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oz

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Registered: 2016-11-20

Posts: 1,659

Benar Surprises Everyone-Dibbun Slavers TP

Things in Redwall have been quiet but also somewhat tense, after the initial assault on the abbey the rats besieging the place have attacked a few more times. Once during the night that very nearly succeeded in breaching the northern wall gate. Only the timely intervention of Log-a-Log's shrews and the Foremole managed to keep the gate from falling.   

Additionally no one has arrived at the abbey in days. The rats are patrolling the forest and have set up a large encampment out on the western plain, well out of bow range of anyone inside the abbey. There are hundreds of them and they are clearly setting up for a siege. Today though things are different, a platoon of about thirty rats have come out of the camp carrying a white flag tied to a sprig of mistletoe and Benar has ordered they be allowed to approach.   

A plank bridge has been set up across the ditch and now a palanquin is being carried forward being carried by mice! Three to either side carrying it toward the Abbey wall and seated atop it is a tall rat in the prime of his years. Dressed in flowing orange and yellow robes with golden blonde fur and red eyes and what can only be described as a crown perched atop his head.   

Leading the procession is a black rat carrying a staff and more guards. This is no rag-tag bunch of disparate chancers, this is an organized horde and as the palanquin is carried to a halt before the great western gates the black rat at the lead steps forwards and calls out in a loud voice.   

"Give heed beasts of Redwall Abbey, his Lordship, he who by the divine grace of those above us maintains the order of the world comes to parley with those who dwell within Redwall Abbey."
   
She looks along the ramparts, "Will you speak peacefully or is the vaunted peace of Redwall but an illusion?"   

Benar without hesitation steps forward, "We will parley with any who come to Redwall in peace and harmony... my Gatekeeper shall open the door and you may enter. But no weapons may pass through our gates, we shall meet in peace within the Great Hall of the Abbey."   
The Abbot then turns to Log-a-Log and Lily, "Let their leader in and that black rat who was doing the talking. Everyone else can wait outside... even the mice, we can't risk letting them inside."
   
LilyMoore frowns. "But, Abbot Benar....what about in the time of Matthias when Cluny used coming in to parley as a way to see the Abbey's defenses? Or when Chickenhound came back as Slagar the Cruel and tricked everybeast to steal the Dibbuns at that time?" She will open the gates if he insists, but she feels she must speak her concerns before she agrees with him. The Ferravalians are watching the surrounding woodlands uneasily. Virginia is beside the Abbot, waiting to see what happens before she calls her birds to act. She got a few reinforcements from Ferravale, but still not enough to make her feel comfortable defending the Abbey from such a huge horde.   

Adrian peers over the wall at the two rats, and the mice who are so clearly slaves. He doesn't hide his contempt, as he sneers down at the rat speaking. "Pahley? Fine words from a rat." He looks over at Benar, and likewise voices his opinion. "I agree wi' Lily, an' 'ighly recommend we refuse... But... t'is yahr decision, sah... An' mah hares will do wot we c'n t' watch these two vermin..."
   
Log-A-Log frowns, he seems worried as well, but at the abbey, well the abbot is in charge but he is going to keep a close eye on whom ever does enter.   

Gorvenalus comes up the ramparts and stays close to Benar, a glace at the rats and back to Benar, he speaks quietly "I will record what ever is aid if there is a talk"
   
Krisha is not on the wall top but in the abbey grounds watching from there to see what is going on, not ever beast needs on the walls.   

This is not the first time John has made his way back to the Redwall while the abbey-beasts have dealt with unwelcome visitors, nor will it probably be that last time. So the squirrel, rather stripped down than his normal gear, finds himself some two to three hundred yards north of the gate up the road having come from the various taverns in that direction (despite the general jumpiness of everyone in Mossflower). A crossbow is clearly slung over one shoulder and a sword is at his side, but beyond that he seems rather unprepared to see the mass of rats gathered around the abbey. His eyes go wide for a moment and he slowly and cautiously makes his way for a nearby tree, paw on the blade hilt.   

