."   

The squirrel nods "Go Bolt and of course I will come play the hero and save the day...chase out the fake leader and the vermin, some will die yes but not all of them"   

Marek narrowed his eyes "I repeat you made a mistake Quade"   

Minsc is curious "Doesn’t look like he made one, but I am curious what mistake would that be Marek that Quade has made. From what I can tell he makes few"   

Gorvenalus says, "Not all beasts are perfect Minsc, all beast have strengths and weaknesses "   

Bolt rolls his eyes and smirks "Yeah what would that be...Quade has won and all you and Mossflower has lost. We have your abbot, we have killed a couple of your beasts, Quade took over your precious Mossflower Defenders and one by one will send them to the dark forest, more beast will die and the only two that knows about this...let’s see the badger maid is in the dark forest and the vixen soon will be, if she isn’t already" He laughs and starts to head down the hall to do his boss's orders.   

Quade holds up a paw "Wait Bolt, I want an answer from Marek for trust me I rare...rarely makes mistakes and when I DO I fix them"
   
Marek says, "Oh, big, big mistake, really huge. Didn't anyone ever tell you there's one thing you never put in a trap, if you're smart, if you value your continued existence, if you have any plans about seeing tomorrow, there's one thing you never, ever put in a trap."   

Minsc stands and walks over, curious but also being careful "Whats that?"   

Gorvenalus watches and listens from where he is, curious but looking unsure as the darkness and lack of hope of this place has finally seeped in.   

Bolt says, "That’s funny...I am shaking in my fur"   

Quade just smirks and motions Bolt to head out and turns his back on the captives and heads on down the hall himself
   
Marek says one simple word as Quade leaves, his eyes flash briefly a bright red , "Me...." His tone cold, hard hate as he takes a deep breath and releases and his eyes turn back to normal, but he still has the look, the look of a beast determined to win no matter the cost.