A Betrayer in the Village

Scioto walks into the tavern and sits at a table in the back, he orders an ale and sits to drink it, not speaking to anyone right away.

Jazmyne nods, "Yes but maybe later."

Lorimis says, "No I think we may not have a later, he is here, why do we not try to resolve some things."

Scioto looks over at the two, he drinks his ale still.

Jazmyne nods "Alright then, we can talk right now then."

Lorimis walks over to the Chieftain "Come then Apprentice...Chieftain..can we speak with you? “

Scioto looks up, he looks between the two, "Speak what do you need Lorimis?"

Jazmyne follows Lorimis slowly and stays beside him and waits.

Lorimis asks, "I need to join you first may we sit?"

Scioto nods, "You can sit Lorimis.", He clear his throat "Been a little busy past couple days.”

Lorimis says, "I said WE Chieftain. I think it will be to your benefit this is my Apprentice, I need to have you accept her and listen"

Scioto sighs, "She can sit as well then."

Jazmyne sits slowly beside Lorimis and listens as they speak.

Lorimis says, "I will be blunt with you Scioto, I believe Drake has sent this whole thing up to Harm you and Dazzle...."

Scioto raises an eyebrow, "Drake is one of my guards why would he be behind this and he was not even around when Dazzle and me were ambushed."

Jazmyne folds her paws in her lap, but for now are silent.

Lorimis says, "But he was around when Silverfangs was called. Now tell me Chieftain, why one of YOUR guards would go ALL the way to Redwall...to reassure a healer to go to that fox. And then NOT be there to protect that healer?"

Scioto says, "From what I heard and from him, he was tricked, he was tricked by the vixen beside you,"

Jazmyne frowns, "I..admit I did trick him and now he is upset with me about it...but didn’t know the old fox would....die."

Lorimis asks, "And how exactly DOES a Vixen trick your guard to go so FAR from this town? How did you trick him Jazmyn tell me? And you should NOT have known the old fox would die, our oaths generally protect us"

Jazmyne frowns, "With...gold, I am sorry I..Muenster said he needed a healer, he didn’t say he kill him..but he did. "

Scioto shakes his head listening, "Why he was on the road I have no clue, then some Ferravale beasts go other places too and guards have a day off once in a while"

Jazmyne stands, "I should go to my room at the Inn"

Lorimis says, "Jazmyn I asked you a question..do you wish to help and atone or not?"

Jazmyne says, "I do wish to help""

Lorimis asks, "Then tell me truthfully what led up to this, what did the Fox tell you and how did you supposedly TRICk Drake?"

Scioto listens, "What else needs to be said Lorimis, I am listening."

Lorimis says, "A lot Scioto, if you accept everything at face value, both you AND Dazzle could be killed and yer far too clever for that, this is too coincidental that the ONE being that would upset you so much your anger would blind you, is taken right after Silverfangs is killed"

Jazmyne frowns "I was told to get a healer, but I wasn’t allowed back in the abbey so..found someone else to do it, Drake,...offered him some of my gold he seemed to like that idea a lot, the gold..he got Silverfangs and brought him out, he had knocked him out on the road which I didn’t tell him to do, I took Silverfangs to Muenster and told the cat to get lost"

Lorimis says, "Wait..who gave you the gold..and why did you ask Drake? and not someone else?"

Jazmyne shrugs, "He was at the gull, saying he needed gold"

Lorimis asks, "Do you see it Scioto? Why would he knock Silverfangs out? Why would he then turn? Did he explain that to you Chieftain? Was this his story as well?"

Scioto raises an eyebrow, he listens still, closely. "Drake said he was tricked, he didn’t know the fox would be hurt, he did mention the gold yes"

Lorimis asks, "Did he mention knocking silverfangs out? or The fox telling him to get lost? or why he was in the Gull?"

Jazmyne frowns, "I was not told he would die, he..Muenster just suddenly did it"

Lorimis says, "I was speaking to Scioto, Jazmyn"

Scioto growls a little, he clears his throat, "It was not mentioned he knocked him out, he didn’t go into details and I have been to the gull before, it’s a vermin hangout spot."

