The Abbey Records

Compiled by Spruce during the Autumn following the Summer of Homecoming, the Twenty-Seventh Season since Father Benar's appointment to the position of Abbot of Redwall Abbey, Mossflower Country.

Brother Harper Sutton, Abbey Recorder

In the seasons when the Plague rushed through Redwall Abbey just before the appointment of Abbot Lorimis, the Abbey Recorder at the time was a hare named Brother Harper Sutton. He had been born in Salamandastron and later presumably passed into the Dark Forest some time during Lorimis' early reign as Abbot, survived by a son Tameus Sutton who went on to serve in the Long Patrol.

Only four entries from his time as Abbey Recorder survive, supplemented by the three entries made by 'Garth the Scholar'; whether or not more was written during this time is currently uncertain.

Garth the Scholar's Entries, Temporary Recorder

As Brother Harper Sutton had fallen ill, a creature known as 'Garth the Scholar' was asked to act as temporary recorder in Sutton's absence by an order member called Sister Caina. Three entries only were written, with little to no evidence Garth continued or even survived the sickness.

The Recordings of one Garth the Scholar Day One: Early January, the Winter of the Plague

My arrival at the abbey was not as I had hoped. I entered the Great hall in good spirits, but soon learned that some kind of plague has stricken many of the residents. I was immediately warned by a young mouse to flee and wait until the plague ran its course, but this is something that needs recording, and I am apparently the only beast capable of doing it. I learned this from one Sister Caina, who informed me that the old recorder is in the infirmary, and asked me to leave a copy of my records for the abbey. So far I have learned that defiantly 19 beasts have died. The Order has quarantined the upper floors; no one is allowed to leave once they go up there. I also heard that a Long Patrol Major is preparing some sort of expedition to find a cure. I wish I could go along for that journey, but my place is here. I am hoping to speak with the abbot, learn more about this plague, but that’s if he hasn’t been stuck down with the others.

The Recordings of one Garth the Scholar Day Two: Early January, the Winter of the Plague

A search party left the abbey today, in search of some herb called the Goldenwart which the healers say will cure this. I was sorely tempted to go along. Nothing in the way of news has come down from the infirmary.

The Recordings of one Garth the Scholar Day Three: Early January, the Winter of the Plague

Beasts down in the Great Hall have been falling ill. Late last night the entire abbey was declared under quarantine, no one is allowed outside the walls. I have no idea what the current death toll is, for every time I ask the healers go all silent and staring. The sick are still kept up in the infirmary, and most of the healthy have gathered in the Cavern Hole and Lower Dormitories.

On my previous statement about the sick, that was merely an in general statement. A stoat, clearly infected, just appeared in the hall and sat near me. Do these abbey beasts have no sense left in them? The sick should be kept upstairs! Not allowed to wander freely around the still healthy! It is clear the Order has no idea how to contain an outbreak. The upstairs should have been completely cut off, the stairs should have been barricaded and fires lit to cleanse the air. And now this, allowing the sick to wander freely, I can only hope these barbarians can gather themselves and contain this before it consumes us all. For now I keep close to the fire, but if this stoat, who introduced himself as Kolya, is anything to go by I will soon be pitching a tent outside these halls.

The only praise I can offer the abbey beasts lies with the healers. They seem to be working around the clock, risking their own well being to tend the needs of others. Two of these healers, a hare and a mouse, seem to doubt my advice of lighting fires to clean the air, they also seemed to find me as unpleasant company; but did no better themselves.

I also meet Colonel Zoe Lang this evening. She seems the intelligent type, but kept trying to tell me to control my supposed temper. I calmly told her that if these abbey types would simply stop being so full of confidence in themselves, and listened; I wouldn’t be vexed with them.

