A Travel gone wrong

Location: Redwall Abbey: Great Hall, Redwall Abbey: Infirmary, Dirt Road, Grasslands.

Characters Involved: NPCs Galore, Gero, Antioc, Maleficus, Flicktail, Benar, Tweep, Davin

Page Count: 27

Word Count: 11,855

Normally, its quiet in the Great hall. And today...its a deathly silence. There is only one beast in the hall today. Novice Gero is on the floor with books. Lots of books. His habit is sitting to the side, leaving the mouse wearing the usual under shirt and such, aside from his bandages. The chairs and such have been pushed away, giving the novice lots of room to work as he plans.

Sinway comes into the hall quite as normal, still thinking, he doesn't even notice gero as he goes to the fire place and sits down, he gives a yawn and a sigh before he closes his eyes to think

Gero quietly glances up and gives a slight wave. "Good Afternoon Sinway" he says with a soft smile before replacing the smile with a stern look as he goes back to his planning, the wooden figure of

Legol still hanging around his neck.

Sinway nods "morning." he says as before he goes back to thinking he opens up one eye "how goes the plan?" he asks

Gero sighs and rubs his eyes. "Its...goes...is all I can say" he replies. "I dont know what to do. I really dont..."

Sinway nods a little "like i said, i would help, but me being around you will only create more danger." he says as he cloeses both his eyes again

Gero frowns slightly and leans back. "Why? Whats wrong?"

Sinway yawns "trouble, with the bat, called morrigan who used own, skuld, yes own, she treated her

like a slave, but just made it seem like she was not, and i took her away and told people to watch out

for her." he frowns "she doesn't approve of that, so she sends out people to come kill me and skuld." he frowns.

Gero frowns. "Why dont you talk to someone about protection? You cant live inside the abbey for ever..."

Flicktail arrives with a pa\cked pack, on it is a shovel...teh handle inscribed with 40 names

Benar stalks down the stairs ahead of Flicktail, bottle brush of a tail swaying from side to side as he moves across the hall.

Sinway laughs almost to loudly "protection, HA i don't need that." he says with a smirk "its just, i don't want to mess up the search with all them attacks that i know will happen." he says

Flicktail's been crying but his face fur is drying out

Gero nods and sighs a bit. "Alright...Just...be careful okay?" he smiles a bit before glancing over.

"Afternoon" he says to the two.

Flicktail says, "oi be ready"

Benar bows to the mouse. "Sir Novice good day to you." he then gives the otter a familiar bow, the wild looking squirrel moves to stand by the fire staring into the flames.

Sinway looks over to flicktail "hello flicky." he says trying to sound cheerful but he can't then looks over to menar "hello."

Flicktail says, "Ello Sinway..me friend"

Gero smiles a small bit to Flicktail. "We will leave as soon as everyone else is ready" he nods before smiling to Benar. "Just call me Gero" he smiles a bit before sighing and going back to all his books and parchment.

Benar turns from the fire place, smoothing a hand over his braids. "You are going to look into this rumour of a murdered child?"

Gero nods. "Yeah...Me and a group of others" he replies.

Benar says, "So I hear... if I can be of any aid Novice Gero... my sword and my bow are at your

disposal.""

Flicktail says, "Kin..Kin we bring Benar...please?"

Gero looks the squirrel over for a moment before nodding. "Any and all help is welcome" He smiles some. "But I have no idea if the stoat has any more beasts by his side...so i dont want you to take the risk if you dont truly want to risk your life..." he says.

Flicktail asks, "ye ave a sheild fer me gero?"

Benar smiles softly, "I was a Corporal in the Army of Southsward Sir Novice, it would be remiss of me to let you go out there alone without help."

Gero smiles some. "I do have help already...but You're more then welcome to join the group" he

smiles some before looking to Flicktail. "Aye. I got it earlier" He says. "Its in the gate house"

Sinway frowns a little "i still wish i could help but its just not safe, i add more un needed risk." he says

Benar looks towards the otter. "Oh? May I ask why you would add more risk Novice.. mmm sorry I did not catch your name?"