Gaheris hasn't slept much since the first attack and spent most of his time on the walls. Today was no exception but the white flag made him frown deeply and he was quick to voice his concerns with the others "Like 'ell 'e's 'ere for peace. They couldn't break in so they're bein' sneaky" he points at a couple of his otters and then at the rats out in the encampment and those below near the wall who came with their leader "Watch 'em closely. This is a trick if I ever seen one"   
   
Benar places a hand on Lily's shoulder, "I know the risks, but I will not deny an invitation of peace... I must trust on all of you to keep them in check and see to it that they cannot betray us whilst we parley."
   
He holds out one arm to Virginia, asking her to join him inside, the rooks guidance and wisdom has been a great comfort to Benar since she arrived to bolster their defenses. He has been seen over the past week or so talking with her often as she perches on the windowsill of his study.   

"We will parley..." Benar says firmly to Adrian, "Nor will I betray the charter, they say they come in peace. Thus I will meet them with everything the Hospitality of Redwall has at its disposal."
   
He looks from Log-a-Log to Lily to Adrian, "You are my three commanders, greet them at the gate and bring them to me... I have to prepare the Great Hall. Gorvenalus.... I will need you to record what is said." he hurries off down the steps before anyone else can try and argue with him.   

Luckily for John the rats are distracted and he is able to reach the trees to the north of the abbey as the black rat waits patiently. Her hair is bound up in a long, waist length braid that hangs from the left side of her head whilst the right side is clipped short. The otters and several abbey guard spread out onto the walls, whatever Benar's instructions the standard orders to flood the walls with defenders still stand and beasts are hurrying to their positions.   
   
LilyMoore still looks unsure, but she nods. "Okay. I'll still need to leave my sword out on that rack, right?" After receiving an answer, she heads down and opens the Main Gate, staring at the female rat, her multicoloured eyes hard. "You are required to let me thoroughly search you, both of you. Any weapons I find will be confiscated and returned to you only when you are leaving Redwall. If you offer any resistance, I shall close the gate in your faces." Hang what the Abbot says! Virginia will fly by the Abbot's side, the rook having taken it upon herself to make sure the leader of the Abbey is kept safe.

Adrian nods to the Abbot. Unlike LilyMoore, however, he will *not* so easily leave his rapier outside. We'll see how that goes... The descends the wallsteps and joins the mousemaid at the gate. After she addresses the rats, he adds, in a threatening manner, "An' if y' so much as lift a fingah... I'll be wearin' yahr innahds for mah gartahs... Undahstand? 'M sure you lot've 'eard o' th' bloomin' Long Patrol, wot... We got 50 fit 'n' fightin' ready 'ares here just ready f'r a bruisin', wot." He hopes his bluff sounds at least a *little* scary.   
Log-A-Log nods he listens to Benar and will quietly go to ...greet these guests, and he will stay very alert as he does so.
   
Gorvenalus goes to follow Benar as he speaks quietly to the abbot as they get to the great hall "I don't like this Benar, is this wise to do this?"   

Krisha frowns, she follows the abbot and recorder inside " Benar..wot is going on? Whos at the gate?" She is. concerned and curious as since she was in the grounds didnt see who at the gates.   

"Oi, y'there-" The hiss comes from a tall beech tree close to the wall, were John is trying his best to discreetly get the attention of the nearest abbey beasts atop the wall while everyone important seems distracted by the 'parley.' "Ah know this seems all suspicious an' th' like in terms o' th'timing, bu' Ah swear Ah'm no rat lover. Ah'm going t'jump onto th'wall now, so Ah'm asking y't' kindly please make sure no' t'stab me when Ah jump, alright?" The squirrel adds, after a moment or two of thinking, "Ah'd ask y't' be quick abou' letting me too, since Ah dunno' wan' t'get killed by rats today - or any day, really."   

Gaheris doesn't like it but this isn't the camp and a white flag was always going to be an invitation in to the abbey. He understands they have to do it or the abbey didn't work but that didn't mean the Skipper had to like it and nothing stopped vermin from taking advantage of it. The abbot's chosen who he wants with him and the Skipper remains on the wall, watching the group Lily's talking to carefully with his bow in his paws ready until he hears a little commotion along the wall and quickly moves to find out there's someone in a tree talking to them. Skipper's frown deepens again but if it's someone in trouble he can't really deny it "Aright, y'jump on over and we'll grab y'" he hisses back before muttering to one of the beasts next to him on the wall "Grab 'im once 'e's over" he's not trusting that this isn't a trap too.   
   