Brother Harper's First Surviving Entry: Mid January, the Winter of the Plague

Brother Harper recovered from his illness far more swiftly than many others at the Abbey, and began his work as Recorder once more:

Well, it would seem I have won the battle against the Plague. Though I doubt that has overmuch to do with myself. I should better say that the other healers have the victory in this particular battle. Or that my son has. Whichever is the case, I am improving. The fever has broken. The vessel for this humble mind feels battered and broken, but it also feels-- alive.

It only seems right that I should return to my duties now I have the strength to do so. While my mind was lost to the fog, the Abbey lost many more of its good creatures to the illness. However, the Abbey and its inhabitants will not go quietly, nor have they ever. A certain Brenden Thatcher, Private rank, of the Long Patrol, has presented the possibility of a cure. A certain herb, known as Goldenwort in his area of the world. It grows deep in the forest, in Southswards. He knows not whether it grows in Winter, but a quest has been rallied nonetheless. The questers left two days hence. I am told that we are not to expect them for a fortnight, though perhaps the spirits of those we've lost will bear them home more quickly, even, than that.

Because a cure, it is true, we are in dire need of. Even the humble Abbeybeasts can only be bent so low before breaking and I should wish myself dead before that day.

But perhaps that day has been put off a little, all the same, for the love of a dibbun. I think only a dibbun could think to make merry and light as a distraction for all this. Aged beasts are far too cynical! Ah well, but my son Tameus is not! He put on a play - a comedy! Starring himself as perilous hare, Long Patrol Colonel Wameus! His delicate damsel, Delilah, was played by our very own, Novice Bradge. He makes a very pretty maid, if I do say so myself. And as for the more villainous component, Colonel Zoe Francis and Sivaine Brennig played the roles of Dread Pirate Kessy and Nerdez, respectively. It was quite a thing... I nearly fainted dead away from laughing, though that's not a stretch for me right now!

I think we all owe Tameus a great amount of thanks. He has brought us all from the edge, not with herbs or simples, but with something far more effective.

Laughter.

- Brother Harper Sutton, Abbey Recorder

Brother Harper's Second Surviving Entry: Late January, the Winter of the Plague

The last of the plague sufferers have been released from the infirmary! Thank the Spirits, it is over. The timing is appropriate - we feasted the Abbey's good fortune last night in the Great Hall. There was dancing and music from the Abbey's musicians. There were two stand-outs of the evening.

One, Ardice's celebratory cake! Oh, Martin! It was a sight. She had decorated it to resemble Goldenwort, the herb to which we owe our recovery. But I think there are very few but can feel anything but ambivalence for the stuff. Foul-tasting and poisonous in certain forms. Major Darklett, the poor soul, looked absolutely green upon seeing the raspberry syrup seeping out of the vines in place of sap. All the same, the cake was absolutely delicious.

And, of course, it is no surprise that my Tameus got up to his usual tricks! Without telling anyone, he and a few other dibbuns arranged for quite the spectacle. He sang a rather moving song and I'm surprised to say he sang it well. It is an old one. Let me see if I can transcribe it here...

"See the smoke curl from the chimney,

An the mat beside the door,

On the path there stands the family,

Like you left em long before.

Home returning, home returning,

Seasons gone an young uns grown,

Home returning, home returning,

Back to those I call my own!

There the fire burns and the ale brews,

An the bread bakes soft an brown,

While my friends wait with the good news,

Bring my chair an sit me down.

Home returning, home returning,

Comes the warrior from the war,

Home returning, home returning,

Home to wander nevermore!"

And right after that he and the other dibbuns had rigged a sort of catapult and they launched dozens of golden paper flowers over Great Hall. I think everyone enjoyed it, save for Major Darklett's son Caleb. He seemed to have a vendetta against them and went about crushing each one he could find.

It was a fine evening for the Abbey.

Scrawled at the bottom is a scribbled note, which reads, And the squirrel Magramba arrived with ribbons braided into his headfur. I really will have to speak to Novice Theodore about that.

Brother Harper's Third Surviving Entry: Early February, the Winter of the Plague

The Abbey is suddenly a great deal emptier.