Sinway smiles "im sinway. and events have happen that leads me and my adopted daughter skuld to be a target to pay vermin, to kill us, me leaving the abbey to help will just add a risk of us getting

attack in a attempt, as weak as it may be, on my life." he says

Flicktail says, "oh Sinway...we know ye does wot ya cans"

Gero glances up. "Dont worry...we'll be fine even if you join in. I don't think any sane beast would attack a large group" he says.

Flicktail says, "Oi Jus wanna find e dibbun"

Benar inclines his head, "Well then... mmm let me know when you are leaving"

Flicktail asks, "where be southward, Benar?"

Gero Hrms and nods. "We'll be leaving just before dinner" he says with a small nod.

Benar says, "In the south Flicktail, beyond the Great Southern Stream and the ruins of Loamhedge,

the forest kingdom of southsward lies.""

Flicktail listens, he's only heard stories of Loamhedge

Gero listens to Benar. "You've been to the Loamhedge Ruins?" he asks with a tilt of his head.

Benar says, "I passed near the"

Benar says, "I passed near them, on my way to Southsward.. many seasons ago. But I did not explore them.""

Gero ahhs and nods. "Its too bad. I'd have loved to known what they were like..." he says.

Flicktail says, "Oi lokes old cities"

Benar asks, "Cities? No Flicktail it is the ruins of a once great and fine abbey... the ancestor to Redwall.""

Gero glances to benar again. "I wonder what it looked like all those seasons ago when it was not riddled with plague and lost..." he sighs a bit and hangs his head for a moment.

Flicktail says, "it must ave been some place"

Benar turns back to the fire, warming his hands. "It must have been a grand and beautiful place to live."

Gero nods. "probably" he sighs before thinking. "Does anyone else know anyone who would want to come with us to find the dibbun?" He asks with a tilted head and another sigh

Flicktail says, "Aye a place o kindness "

Antioc comes walking down the stairs, blue eyes seeing only one beast he knew. He really did need to pay more attention to things around him and not just study all the time. He quietly walks over to the fire, giving all those in the great hall a polite smile as he goes.

Benar inclines his head to the ferret, watching him warily and moves to stnad next to Gero, he seems to be less skittish of the ferret then he is with the fox. "I am afraid I do not know many people yet novice Gero"

"Maybe Antioc would want to..." Gero says aloud to himself before hrming. "Ah...Look who it is...was just thinking bout you" He smiles to Antioc then nodding at Benar. "Ah...Yes...alright...well" he just nods.

Flicktail looks at Antioc "who be at?

Gero glances over to Flicktail. "Novice Antioc" he smiles some before glancing back. "Can I ask a favor,

Antioc?" he asks with a hm.

Antioc turns his head towards Gero and gives a bright smile before starting towards them, "I wundered where ye got yerself to when I didn't see ye in the infirm'ry. Yer lookin better." He stops somewhat short when he notices the squirrel. He's learned to give beasts time around him before getting closer than five or so paces. He glances at Flicktail and gives a slight wave, "Me names Antioc."

Flicktail ello Antioc..

Gero hehs some and slowly stands from the floor spot he was sitting on. "Oh...I feel a lot better" he smiles some before yawning. He waits for Antioc to say that he can indeed ask a favor.

Benar relaxes when Gero names him a novice and bows, "Novice Antioc, a pleasure. I am Benar Amarroson."

Antioc turns his head and awkwardly returns the bow, "'Tis a pleasure Benar Amarroson." He remains those paces away from the two for the time being though, he wanted to make sure he was reading the squirrel right first. He knew how vermin were viewed, even if they wore novice green. He tilts his head to the side at Gero, "What be it?"

Gero sighs a bit. "Last night a stoat came into the abbey, claiming to have killed a dibbun that had

wandered from our walls...I'm organizing a search party to go look for Said young one...I want to know if you would like to join us?"