The rat eyes Lilymoore then glances at the figure on the palanquin, he gestures with one of his long lacquered claws. They shine with a bright blue radiance and she nods and turns back to Lily.
   
"His Lordship consents to myself and his august personage being searched, but we come in peace. By the Light and our hope for a higher name neither of us will violate your abbey's terms," she then gives Adrian a withering stare, "We know of the Long Patrol, Lord Ciocan's place in the order is quite clear and we have no quarrel with him."   

She then removes the dagger from the belt at her waist and hands it to one of the rat guards then turns to offer her hand to the golden furred rat as he steps down from the palanquin. He allows the two mice standing at the front of the palanquin to step up and adjust the fall and folds of his robes and then moves forward to permit Lily to run her search.   

Benar meanwhile hurries into the great hall where things are in motions, order members running back and forth, "I will explain everything soon, Gorve you will be on my left, Krisha my right, I do not have time to explain everything but you need to follow my lead."
   
The guards nod to the Skipper and move into place, ready to grab John once he hops across. He will be allowed inside but with things as hectic as they are right now the usual rules of hospitality are a bit suspended.   

LilyMoore glares, but says nothing. Once the rats are in position, she VERY thoroughly searches them, including in their shoes, the backs of their belts, and under their arms (there are daggers specifically designed to be hidden in your armpit, after all). She points to His Royal Ratness's paws. "Those look like they're intended to do some damage. You will let us wrap your claws up in strips of cloth so they can not scratch anyone." A nearby Ferravalian guard goes to help catch John, slyly offering a rope to the Skipper in a way that the squirrel can't see until he's actually on the wall.   

Seeing the guards movement, John rethinks his plan. "Oh well then. Ah'll be back later, Ah think. Ah see this is a bad time..." And with that, the squirrel disappears into the woods.
   
Adrian observes the search, his paw resting on the hilt of the rapier on his hip. He frowns at the rat's words. They know the Badger Lord's name. Not exactly uncommon knowledge, but vermin aren't always the most knowledgeable bunch. He narrows his eyes. "Mah hares will be watchin', regahdless..."   

Log-A-Log keeps an eye on the two rats, he is still quiet as he is afriad if he speaks he will get angery at seeing the rats and worse yet seeing them inside, he woke up in a bad mood today but he is still very much alert and will follow them a short distane once inside,unless he needs to stay outside the great hall,then he will do that.   

Gorvenalus frowns, but he nods "Yes Benar"He is good at remembering things and so will write this down quickly afterwards, it may be rude to write as they talk after all .   

Krisha nods and gets to where Benar mentioned and will stay by his side and see what this is all about, she will also stay alert.   

Gaheris starts to take the rope only for the squirrel to vanish instead. Th Skipper finds this suspicious and gives the rope back "Keep an eye out for 'em" in case they're changing tactics. One thing dealt with he quickly returns to the wall above the gate to check on the current situation again.

   
The black rats eyes open in affront as Lily suggests wrapping her lords hands but he raises one finger and she subsides and doesn't say anything. He then produces a pair of long, padded silk gloves, turning them this way and that to show they are entirely padded and would prevent their claws from being used as a weapon.
   
They then pull them and gesture and the black rat turns back to Lily looking affronted but obeying, "His Lordship asks if you will accept these gloves? If so we shall proceed and speak with your leader little mouse. I can see that he has left his most untrained servants to tend to the gate and comfort of guests."   

She would then fall back to stand a pace behind his lordship, the golden rat waiting quietly and politely for Dora and the others to lead the way. He looks at Adrian as he speaks but just quirks a brown then smiles softly. After that is just a matter of escorting their guests to the great hall but just before they head inside a messenger arrives from the Abbot asking the Skipper to send himself  to the great hall with the others. Whatever the abbot has in store he is ready and now it is just a matter of waiting for everyone to arrive.   
   