The Long Patrol has left. I believe the original plan was to wait 'til things warmed up a bit, but I suppose with first the owl, and then the battle on the Dirt Road, and finally the plague, they thought it best to leave while they still could!

It has been an unlucky stretch of months for us, no doubt.

Ah, well.

My Tameus has gone off with them. To get an early start on his grand plan to become Colonel! I am glad that he has found what he wants in life so young, but not having him here, not seeing his smile or hearing his laughter, it is a deep wound. Fortunately I have my work to keep me busy, but I can't but come back to the cot we shared each night and wonder who will sing him his lullabies, now?

The little scamp left a note. Ardice helped him to write it.

"It'll be a long time. I'll hate it and I'll miss you.

I'm sorry I'm not a good son. I'll work hard and think

of you all the time and one day I will be. I'll make you

proud. I promise. I love you more than anything.

Please be happy. Tam."

Ahhh, but he is and he does already! Where are you now, my son? I hope he is well.

- Brother Harper Sutton

Brother Harper's Final Surviving Entry: Early April, Spring

Well, we have been back to the Abbey for some number of weeks, now. The aches and pains have all healed and I no longer wake up every morning convinced that Redwall is a dream and Ruingate only a wakings away...

Should all things always be recorded, to be passed down and remembered, or should some events just be allowed to pass away with one or two beast's memories? That's the question I've been contemplating these past weeks, with a stack of fresh parchment sitting at my desk and waiting to be written on. I suppose I still haven't made up my mind - or maybe I have, and I'm just not ready yet. There have been enough of sleepless nights thanks to this trip, just lately.

So I will write of simpler things. I'm sad to have missed the visit with my family. It has been seasons since I've seen my mother, or my brother Jacob. It's been long enough, he's grown from a leveret to nearly a full Private in my absence. I wonder what he must think of me, cloistered away here in the Abbey. Though, I suppose one couldn't fairly call my life here boring!

I miss Tameus, as well. I am awaiting a letter from him - something, anything really. I don't like to consider how he must have taken the news that we would not be arriving at the mountain. He is a very strong leveret, but in some ways he is very fragile and uncertain in life. I worry for him. No doubt life will toughen it out of him, but if it was my choice... I wouldn't have it so. There are some lessons I'd rather he not have to learn.

Ah well. My letter to them must have arrived a number of days ago. Hopefully he is not angry with me, and will write soon.

Meanwhile, Spring is blossoming everywhere. The seeds of life have been planted and the smallest of buds push through the freshly turned earth, seeking out the light of day. I believe I will take a lesson from the plants, and venture forth to greet the morning.

- Brother Harper, Abbey Recorder

Sister Zinnia, Abbey Recorder

After a span of roughly Twenty-Five seasons since Brother Harper acted as Abbey Recorder, a badgermaid named Sister Zinnia Winters began writing, which would eventually lead her to being appointed to the position of official Abbey Recorder. Sister Zinnia would hold the post for nearly eight seasons until her resignation as Recorder in May of the Spring of New Beginnings, the fifth season since Father Benar's appointment to the position of Abbot of Redwall Abbey, Mossflower Country, after which she left both the Abbey and the Order.

She returned some three seasons later before passing into the Dark Forest in March of the Winter of Reflection, the eighth season since Father Benar's appointment to the position of Abbot of Redwall Abbey, Mossflower Country. She was survived by a son, the late Xander Winters.

Sister Zinnia's First Writings, Summer of Remembrance

Sister Zinnia's First Journal Entry

I am starting these writings to record what has happen since we been away from Redwall Abbey. It is odd to be writing as when I first came to the abbey I couldn’t read or write very well at all and now I read and write very very well and recently even found out that even though I never seen it before I understand badger script. Badger Script is strange as it can tell the past as well as the future and sometimes things going on elsewhere in the here and now that you may not even know of. Now it doesn’t say everything but it tells important things one needs to know, who knows maybe whoever wrote it hundreds of season ago knew I would read it and that me and my group needed to know something. Oh sorry I should explain who this group is and how we came to Salamandastron, yes the great badger Mt. or Fire Mt as some call it.