Flicktail doesn't approach the weasel..but eyyes Benar, not sure WHERE to stand

Benar eyes Flicktail and bows his head to the fox but he then steps forwards towards the ferret and holds out a grey paw, tossing his braids over his shoulder. "Pleasure..." he says firmly, trying to make it clear he's not about to go all vermin slayer, at least on the Novice.

Antioc gives the squirrel a genuine smile and takes the paw to give it a strong shake. He looks back at

Gero and the smile fades, "I didn't 'ear about that. I was in the infirm'ry last night for my shift." The

ferret looks down, thinking about what was asked.

Gero nods and sighs. "Aye...well...I'm sorry to ask...But I do wish at least two order members with in the group. Me and one other...I would like it to be you if you don't mind taking the risk..."

Flicktail hears infirmary and holds up a paw with a dingy looking bly blood soaked ..well it looks lore liek a rag then a bandage "er..um Gero..oi sorta broke a window up staires...wi me paw....

Benar smiles at the ferret and then steps smartly to the side to stand besides the novice and await departure.

Antioc shakes his head quickly, "I don't mind risk. I'll go." Then he looks at the paw of the fox, then to his face with a frown, "Why? Ye should be in the infirm'ry gettin it looked at."

Flicktail points to the shovel on his pack with 40 names carved in the handle "if ye kin look at me paw...fine but oi am not goin no where cept after me dibbun..no matter ow we find im

Gero frowns and glances to Flicktail. "Go get it bandaged...We'll leave when your back okay?" He says with a stern look. Then he sort of just nods at Antioc. "Thank you"

Flicktail says, "Oi just gots ta pay for at window Gero"

Benar tugs the collar of his vest up and lounges against the wall, tapping his claws. "I'll have to collect my weapons before we leave."

Flicktail says, "Oi just gots ta pay for at window Gero"

Benar tugs the collar of his vest up and lounges against the wall, tapping his claws. "I'll have to collect

my weapons before we leave."

Gero hehs a bit. "Flicktail, the window is fine...just go get your paw looked at"

Antioc nods in agreement with Gero, "It's fer the best."

Flicktail asks, "Can't ye just llook at me paw ere/ and put somein on it?"

Benar sighs and eyes the fox. "We can't leave until you get it seen to Flicktail. So go.. deal with it."

Gero sighs and frowns. "Flicktail, my mind is on too many things on my mind to be a good healer right

now flicktail...just go to the infirmary, and come back..."

Flicktail says, "well wot about yon Ferret ere...."

Gero frowns some more. "Flicktail...It doesn't matter, we dont have anything for healing in this room

right now...Are you going to be arguing every time i tell you to do something? if so, go to the infirmary, and dont bother. If you're going to stop arguing, go to the infirmary, and then come back" he says, getting annoyed now.

Antioc continues to frown at the fox, "I be just a novice. I ain't the best 'ealer, it's not me focus. It be quiet up'ere right now, a proper 'ealer can take care 'o ye smartly."

Benar says, "Every second you delay means we are delayed leaving. If the child is alive you could cost us getting there in time." He points at the stairs. "So go.""

Flicktail grumbles and goesup to have his paw seen to.

Antioc looks back to the other two, "Foxes be difficult at times." He looks at Gero, "We 'ad a fox on me old ship, 'e was the stubbornest beast I ever did meet."

Benar shudders and slumps down against the wall a paw over his eyes. "Foxes... I can cope with

everything else but why does it have to be a fox." He grey squirrel shakes his head and stands up

straighter, saluting the novices, "My appologise for that.. I have had some very bad experiences with foxes."

Gero rubs his eyes and sighs. "maybe...I'm not cut out for looking for the dibbun..." he sighs. "Talk about pressure..." he sighs. Antioc just gets ignored for the moment as Gero continues to feel bad.

Antioc looks at Gero with the same frown he gave the fox, "And I ain't sure ye need t' be goin. Ye was just in the infirm'ry not too long ago. Ye 'ave more of a chance in getting infected..."

Benar peers at the bandaged mouse. "Aye.. leave it to us.. We can take care of this I am sure."