LilyMoore's eyes flash, but she keeps her anger in check with practiced skill. She instead holds out her paw. "Oh, sorry, I figured being careful and ensuring the safety of my friends was something all Gatekeepers did. Silly me. Still, since we're here, I'd like to make sure there are no daggers hidden in those gloves. I mean, since you've already attacked us, one can't be too cautious, no?" Once she ensures that either the rats aren't going to cooperate anymore, or that the gloves are empty (although they aren't any longer once he dons them, of course), she goes to lead the way to Great Hall, head held high with all the grace and confidence of a princess. She's also deeply angry and offended, but she is excelling at keeping herself in check. She had many dear friends teach her how to not let the Rage loose, she knows what she's doing.   

Adrian huffs, and starts to grip his rapier hilt, but he's a well-trained Patroller, so he doesn't draw the blade. Discipline is the name of the game. Besides, he's got 50 hares here under his command. He can remain as cool as a cucumber. With LilyMoore at the head, and the two rats in the middle, the hare pointedly takes up a position at the rear, a not-so-subtle warning against any surreptitious gestures or signals to rest of the rats remaining outside. He's watching the "king" like a hawk watches its prey.   

Log-A-Log stays somewhat close, he will be where he is needed.   
   
Krisha stays at the abbot Benar's side, waiting to see what is needed   

Gaheris is barely back to his spot on the wall before he gets summoned to the Great Hall. He's quick to head for the stairs but mutters a few words on his way "Watch 'em close. Any rats start sneakin' away from the group tell us. Make sure the other walls stay covered" he's quickly down and marches off to catch up with the other inside, watching the rats with Lily on his way. He hurries in to stand beside the group with the abbot and faces back to the door, waiting for the rats to get in.
   

The messenger who came to summon the Skipper also brought word that all weapons are ok for this trip to the great hall. This is a special occasion after all. The doors of the Great Hall start to swing open as Lily, Log-a-Log & Skipper lead their guests up the steps, it is perfectly timed and as they swing open they reveal a Great Hall that few would recognize.   

The tables are all gone and the entire order except those on the walls are standing in ranks on either side of the knave. They are standing in perfect lines in the gaps between the bright shining light beaming in through the stained glass windows to create a rather beautiful effect. Flanking the Abbots chair are Krisha and Gorvenalus and then a step back the entire council, everyone dressed in their best.   
At the far end of the hall sits Benar, the Abbot's grand feast day chair has been set up on a raised dais (some pallets from the cellar draped in velvet curtains) He is wearing his best robes and has the Abbot's staff with the bell on it held lightly in one hand.
   
Most impressive however is the tapestry of Martin, it has been raised up higher then usual so it hangs above Benar's chair, spread out across the far wall. It is quite the effect, clearly organised to project an air of sophistication and civilization. It clearly takes the black rat back and the golden one frowns for just a moment before their features smooth out.
   
As Lily takes her first step into the hall the choir suddenly start to sing, their voices rising in a wordless hymn of greeting that shimmers through the air. Perfectly tuned to last the length of time it will take Lily and the others to escort their guests down the knave to a space before the Abbot's chair. The final touch to Benar's display is Virginia standing tall and proud atop the arched back of his large chair and arrayed around the room her flock, at least those not out on patrol right now, each one perched on the shoulder of one of the members of the order.       

Gorvenalus stays where he is as well, alert and listening to what's going on and ready to record what is needed to be recorded.   

   
LilyMoore is startled by the rearranging of her home, but she swiftly hides her surprise, keeping her head held high and proud as she leads them to the dais (since when did that exist?). Once the rats are where they need to be, she stands off to the side, her gaze fixed on the rats' every move, paw on sword hilt, ready to attack should they...I don't know, start spitting poison thorns from their mouths or something. She's not sure what to expect, she's just trying to be ready for everything and make her family proud.   