Jazmyne stands, "Sorry..going to my room" she slowly leaves.

Lorimis says, "Right..a..VERMIN hang out, and..strange he left out that detail...if he was not TOLD to Knock out Silverfangs....Seems to me a VERY good question"

Scioto folds his arms over his chest, he watches the vixen leave and looks back to Lorimis, " I already knew the Gull is for vermin beasts...only was there couple times though, not a great place to be really."

Lorimis listens.

Scioto says, "Also I was not told he knocked anyone out, I can ask him about it next time see him""

Lorimis says, "I have no direct evidence Scioto....but it's too dangerous to just place blind trust in drake. I also find fault with what Jazmyn did...but I do not believe she would kill and I believe her salvageable...I would like you help....please"

Scioto looks at Lorimis a long time, "I know some may find me..wrong in even letting her be in my village, I told her if she messes up..once..she is gone, so far she has behaved herself."

Lorimis says, "And you should know, if she leaves...I leave...unless there is clear evidence of her arranging killings. She wants to work in the tavern for now, and to Sing some..for the beasts, I think that would be a good idea..."

Scioto takes a sip of his ale, "She sings?" He is surprised and then " And I rather you not leave Lorimis"

Lorimis says, "And Flicky and Jake are on their way here now searching for the Fox and Dazzle....and Benar is withdrawing ALL healers from all vermin places that do not assist looking for the fox...our oath has been violated and if they are unwilling to help find the beast who did it....then we cannot trust our Healers there..I suspect shortly Munester will not be welcome in ANY village and will have NO place to hide"

Scioto narrows his eyes slightly "I am not letting him in my village, if someone said I was they are in the wrong..he comes here he dies"

Lorimis says, "Of course Scioto whey do you think I am still here....Scioto you were raised differently from me, you KNOW how to get to the truth..I want the Truth in Drake and Jazmyne...."

Scioto drinks his ale, "The truth, the whole truth, there are ways to get it...maybe not nice ways"

Lorimis simply Listens.

Scioto says, "How trustworthy is Jazmyne, your saying Drake is not...what if the vixen is not?""

Lorimis says, "If she is not I will accept whatever punishment you give her for myself as well...."

Scioto stares at him "You’re not the one that’s not trusted,..she may be."

Lorimis says, "And as those that’s trusted, I am at that level of trust in her."

Scioto finishes his ale "So...question both her and Drake? Or be best to not...like said, ways to get info are not always good, she could end up very hurt and so would Drake"

Lorimis says, "You do what you need with Drake, as for Jazmyne if you feel you have reason she is being deceptive.....then I will get the truth from her"

Lorimis says, "But I submit that Jazmyne has less to gain by lying then Drake"

Scioto says, "But seems I would notice if my own guard was..to not be trusted, he did come with me to the abbey when asked, and came back shortly after I did, as I did leave in a rather big hurry and did not tell him was heading back"

Lorimis says, "Curious he has never been around when needed......and as I told another beast, why kind of deceiver...makes the one being deceived suspect?"

Scioto drinks his ale.

Lorimis asks, "may I make a suggestion?"

Scioto nods "I am listening Lorimis, go on"

Lorimis says, "if Drake denies knocking Silverfangs out...make him believe there was a witness..see if he changes his story...or make him explain why Silverfangs would voluntarily go on..without him....if Drake decided NOT to go all the way to the fox's lair...."

Scioto says, "I was not told if he went all the way or not"

Lorimis says, "BE logical Scioto..Silverfangs would not go without escort..and if Drake is loyal and went ALL the way, why has he not said where the lair IS"

Scioto listens quietly.

Lorimis says, "And if he believes that there is a witness to knocking out Silverfangs...."

Scioto says, "I do not think he went to the lair with the vixen, Drake that is"

Lorimis asks, "Then why would Silverfangs have gone if conscious?"

Scioto listens carefully.

Lorimis asks, "An interesting question is it not?"