Gero's ear twitches and glances over. "What? no...i'm fine...I need to do this..." he says before slowly

sinking into a chair

Antioc shakes his head, "Nay matey. I c'n name a few beasts that would 'ave me 'ead if I allowed ye to go in yer state."

Gero eyes Antioc and the Squirrel. "The abbot put me in charge of the rescue. I'm not going to abandon the kid like that..."

Antioc takes in a deep breath and nods his consent, "If the abbot put ye in charge...'e knows best." He still doesn't look happy about it though. He looks at the squirrel and shrugs.

Benar says, "Then I shall follow your lead Gero, my skills are at your disposal.""

Gero nods. "I'm sorry Antioc...but I just cant stand Idly by" he says before smiling a small bit to Benar and nods. "Thank you"

Antioc nods in agreement, "I suppose I might be needin supplies." Then he turns and heads off up the stairs.

Gero looks over. "Take only what you can Carry" he says with a nod.

Benar considers things for a moment. "We moving into the forest? if so I'll stay up the trees just above the group. That way I am hidden from view mostly and can act swiftly from above."

Gero Hrms and shakes his head. "We might...but I got some info from the guards that the dibbun went south along the road when he did leave...so...we'll try south first..."

Gero sighs. "Alright. I'm going to get a stretcher I ncase we do find the dibbun" he says, heading for

the stairs. "I'll be back in a moment.”

(MEAN WHILE, IN THE INFIRMARY)

Davin Is milling around in the infirmary today, on duty! He's no abbey healer but he still likes to heal,

and thats why he's here. The mouse is just sorting things out with the inventory and such as he hums a tune to himself

Flicktail waggles his cut paw to Davin

Davin hrms and glances over. "Ah...Afternoon" he says, setting the things on the counter. "What happened?" he asks before pointing to a cot for Flick to sit down on.

Flicktail says, "oi punched a winda..it bit me"

Davin goes to Examine the paw. "You...punched a window? Why?"

Flicktail says, "because it not be roight ta punch a beast and a wall be lots arder...."

Davin frowns again and goes to get some bandages. "Why Did you even want to punch something?"

Flicktail says, "Oi were upset peopelsays somone kilt a dibbun"

Davin Ahs...and frowns more. "ah...I'm sorry to hear that" he says with a slow nod, taking a damp

cloth to clean the paw.

Flicktail's paw is cut deeply across the pad, and bleeds freely

"This is going to hurt a bit" the mouse says before applying LOTS of Pressure to the paw pad to stop the bleeding.

Flicktail yipes, a bit but holds still "Oi be sorry

Davin chuckles a bit. "Its okay" he says. "There's nothing to be sorry about. your the one with the

hurt paw" he nods, cleaning the blood away. He then starts to bandage it up. "try not to use this paw

for a few days"

Flicktail says, "only if oi ave to bury..number 41"

Davin looks over to Flicktail and doesn't get it. "41 what?" he asks, tightening the bandage and tying it.

Flicktail says, "Oi buried 40 Dibbuns durin e plague...."

Davin's face turns a pale white. "I'm...so sorry" he says with a sigh.

Flicktail nods "me toos" and lays his ghead gently against the mouse's shoulder

Davin wraps his arms around Flicktail, giving a hug, staying quiet for now. He's almost in tears but he

fights them back.

Flicktail says, "Oi ope we find im alive...."

Flicktail weeps "oi miss e dibbuns.......

Davin nod some. "I hope you do too" he sighs.

Flicktail asks, "Do you think Beasts will always ate me for bein verminous?"

Davin Shakes his head. "No. I dont. And i'm sure that if you continue being as you are now, no beast

could hate you"

Flicktail says, "oi if a beast kin murder a dibbun..then they don't needs reasons ta ate"

Davin nods. "Indeed" he says before standing. "I have to get back to work. I hope you find the dibbun

alive" he says.

Flicktail Oi brings in ta see ya if we does..thanky!

(Back in the great hall)

Flicktail returns with a well bandaged paw

Antioc is upstairs gathering supplies he might need.