Sister Zinna

Sister Zinnia's Second Journal Entry

I am writing down what I remember and trust me a lot of it is not easily forgotten. Me and a guard named Anomen, he’s a squirrel, were told by Martin the Warrior himself to seek aid at Salamandastron to help recover his sword and to help aid Redwall from an attack by a horde led by an evil stoat named Marek. The sword was stolen from our Champion Flicktail by a squirrel named Oak who drugged him and another guard. Oak lost the sword to Marek who used it as a symbol of power and took over Redwall. Redwall fell that day and those still there were now captive and under the power of Marek and his horde.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Third Journal Entry

Before the horde had come I, Elder Benar, Anomen, and Friar Lacota had already gone on our mission a 3-4 week trip to Salamandastron. The trip started out fine and we even found a Gawtrybe squirrel maid who joined us and her name was Treesong. We made it to the swamps and that is where trouble happen and the toads caught us but with my help and Treesong we were able to get out. Benar got on my shoulders and Treesong on his and got us vines, we escaped the toads with our lives but sadly lost supplies and everything we had with us, and were still a couple days from the Salamandastron. On the day we arrived we almost lost Treesong to a jellyfish sting but luckily a hare healer named Barley came to her aid and him and a the recorder hare Quinten led us inside Salamandastron. After a week of recovering we talked to Lord Sebastian, he is the badger lord, and he will help us. It seems he dislikes the idea of Flicktail being champion of the abbey, as Flicktail is a fox. Yes a fox is champion of Redwall but he is a good fox whom I trust with my life now. I did not trust Flicktail at first and slowly as time went on he gained my trust and now he is a friend. Anyways Lord Sebastien is sending 1000 hares total and himself to Redwall. They will be with us on the way home. Acting as Liaison is Benar and appointed Anomen as military advisor. Lord Sebastian has mentioned he and the long Patrol will have no dealing with Flicktail while they are in Mossflower, but will respect the title champion, this is why we needed a Liaison and military advisor. Well we are to head out in 3 days and I need to get some rest.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Fourth Journal Entry

Day 3 and we have headed out. I don’t have time to write too much right now I shall write more in a few days. Wish us luck.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Fifth Journal Entry

It has been a week so far and I find hares most interesting, where do they put all the food they eat I wander. Lord Sebastian seems to like to keep to himself; he is the current Badger Lord. I also found out he is a blacksmith like my papa is, I wonder if they would get along or not. The trip so far has been good and no trouble, then who wants to mess with a thousand hares and one very tall badger lord.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Sixth Journal Entry

Today I had a bad dream or vision from Martin. My papa, Zork, or father he can also be called seems to have been in a very bad fight. I am so scared of just how bad a fight it was and how he is and I can’t learn this till we get home. Martin said my father was to join the ranks of the order as a Brother or Elder maybe. The day my father lays down his warrior ways will for sure be a sight to see indeed.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Seventh Journal Entry

We had an interested visitor today, he arrived by swan, Brother Leon. But it seems the swan also had another with it a clan squirrel and I didn’t catch his name but he knew Treesong and took her with him to be the now leader of Gawtrybe. It seems the Gawtrybe leader was hurt badly and Treesong is the leader for now, well she is granddaughter to the main leader of Gawtrybe so makes sense. Leon stayed with us to finish our journey back to Redwall and has informed us Uncle Oz is fine and so are the dibbuns now, even Martins sword is in safe paws, an otter. Leon thinks it’s our head guard Lee that has Martins sword, I hope so. Other news is my father Zork is in bad shape and I am worried about him. Leon confirmed my father’s warrior days are over. I wander... maybe my father really will be becoming a brother or elder in the order after all.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Eighth Journal Entry