Zarok and Terfil were forced to be in this little....whatever this is. But when the mouse enters, their gazes fix on her, hoping she's safe. Nissaya is also here, having gotten Angela's reassurance that she can run the Infirmary without him. Butterclaw comes fluttering down from the rafters, taking more than his usual care to make sure his landing is smooth and not clumsy. Virginia the rook had imparted on him the importance of this spectacle, and he is doing his best to not ruin it. He makes one of his rare graceful landings beside Lily, his helmet and battleclaws gleaming as he looks the rats up and down scornfully. Virginia gives him a nod, fixing her own gaze on the visitors.   
   
Adrian is likewise taken aback at the change, but his neutral expression betrays nothing. Paw still on the hilt of his rapier, he takes up a position near the door. His other four hares are placed in strategic locations, and he hopes that can still plausibly imply he has the numbers he mentioned before. Fear of force and all that.
   
Gorvenalus just acts as if this is normal, yes very normal while he wonders to himself if Benar has lost it, he will chat later he decides abd just waits to see,,,what happens next.   

Krisha wants to ask questions but she will wait, Benar must know what he is doing after all or least she hopes so.   

They'd have a hard time convincing the Skipper to part with his weapons right now so it's just as well they avoid that argument. His eyebrow shoots up as he enters the place as the choir starts up. Moments later the eyebrow comes back down in to a look of anger. He does not approve of rolling out the carpet for the rats who have killed beasts and been besieging them. He holds his tongue but the frown is briefly directed at the abbot before he stands to the side, folds his arms and frowns at the rats instead.
   
The black female rat opens her mouth to speak but falls silent with a startled glance at her lord when he raises his hand. He then steps forward and bows, "High Abbot Benar, it would appear the stories I received that your people had lost their place in the way are misplaced."   

Benar remains seated but bows his head, "Your Lordship, be welcome to Redwall Abbey, I am glad you have come before me to speak, we can settle the appropriate restitution for your unprovoked attack upon my domain."   

The black rat looks outraged but the blonde one in the crown smiles languidly, "I see, you claim my attack was unprovoked and yet even here, in this hall, there is a clear mingling of the castes. Those who should be trained as servants, those who might be property, others," he glances at Adrian and his hares, "Who are outside the order, it is clear that this place must be brought back to the order."   

Benar remains seated and shakes his head, "The order of castes has no place here High Lord Ferlanth, I ask, no I demand in the name of Martin the Warrior that you depart our forests and do not return."
   
The black rat sneers around the room at everyone but Ferlanth remains calm and just surveys the room then focusses back on Benar, "I offer you this one last chance High Abbot Benar, surrender your lands to the proper establishment of the order. Or else in the name of the Empress, may she live forever and my hope of a higher name I shall take it from you and impose the order."   

Benar shakes his head, "You shall not take Redwall from me or any who dwell here, depart know in peace or else your days will be numbered."   

Ferlanth shakes his head and turns, starting for the door, the black rat runs to follow and he starts back out. Several guards fall in to follow and escort them back to the door and as soon as they are out of sight and sound Benar pulls off his vestments and leans his head back to glare up at Martin's tapestry.   

"You... this had better work..." he mutters and then stands up, "Ok everyone, shows over, sorry for the rigamarole, but that rat... wouldn't speak to anyone directly unless he thought they where at least his equal in rank..." he turns to stare up at the tapestry, "Martin gave me some very clear instructions how to force him to talk to us. Now apparently, he can only attack us using the rules his people live by for attacking the home of someone of equal rank... otherwise he'd have just swarmed us under like locusts....."   

Stepping down off the makeshift dais he nods to Virginia, "Thank you for your help, your flock should have spooked him with omens as well. The fact we have the birds on our side... now everyone. We have bought oureselves a bit of time, let's get the great hall back to normal, man the walls and prepare.
   
Once the rats are gone, Virginia bows, then caws something to her birds, and they scatter back outside, not thrilled with all the hoity-toity fanciness they just had to endure. LilyMoore is furious and starts stamping around in a circle. "Who does he think he is?? Ranks? Caste? PROPERTY?? Ooooh...." she is livid! Butterclaw preens his chest and twitters something. The temporary Gatekeeper waves her paws in agitation. "I know! He's no better than I am -- ooh, I wish I could show him with the point of my mother's sword..."   