Flicktail asks, "Did no one think ta brinsg a ealer in case e dibbun be urt?"

Flicktail asks, "ye don'tthink ay buried im alives do ye?"

Benar nods his head, "I will be at the..." he stops and looks at Flicktail. "We are taking Antioc." he stalks out, "I'll meet you outside the main gate. I'll get my weapons."

Gero returns with a some big slings they can tie together to make a stretcher if they need. "No flicktail, I dont think he did" he says. "I know how...he died, if he did die..." he sighs before packing his things away into a pack.

Flicktail asks, "ow? tells me or it be drivin me crazy"

Gero shakes his head, tears slowly going down his cheeks. "No...I wont tell you...I cant..."

Antioc comes back down the stairs with a pack over his shoulder, "I got some supplies from the infirm'ry and some food." He has a dark green cloak around him now as well as his novice habit.

Flicktail says, "oi find oo did is, oi wills"

Gero sighs and heads for the door. "This isn't a vengeance mission flicktail. Unless we're attacked, do not attack anyone" he says

Flicktail says, "not vengence, oi can't urt a beast but Oi can beins im ta justice, once oi see's to e dibbun...les go"

Antioc looks at the two, then follows them quietly, lost in his own thoughts.

Gero just...heads out the door quietly

Flicktail looks at benar "noice at”

Gero goes into the gate house and comes out with a rapier on a black leather belt. "We'll go south...is everyone ready?" There's a small crowd here of about...ten or eleven beasts ready to go.

Benar steps out of the gate house, the squirrel has a quiver of arrows on one hip and a heavy short sword on the other. He is plucking his ash-wood bow and nodding. "I am ready Novice Gero."

Antioc frowns when he sees Gero with a weapon. He moves over and speaks quietly into his ear, "You

know that we're not supposed to have weapons..." Then he nods to the rest that he was ready.

Doesn't look like he's taking any weapons.

Flicktail has his pack with his shoulve strapped to it

Gero sighs. "I know Antioc. It is for protection only...oh and flicktail..." he vanishes into the gate house again, handing over a large wooden shield to the fox when he comes back out. "Here"

Flicktail says, "wood won't stand ta much..but it be wot we gots...."

Seems Antioc takes the order seriously, even when it comes to weapons for protection. He adjusts his pack and waits to follow the beasts in charge.

Benar is also looking at the other novice's rapier. "Novice Gero... I have allthe weapons we should need... you need not carry a rapier. But I am ready to go."

Gero does take the order Seriously as well, but he'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and

not have it. He then does glance to Benar and nods. "Alright...I...suppose" he puts the rapier back before sighing. "Alright...lets go" he says as he heads out the gate.

Gero leaves the abbey and quietly goes down the road, tears still flowing down his cheeks every now

and then.

Flicktail Follows quietly shovel on hisback, grim

Antioc watches the trees around them all, keeping quiet. It was never good hearing about a lost

dibbun.

Benar walks along slowly, an arrow knocked to his bow, ears perked up high and his eyes roving over the path and the surrounding area.

Gero looks around and sighs some as he glares at the sky. "Why..." he asks quietly.

Flicktail says, "oi don't see no dibbun yet...."

Antioc perks his ears somewhat at Gero's question. He knows the answer. It's why vermin do what they do. And sadly, thats what he is/was. He looks up at the sky, still following.

Gero Continues staring up. "Martin...watch over him...please..." he says quietly before looking down and sighing again.

Flicktail looks aroudn confused

Benar eyes the Vermin, sorry ex-vermin with them and shakes his head, "Because... it is their nature. Their parents do it.. so they do it.. and it leads to them all doin it." he glances left and right. "But sometimes.... vermin come right."

Gero nods and sighs. "Aye...Heh...As a slave, i should have known that" he chuckles very softly. "I wish this day never happened...wish the dibbun was fine..."