I have not written in a while as been thinking on other things. Like on how my father Zork is and how everyone is at the abbey. I hope they are ok. We are almost at Ferravale now and soon will make final any plans to get the abbey back into our paws. I will be staying at the base camp the Long Patrol and Lord Sebastian has set up. I will also try not to worry on how the battle will go or who may or may not die. Deaths happen when in war and injuries happen as well. Those who can fight and heal will go into battle, I do not know much on fighting at all but a hare has been teaching me some simple self-defense and I guess it’s ok to learn self-defense just in case I ever need it in the future, but it’s still a last resort as I am a Sister in the order and the abbey code is do no harm and only fight if one’s life is in danger and as a last resort. Well Benar and Sebastian will be heading out soon to see who else is going to help us get the abbey back. Brother Leon looks to be going to and said he be there as a healing beast, he is Master Healer after all so it makes sense for him to be there. Anomen will also go to Ferrvale and be in the big battle against Marek and his horde. Anomen had taken a walk earlier and came back clearly upset and told me he wishes to not talk about it and asked where Benar and Sebastian was, and I told him and he went off to speak to them. Hopefully it’s not bad news, I so dislike bad news. Well I should stop writing for now and will update you later.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Ninth Journal Entry

We have made it to a camp close to Ferravale. I cannot say where so that will remain a secret. No vermin species can enter the camp, even if a couple are friends it seems. But that is ok as it does keep the cap safe. I went out to try and find someone who may know how my Papa is and I ended up a captive of the Gawtribe. It seems they were for a short while taken over by Alvar as he has been Treesong in a fight and is leader and he is a mean leader and says they will no longer be friends to any beast but the clan.

I write more to say Alvar was defeated, in fact killed by Anomen who came to help Treesong and myself, Anomen is now temporary leader of the Gawtribe, plus he is still military advisor for this war we are dealing with, but the Gawtribe is on our side once more so all is well. Even better news Treesong and Anomen are now to soon wed, not sure when this will be as first we must win this war with Marek and then get things back to normal. Maybe A feast and a wedding, that would be so fun and enjoyable!

Sister Zinnia

A hasty scribble in a small and cramped paw-writing has been added to the bottom of the page:

I also helped with Alvar's defeat! Nearly died trying!

- J.R.M.

Sister Zinnia's Tenth Journal Entry

A lot has happen at the base camp. Hares are training and getting ready to fight and a more serious tone has come over the camp. I will be staying at the base camp till the ok is given that the abbey is free and we can go inside. I will also help tend to some of the less serious injuries as I do know basic healing skills.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Eleventh Journal Entry

The abbey is once more free, but many lost their lives to get it free again. I stayed at the base camp and a couple hares got me back to the abbey. My papa Zork and Uncle Oz are fine, to which I am glad. Many in the Long Patrol died, half the Gawtrybe died and some shrews died as well. The head Guard Lee had found Martin The Warriors sword and keep it safe. He led a small group of Redwallers inside and rang the bells in the bell tower as a distraction. A squirrel named Oak opened the abbey gates to let beasts inside, but he disappeared and from what heard went into the woods somewhere. Also the moles caused a section of the south wall to fall down, further surprising the horde beasts that had taken over our home. The moles are already starting to repair the wall and make it even stronger. The gates are getting fixed as well; the blacksmith whom is also my Papa is helping fix the abbey gates. The wounded are being cared for by Head Healer Brother Leon and the other healers. The dibbuns have yet to be brought back but that should be in a couple days once some cleanup has taken place around the abbey. Well I should get some needed rest, in my own bed. It will feel so good to once more sleep in my bed and my own room.