Scioto says, "Well if he was knocked out most likely carried...ask the vixen maybe"

Lorimis says, "Chieftain you not THAT thick...it is significant that Drake LEFT that fact out and that HE is the one who Knocked Silverfangs out...."

Scioto listens "He may of knocked out the fox but it doesn’t mean he..went onto the den, Drake has not caused any trouble in the village that I know of...someone said he drank a lot first couple days but have talked to him on that "

Scioto is quiet for a while as he thinks.

Lorimis sits back in silence

Scioto speaks " Alright, we need to figure out this and soon, all this is confusing"

Lorimis asks, "isn't it always?"

Lorimis says, "Dazzles life and your own may be at stake"

Scioto growls low, he gets ale "I am worried about Dazzle and have had little sleep cause of it,..what if this..both Jazmye and Drake carried or dragged your friend to that den? Unconscious fox heavy...right?"

Lorimis says, "Jazmyne as admitted to her part Scioto, Drake has not"

Scioto sighs.

Lorimis says, "I would not be surprised if she DID help..thinking that it was just a way to keep the fox from knowing the location of the lair.....but Drake omitted his part entirely"

Scioto nod "Yes you have mentioned this...how would you suggest we learn the truth, your against harsh ways,..and how would one say well someone saw you?"

Lorimis says, "He is your guard Scioto...and your trust, how you handle him is no affair of woodlanders"

Scioto nods, "You know..this whole thing angers me,...possible untrustworthy guard

Lorimis says, "I am just worried for Dazzle and Jazmyne"

Lorimis says, "And I do not like how there are things unanswered"

Scioto nods "I am worried for my mate as well, why would I not be"

Drake walks into the Tavern, he waves to the beasts in the tavern as he gets himself an ale and pays the needed coin. He listens to them talking.

Lorimis says, "We will help all we can Chieftain"

Scioto nods "I thank you for that." He looks over at Drake quietly.

Drake looks between them," Something else happen or just talking?"

Lorimis is curious how Scioto will handle this.

Scioto folds his arms over his chest "Just trying to figure out how to find Muenster, like where his lair is maybe, and we need to find out soon."

Lorimis says, "Knowing where it is would help"

Drake nods "I agree there, sooner find Muenster the better, I looked around for him earlier, didn’t find him no wheres...that fox hides pretty good if ask me,..I bet that female fox would know the answer to that, ask her."

Scioto listens "I have not got the chance to ask her and trust me I will ask her next time I see her, a lot trying to find out right now in fact and I am going to double the guards by the gate."

Drake drinks his ale" More guards would help, maybe keep de fox away...thinking of foxes, that one needs ta go, she attacked me earlier."

Lorimis cocks his head curious, “Attacked you....how horrible”

Scioto asks, "Why did she attack you, what did you do to her?"

Lorimis asks, "What was the attack?"

Drake drinks his ale, "Nothing..she don’t like me, and she pushed me into the tavern door...should have a long talk with her, I will help kick her out if want me to, take her out myself."

Lorimis raises an eye brow, "A PUSH was an..attack?”

Scioto ears go back and he speaks again, "I am the Chieftain and I have the final word not you Drake, I do..no one takes anyone out of the village or kicks them out but me"

Drake nods to the mouse, he watches Scioto, "Calm down, just an idea...then you kick her out, she needs to go..she is a trouble maker..and liar"

Scioto growls now as he stands, "I will not be told to Calm down!!...I have had enough trouble already and your part of my trouble!"

Drake watches the cat and frowns "Whoa, how am I trouble..I didn’t de nuttin' ta you, maybe you need to take a little break and clear the head."

Lorimis asks, "How did Silverfangs get taken to the fox's lair do you know Drake?"

Scioto looks to Drake now and folds his arms over his chest.

Drake glares at Lorimis, "Shut up mouseie..", He looks at Scioto, "Get rid of him too!"

Scioto eyes narrow as he growls at Drake and looks right at him, "Answer the question..." He stays calm for now.