Flicktail says, "sot talkin loik e be not till we know..e IS fine"

Antioc gives Benar an apologetic look, like it's somehow his fault because he's also vermin. Then he looks at the other beasts and decides to change the subject, "I suppose I be th'only cook 'ere." Then

he smiles, "And all'a ye get to 'ave me cookin while we be out."

Gero hehs and smirks. "Then we're all better of dead right now, Antioc" he laughs loudly.

"Haha...sorry. I couldn't help it.

Benar frowns at Gero then at Antioc and sighs, "I was a slave once.. when I was 2 seasons old a fox

took me and taught me that I was a lesser beast. That I was to serve them. My step-mother taught

me differently when she rescued me." he looks around, watching everything and anything, ready to

defend these abbey beasts with his life if he must. "let us find this... poor child and return to the abbey."

Antioc chuckles and grins at Gero, "Ye've been eatin me cookin fer the past month ye scoundrel."

Gero hehs somewhat. "I wsa a slave...taken a long time ago...Family killed...everything gone...All i

know is, I dont wish the same on the Dibbun, nor do i hope he's dead...I'd rather have died instead of him..."

Flicktail just looks a bit ashamed.

Benar sighs, "Well... it is behind me now... I cannot forgive... some vermin.. I cannot trust them. But I can be polite to those who dwell in the abbey.. and..." he glances at Antioc. "Friends with those who have embrace the order so."

Antioc glances at Benar and gives a thankful little smile. That was one thing that he had to live with

daily, and was actually a sensitive subject with him. He speaks to all the beasts with them, "We's

gonna find the dibbun all right and sound. 'Ell, who else'll sneak about and steal cakes in th' night. Makin messes fer the novices t'clean up."

Flicktail looks away from teh Squirrel..his shoulders dropping some

Gero nods. "We will...We Will..." he says before sighing again and looking up once more.

Benar flicks his ears and keeps his eyes away from Flicktail, he admits it is irrational, but he just cannot bring himself to be friends with a fox. "How much further Gero? Do we know?"

Flicktail stays away from benar...taking his shovel and gripping it worrying the handle

Antioc glances over at the fox and moves over to him, lowering his voice, "Don't ye worry matey. Just give 'im time and 'e'll come around. Just like I be 'avin t'do when I meet new beasts."

Gero is as quiet as death right now.

Benar looks around, ears twitching idly and long grey tail swaying. Walking along southwards bound.

Antioc oh's and nods, "Sorry mate. But, if'n it means anything, I know 'ow it feels."

Flicktail nods "oi be worried about me dibbuns

Antioc tilts his head to the side, "Ye lost yer dibbun?" Then he looks down at the ground at his feet, "I

be sorry matey. I can only imagine what it be like t' lose yer kids. I don't be 'avin any of me own."

Flicktail keeps dibbun searching

Flicktail says, "all dibbuns be moin...in a ways.....oi takes cares o e little ones.."

Benar says, "I think Flicktail refers to the missing dibbun. he seems to see all the Abbey dibbuns as his to care for." The squirrel comments softly. Looking behind them and then around the area. "

Gero sighs. "Every dibbun is His" he chuckles a bit before starting to quietly cry again, paws wiping at his eyes.

Antioc nods, "Sorry, I been studyin so much lately I ain't hardly noticed any beast."

Benar says, "I just returned to Mossflower from Southsward myself... I've been gone for quite some

time.""

Flicktail says, "ere Dibbun...comes ta unca flicky...p..PLEASE"

Antioc takes in a breath and steps somewhat away from the main group, towards the side of the road. His attention is mostly beyond the road itself, looking for anything that might be of importance.

Gero wipes his eyes again before starting to just walk faster. The mouse continues, now starting to overtake the group.

Benar frowns as Gero pulls ahead and hurries his step along, casting his eyes along the ditch. "Do not run ahead Novice Gero. .please..."

Flicktail moves up co his shield can protect benar if needed

Gero hrms and frowns a bit as he slows back up. "S-sorry...I guess I'm just Anxious to bring the young one home..."

Flicktail asks, "where be is place e supposed ta be at?"