Sister Zinnia

Sister Zinnia's Records, August of the Summer of Remembrance

Sister Zinnia's First Entry as the Official Abbey Recorder

I am sorry I have not written in a while. I been spending time with Papa and Uncle Oz. The abbey has slowly recovered from the takeover and things are getting back to normal. Today is the feast and great fun and food was to be had. This was the first time I truly enjoyed a Redwall feast. The lives that were lost were remembered today with lanterns on the trees; yes the trees as we had the feast outside in the orchards. The summer of Remembrance it was named. Another great thing happen I am now Redwall Abbey Recorder! I still take care of the library and keep the abbeys records but now I feel more proud to do so and will work extra hard to keep the library neat and clean and in good order, I will also may sure all things are recorded that needs to be remembered. The sword of Martin is once more back in Flicktail’s paws now as well. We also have a bee keeper now, Melibella as her and her newborn daughter have decided to live here. I need to go help clean up, I will update later.

Sister Zinnia, Abbey Recorder

Sister Zinnia's Second Entry

I want to update as I found out today Bottlebrush has returned to the abbey, which is good as he is a healer and healers are always needed.

Other news is sadder, my friend Treesong has died, but there is not total loss of hope as she has a small newborn baby that has survived. It is thought the poison from the Jellyfish sting weeks ago may have still been in her system and made her weaker; childbirth took a lot of her energy. The baby’s name I learned is Cotasong, a way to honor his mother and Anomen had wanted to name the child after a close friend, Friar Lacota, so the name is a mix of both names. Friar Lactoa is fine so please do not worry and is busy making dinner or rather finishing making it so I best get to Cavern Hole as he doesn’t like it when beasts are late for dinner.

Sister Zinnia, Recorder of Redwall Abbey

Sister Zinnia's Third Entry

Sorry I have not updated for a while. First some sad news, Sister May has passed away and will be missed. She was very old, I am sure how old but fairly old and was one of the first beasts I meet when I first came here. She helped Uncle Oz with the younger dibbuns, now one of the novices do. I help with the dibbuns ages 4-6 seasons and so far I have done very well.

We will have the fall feast soon and my papa is helping to raise the new gates, and the gates are stronger than ever before. The feast should be fun and enjoyable. I am still loving being the recorder and love to keep you updated. We have had friends come and friends go. Luckily no more in death have left. Angelo the hare left to go back to his own village as a brother of his needed him, and Anomen has left with his son Cotasong. Those new , we have Taran who has come to the abbey, just yesterday he helped save one of the dibbuns I help, young Thorn, who had an allergic reaction to some nuts. Taran got her to the infirm very quickly and saved her life, even though he seems to think he didn’t, in my opinion he did. We also have an odd sea otter maid here and who seems interested in learning to use the forge, a possible apprentice for papa? I am unsure and will keep you updated on what happens there and what her name is once I also learn that. There is also a vixen named Rayen, I have only spoken to her a couple times and she seems nice. She is a healer and makes baskets out of reeds, which I think is an interesting skill to have. She seems to have made our champion happy, and I think she is happy as well when she is with him and it’s always nice to make beasts happy.

Our Master Healer Brother Leon took a couple weeks off and is now back on duty, I think some time off, which he rarely takes, helped him a lot and also Taran, whom I mentioned earlier, is his father..yes they are related and look to be trying to finally be father and son and I wish them luck with that.

Not much else is going on that I have not mentioned, till next time.

Sister Zinnia, Recorder of Redwall Abbey

Sister Zinnia's Fourth Entry

Another quick update

I am adding this, though the problems seem to have left. A group called the Silent Blades have been around. Led by a rat I learned name was Ebony and seems to dislike the abbey. So far they have not caused too much trouble here and just on the road by robbing beasts as they travel the road. The wall guards as well as our Head Guard Lee and the Champion Flicktail are keeping an eye on the roads to make sure the Silent Blades do not do too much to endanger any beasts. I have learned they are a small group of just under 10 beasts and in a couple recent fights have lost a pawful of their beasts, this before being under 10 beasts, still not being too big a group even then, maybe 15 before and dropped to just under 10 beasts now, I see no danger to the abbey but would suggest being careful on the dirt road, I know I will be.

Thanks for your time,

Sister Zinnia, Recorder of Redwall Abbey