Drake downs the rest of his ale.."I'm outta here...dislike woodlanders...you should to really."

Lorimis asks, "interesting answer Eh Chieftain?"

Scioto is not calm now, he looks at Lorimis, "Sorry for my temper..", He looks at Drake" I Order you to answer the question!!"

Drake glares at Scioto now, .."Why so...the vixen took the fox there...tricked me she did and she needs to pay."

Lorimis asks, "weren’t you paid to protect Silver fangs? Thats why he would not go unless he had someone to aid him? And that was you?"

Drake says, "I was not paid to watch some old fox, he don’t live here...and he was supposed to help that Muenster with something, think he was wounded maybe.""

Lorimis asks, "So why were you given gold then? What was the payment to do?"

Scioto listens as Drake speaks..he listens but is still very upset.

Drake grins, "Gold to get the old fox out of the abbey and give him to the Vixen, no clue what happen after that..didn’t stick around, I had the gold..." He backs up a little now "Not that I knew I was tricked, but gold was nice I was broke."

Scioto takes a deep breath "So you get him out and knocked him out, from what heard anyways..and taking gold for something like that is..dishonest."

Lorimis now listens to Drakes reply.

Drake growls "I said I was tricked! and...the vixen knocked him out, not me...then she told me to get lost, so I did rude female if ask me...and yet she stays here?"

Scioto listens closely to his reply and his eyes narrow, he gets real quiet now and glares at the wildcat.

Lorimis asks, "Then why is it I have a Dibbun who say YOU knock out silverfangs?"

Drake asks, "What? you think I am lying and...dibbuns say a lot of things."

Lorimis says, "Yes but they are honest....can you explain this?"

Scioto closes his eyes and makes and unmakes a fist, he growls and looks at Drake.

Lorimis says, "we already know your dishonest as The Chieftain pointed out....."

Drake backs up a little "I...well no, dibbuns should not be running around on the dirt road how irresponsible"

Lorimis says, "Please come closer Drake, we are just talking....So...your story is, Jazmyne came to you...gave you gold...which you took, then YOU escorted Silverfangs out....you say Jazmyne was SOME how able to knock him out, and you..did not think that was important to tell your Chieftain, nor did you report it you were ok with silence with what YOU say happened...and you insisted despite witnesses that Jazmyne knocked him out NOT you?"

Scioto growls and goes to grab Drake by the collar of his tunic and looks him in the eyes.."I will have answers!!!!!"

Drake growls and goes to pull a dagger out and attack the mouse, he was not looking for himself to suddenly be face to face with Scioto and drops the dagger, he hisses low..," What it ta you if I knocked him out...he found out no one needed healing outside, so...who cares and the Vixen did take him to the lair...not lying on that."

Lorimis raises his eyebrows "why would you lie...at all?”

Scioto growls more now as he sees the dagger and kicks it away, he narrows his eyes at the wildcat, "Mistake...."

Drake goes to kick Scioto hard, "Why you protecting a woodie...fool some chief you are!"

Lorimis says, "ouch...2 mistakes"

Scioto tenses up as he is kicked in the chest, the wind knocked from him, he gets a tighter grip and goers to slam Drake into a nearby table, four rats quickly abandon their card game.

Lorimis backs away with some alarm but does not interfere.

Drake feels the table and then all goes black, he is out cold and blood trickles down from the side of his head where a knot is now and a good gash.

Lorimis says, "um...I think he is involved Chieftain..."

Scioto Growls low.

Lorimis says, "Course if he's dead he can tell us no more"

Scioto holds his chest and stumbles backwards, he touches a lower side and tenses up in pain, he looks at Lorimis.."Get..him..out..of...my...sight, or..get someone..too"

Drake is alive just out cold

Lorimis calls Scioto's guards to lock up Drake, "You ok Scioto?

Drake is carried away by a couple strong guards to infirm and will most likely be watched carefully.

Scioto takes a breath and looks at Lorimis.." May of..cracked a rib..I want..want him..Drake..tied up" A guard nods and heads out, he frowns and heads off worried for Scioto.