Gero shrugs. "I don't know. South...just south...its all i know...it could be days worth of south...could be minutes...I really don't know"

Antioc doesn't notice that the others sped up. He continues to watch the side of the road, thinking about different situations that might arrise when they do find the dibbun.

Flicktail eeps on south and searching

There's a rustling at the road side, and beady little eyes watch the group with much curiosity. All these land beasts always moving up and down this road... So...Interesting. A little robin hops to the road-side, head bobbing from side to side while she watches the procession.

Flicktail Calls out "Where BE ye Dibbun!

Antioc notices the robin first. He is surprised, but he just stops and tilts his head to the side, "Well 'ello there."

Gero sort of stops when he spots the Robin. "Good Evening" he gives a slight nod to the bird.

Benar pauses as he spots the bird and inclines his head, "Good robin, a fair evening tide to you"

Flicktail has never seen a Robin before

"Cheh. Hihi." Comes a quick chirping greeting, and then the little bird hops out to start walking up and

down the group, with a little bobbing motion and several quick tilts of her head. "Wossum doin'?"

Antioc just watches the interesting bird for a moment, before he can't help but to smile. He would let

someone that knew more about the whole situation than him explain it.

Flicktail says, "ave..and ye seen a dibbun, one who be urt..sou o ere..um..bird?"

Gero hms. "We're looking for...a lost dibbun...A squirrel dibbun...have you seen him?"

Benar says, "Indeed... if you have seen any children, please let us know""

"Not seeum n'dibbuns. Not seeum n'squirrels 'fore you. Seeum cats. Seeum mice. Seeum you. Y'abbeyworms? Bringum abbeyfood?" There's a hopeful little glint in her eyes. "Howum you lose-um abbeywormchild? Hm a-runaway'm?"

Flicktail says, "Ye..ye think ye could..fly and looks for us..e..e mioight be urt..please....oi lost me dibbun"

Antioc takes his pack off and reaches inside, pulling out a pastry from the abby before putting the pack back on. He had never met a bird before, so he just hoped that the robin liked it. He steps forward and offers the pastry, "Aye. It would be nice if'n ye 'elped us”

Benar turns to look out over the Flat-lands to the west, searching as always. Something about the fox

calling them "His" dibbuns sets his teeth on edge. "We really do have to try and find him. If you can help us.. as Novice Antioc says it we would be so grateful."

Tweep eyes Flicktail as he says those words. "Treewormchild be'm foxworms? Abbey be slaverums..?"

There's some narrow-eyed skepticism, or would be, if Tweep's eyes were capable of it. Then, Antioc's

giving her food! And pastry! Very welcome! She pecks at it, then goes to take it and put it on the

ground, before starting to peck it to pieces. "Thankum... Tweep helpum abbeyworms, ifnotum slaverworms? And... feedum Tweep more abbeyfood?" Simple wants.

Gero smiles and nods a bit. "We can give you how ever much food you want if you help us find our missing dibbun" he smiles some. "Thank you..."

Antioc smiles and nods, "Of course we can give ye some more food, and no we ain't slaverworms. We just be wantin our little friend back."

Flicktail exclaims, "Oi be so worried about im!"

Benar turns to the robin and bows, "I assure you Miss Ronim, we are not slaveworms, do everything we can to stop slaveworms."

Gero glances to flicktail. "We all are Flick...all of us" he nods before glancing around.

"Foxum said Treewormchild hisum wormchild..." The little robin points out, and nods at Flicktail, as a

reply to Antioc and a counterpoint to Benar's statement. But Gero's and Antioc's promise of more food has her seeming quite amiable towards the group.

Flicktail says, "Oi oi takes care o dibbuns wi no Parent...ats whoy oi calls em moin..cause oi cares fer em"

Antioc gives the robin another smile, "Me names Antioc." It was kind of hard to understand the bird, but, he was doing a well enough job so far. As long as she doesn't get excited and talk fast that is.

Gero looks around and smiles some at the robin a few moments later. "Thank you. Your help is much appreciated" he smiles before looking. "Everyone into the grasslands...We'll make a camp there and stay there for a little while..." he says before heading into the grasslands.