Adrian doesn't take his eyes off of the unwelcome guests until after they are safely back outside the front gates. "I could've gutted 'em both right 'ere, right now... I *know* Monty could've..." He sighs, and shakes his head, but can't help being impressed by Benar's gutsy act. The squirrel has chutzpah.   
   
Gorvenalus sits finally and quickly writes down what just happen, yes this will be remembered for seasons to come that's for sure."So...they will likely be back then?"   

Krisha says, "lets hope not but yes its best to prepare as the abbot said, but prepare how just keep watch. extra guards?"   

Gaheris glares all through the speeches, focused on the rats but he doesn't say anything until the rats are already being led off "I'll show 'im a servants trainin', at the end f'a damn arrow" he mutters as he follows outside at a distance, heading straight back to the wall and getting his bow back out on the way.   

Benar says, "Oh yes..." Benar flumps down in his chair then grimaces and gets out of it, he only usually uses that thing for feasts, "I had to make them think we where equals.... I don't know their rules sadly, only that... they will have to fight in certain ways." He turns to Gorven, "I need you to find everything you can in the library on the Empress Who Lives together and the Order of Castes, we must have something in some travellers book." The abbot sighs and then glances around the great hall, "Ugh... let's get this put back to normal, I feel dirty just pretending to be like him!"
   
LilyMoore follows the others back outside, making sure the Main Gate is fully secured. "I'll show him I'm no servant," she mutters as she stomps up the wall steps. "'Little mouse'?? I'll 'little mouse' her! My mom's family was practically royalty back in her homeland! I'll show them what I'm made of..." She stands beside the Skipper, fuming as she glares at the receding Rats of Hoity-Toity. Virignia, after making sure the Abbot is alright, goes out and starts checking on her birds in the orchards and on guard duty on the roof. Butterclaw stayed behind in Great Hall, and now he turns to the Badger Mother and the Recorder. "Butterclaw worryfear ratworms will comeback and makefight!"   

"They'll bloody be back, alright," Adrian says, grimly. "We'll keep a full watch on th' walls at all times..." With the show over, the hare is making his back up to the wall top to keep watch himself.   

Gorvenalus frowns , he sighs "I should...help Benar to his room, I think he needs some sleep...or...."He stops there, the abbot maybe lost his mind he decides but clears his throat "Yes ..sleep is good, a calming herbal tea"   

Krisha frowns and decides she will check on the abbot then get her mind off today, she still has some rooms to redo.   

Gaheris heads up towards the wall, intent on watching the king returning to his horde "I don't care if y'family came from pond weed, it'd still be better than tha' lot" he grumbles to Lily. He nods to Adrian's words "I don't know wha' their rules are but if they want t'keep feedin' all those rats they'll not keep 'em stood out there doin' nothin' for long"   

LilyMoore thinks for a minute, then nods. "Yeah, you're right," she tells the Skipper, "I just....oooh, maybe it's a good thing Momma's not here....I think she would've skewered him. She's raised me to see everybeast as equals. I don't think she could've kept her cool." She tries to do a quick count and then remembers why she doesn't like math. "I should warn all the birds in the area to flee. Hopefully they can get their chicks away....I think most of them are fledglings by now..."   

LilyMoore then goes to do just that, gathering her non-sparrow and non-blackbird avian friends to her. She gives them their messages, and they take off into the woodlands to warn as many of the birds as they can that they need to go into hiding far from Redwall, just until the rat horde is gone...   

Gaheris grunts quietly because he was sorely tempted to skewer them himself "'ey, see if one of 'em birds will swoop over Camp Willow would y'? Maybe tell 'em wha's goin' on" he shakes his head with a sigh "They'll know t'keep their 'eads down" he finally mutters on his way up to the wall top to stand guard once more until they're attacked or sleep claims him, whichever comes first.

Gorvenalus double checks what he wrote and writes down his views of today, closes the journal and goes to make some nice, herbal, calming tea him and Benare can drink.

Last edited by oz (2020-06-16 08:55:28 PM)

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I play:
Oz-  Badger-young adult-Wanderer