Lorimis Begins wrapping the Chiefs ribs "have I your support then with Jazmyn?

Scioto lets Lorimis tend to him, he speaks "The vixen did not..rush anyone with a dagger...Drake is no longer a guard here, start..starting now, as..as for the Vixen Jazmyne.."

Lorimis asks, "yes Chieftain?"

Scioto stays still, tenses up once in pain.."If you trust her..I do, I will..will give her a job, she can even live here under my protection. “He coughs a little "I..am sorry to have upset her but she may still know something we need..to know"

Lorimis says, "She knows that, call it her penance"

Scioto nods "Not gonna torture her for..for info..Drake on the other paw.."

Lorimis says, "I think I am more comfortable not knowing about Drake"

Zinnia makes her way into the Tavern, humming a upbeat song, she looks over at Lorimis and the Chieftain.."Ello"

Lorimis says, "Good day Sea Ottress"

Scioto nods, his chest is tightly wrapped, he shakes his head"I..need to find my mate..how long do I have to wear this..?"

Lorimis says, "Till you can get along without it"

Zinnia blinks "What in de name of the angry sea happen here'?"

Scioto nods "I..want your Champion Fox here as soon as possible, need to meet with him and that one eyed hare and sooner the better...plans to get this Muenster and take him down!"

Lorimis says, "He is on his way Chieftain.......Um..someone was lying to Scioto about who had Dazzle"

Zinnia frowns "I always miss de action, maybe that be good...dislike fights, the Chieftain ok there Lorimis?"

Lorimis says, "Yea his head is too hard to be harmed"

Scioto nods, he stands and sits in a chair "My mate is somewhere out there..with child, she needs to be found..Now.”

Lorimis says, "Otters are good finders...aren’t they Zinnia?"

Zinnia nods "Fairly good, any idea where she be kept? Also good swimmers."

Lorimis says, "with a fox"

Scioto listens, he looks at Lorimis "Are you alright Lorimis...you were not hurt in the argument were you?"

Zinnia frowns "I have heard very little of what go on in this village...then guess not important."

Lorimis says, "No this is important"

Scioto takes a couple deep breaths.

Lorimis says, "No I am fine...wouldn’t do to break my glasses again, speaking of which...you have my spares?"

Scioto growls "My own guard..betraying me! My mate is who knows where with an insane fox..what does this fox want from me!!!!!"

Zinnia backs up from Scioto.

Lorimis says, "Easy chieftain" he smiles to Zinna "He’s a touch upset"

Scioto growls, he takes a breath and tenses up in pain, he digs in a pocket and then another and hands Lorimis the spear glasses.."I..get out my Armor, I sharpen my blade,...this is war!"

Lorimis says, "we will find her Scioto...have no fear"

Valdker Stumps into the bar shortly after Scioto's exclamation, he peers towards the cluster of beasts that are near the chieftain then without further ado he takes his stocky frame to the bar.

Zinnia nods "I will help..sure others will to."

Lorimis says, "Whoa..now THERE is a rat"

Scioto nods, he has tears flow down his face now, he slowly heads towards the door, "Be in..Infirm"

---Next morning---

Scioto is in the infirm, mainly to rest and make sure nothing else was broken, he now sits up slowly and looks around.

Jazmyne walks into the infirm, if she is going to be a healer she needs to be in here more.

Scioto watches her and snaps his fingers, a guard, and ones he trusts fully, one to each side go to grab the vixen and bring her over to him, he crosses his arms and looks at her "We are going to talk and you will not leave till we are done."

Jazmyne gasps and goes to struggle and frowns "I didn’t do anything wrong, tell them to let me go"

Scioto shakes his head , "I cannot do that now you WILL relate the story of the other day with what happen to the old fox and how Drake was involved, you involved, explain the gold..the reasons..I am listening start now. “His eyes narrow some.

Jazmyne frowns "I...explained.." She looks at the ground and then back to him "I didn't kill the old fox, Muenster did..and I paid Drake to get Silverfangs from the abbey, because I couldn’t go inside."

Scioto nods "And why couldn’t you go in the abbey? Who knocked out Silverfangs? Why Drake of all beasts...do you know Drake?"

Jazmyne answers "I..was a little rough with a guard, but didn’t hurt him just threated too...and no I don’t know Drake he was just there at the gull, saying how be nice to have more coins and maybe he should take on extra like small jobs so I thought prefect...and Drake knocked him out, I did NOT tell him to do that, he just did it on his own, I...managed to get

Silverfangs to Muesnter's lair and,..he was there a few days before he was ..." Tears go down her face.. "Killed by Muenster, I have a witness a dibbun mole named Baroodit..please ask him, he can confirm I had NOTHING to do with the death, Silverfangs was in fact trying to talk to me, something bout light and darkness engulfing it or..something and Muenster just stabbed him in the back, said he was to be silent."

Scioto listens "Go on. Where get the gold? and why work for Muenster?"

Jazmyne sighs "Muenster gave me the gold, gave me a lot...he also gave me bracelets and necklace and...said he loved me and would protect me and I..sort of believed him, but then he...I am against killing anyone and would never kill anyone or even help kill anyone, I am a healer I save lives not take lives."

Scioto nods "Also...Benar mentioned something else and while here explain this...some squirrel dibbun you knew of?"

Jazmyne nods "..did know of one he said was a spy, all I was told to do was tell him to report to Munester soon...that’s all I don’t know what he was doing, spying on, or nothing..please."

Scioto growls low, he looks to Jazmyne "Got reports he has this squirrel’s sister and the squirrel was forced to poison someone and you did nothing."

Jazmyne looks in a true state of shock "I..I knew nothing of that, I..I speak the truth, if I had I would of said something “She looks down as tears go down her face.

Scioto takes a long look at Jazmyne and studies her movement, her eyes, even her breathing before he speaks again, "Well seems you are speaking the truth...any other info you care to share with me?"

Jazmyne looks at him, eyes full of tears. "Please..let me go, I told you everything that happen."

Scioto waits "No not yet..what happen to the mole dibbun and does Muenster have anyone else captive or plan to...you will answer."

Jazmyne sniffs "I..took the dibbun to the abbey, Muenster chased me it’s how I got the shoulder injury, I was afraid he hurt the dibbun too, …Baroodit,...think he tried and Silverfangs had gotten hurt cause he prevented Muenster from hurting Baroodit, I had been out and just came back and Silverfangs had an injury to his side and Baroodit the dibbun was scared..that’s when Silverfangs said it was a good idea to leave and not stay, and the whole light and dark..that’s when Muenster stabbed him, killed him..the injury was..deep and fatal and a healer wouldn’t of been able to save him “She shivers and starts to cry again.

Scioto listens and frowns, "Light and dark?" He shakes his head and folds his arms over his chest, he nods to the guards to release her but motions to a bed.

Jazmyne is led to a bed and allows herself to fall onto it and curls up crying still and offers no more info for now.

Scioto watches Jazmyne and shakes his head “We still need to know where the lair is.."

Jazmyne frowns "I..I don’t know, I did but..but he moved it..cause I.." she frowns "I sneaked out to try and find it..cause he said he said he had plans and..I had my throwing daggers in the den,..thought maybe over hear what plans were and I honestly didn’t know what they were just...someone he was gonna make pay. “She frowns "It’s my fault he left..cause he wasn’t stupid he, he knew I..tell on him" tears go down each cheek.. "He knew and wanted to make me look stupid if showed everyone an empty den I..I am s….so..Sorry" She goes silent now and sobs on the cot.

Scioto pays attention, seems he has decided she knew nothing of the ambush; he motions the guards to go and looks at Jazmyne quietly.

Jazmyne sniffs as she lays there and wipes her eyes, the quiet makes her look at the Chieftain to see if he left or is still here.

Scioto sits down, "No more questions. Any other ones are for that betrayer Drake.."He closes his eyes and growls.