Flicktail nods

Tweep eyes Flicktai. And then, gives what might be a shrug. There's an upward motion and a shifting of feathers anyway. Seems she accepts the answer. To the thanks; "Promisedum thisbird abbeyfood. Helpabbeyworms for abbeyfood. Thisbird, Tweep." An introduction at the end, just in case she hasn't yet.

Benar smiles, "Pleasure to meet you Tweep, this squirrelworm be Benar" he hops over the ditch and sets about helping to set up the evening camp.

Gero smiles. "I'm Novice Gero...There's Novice Antioc...Benar, that white fox is Flicktail" he smiles before vanishing into the grasslands.

Tweep follows the group into the grasses. Huh. Not all that different to the meadow she's so fond of... Just... grassier. There's some happy chirping and warbled murmurs of repeated names as she learns them.

Gero wanders into the grasslands before looking around and setting on some evil ground. "Everyone, make camp here...This will do for now..." he looks to antioc before sighing. "I need time alone...Your in charge until I return" he says before heading deeper into the lands.

Flicktail says, "oi take woch, oi can't sleps much"

Antioc hesitates for a moment, then nods. Why was he in charge? Only in charge he knew was when he was on the ship. He looks around to the others, trying not to mess it up or look foolish, "Set yerselves up where ye want t'be sleepin. Don't be getting yerselves too far if ye leave." He looks at

Flick and nods, "Aye matey. I be takin next watch."

Flicktail won't wake a beast up if they are asleep and he cannot

Tweep chirps. And settles in the grass, looking around a little. It's no tree-nest. But this grass is comfy. "Westayum allnight?" She says, after a moment. Who knows? Landbeasts are /weird/, and she'd not be surprised if they all up and wanted to go at midnight or something crazy.

Gero is just away from the group, reflecting on himself.

Flicktail is worrying the handleof his shovel..his shield on his arm

Little does the group know that there are a pair of eyes watching in the shadows, peering over the group, calculating...

Hope they weren't planning on going long... Antioc keeps giving away supplies! Which is absolutely fine with Tweep. She chirps, gratefully, and starts pecking at this pastry. Crumbs everywhere! They'll be eaten too, in good time. "Abbeyfood goodfood. Tweep muchum like abbeyfood."

Flicktail Takes a walk around the Peremiter

Antioc smiles at Tweep, "Well, after we find the dibbun, yer welcome t'come with us and 'ave more.

But I'm goin t' go and find some wood fer a fire." Then he stands up and looks towards Flicktail, "'Ey

mate. I'm goin t' find some wood fer a fire. Could ye see that a proper pit is made fer it please?" Then

he starts off away from the camp in a random direction since they all look more or less the same, he just makes sure that he doesn't head towards the road.

Flicktail says, "Don go offs alone....we not be in e abby"

Antioc stops and turns to give Flick a smile, "I'll be fine matey. I won't go far." Then he starts off again.

Flicktail exclaims, "No please DON't! remember Oi were a Slaver!"

Gero comes back after having been gone for about ten minutes. "Dont worry flicktail. Antioc can take care of himself..." he chuckles a bit before sighing and yawning.

Antioc calls over his shoulder, "And I used to be a pirate mate."

Tweep frowns as the entire group seems to be splitting up just as they claimed this spot as camp. Yep. Land beasts are /weird/ and Tweep is staying right here. To finish her pasty. "Foxworm makeum goodpoint." She offers. "Safeum together. You'm notfly. Landworms. Sillbeasts."

Flicktail at be onne sensible bird

A young mouse sort of pipes up. "I'll...go with him if you like Flicky..."

Flicktail says, "Aye....Oi loiks..no more tears an oi ave ta"

The mouse nods and stands, leaving his dagger behind before following after Antioc.

Gero yawns. "So...Who's going to be the Cook while Antioc is away hm?"

Tweep is called sensible! But if asked, she's only protecting her foodsource! The pastries have been very welcome! She chirps a little and bobs her head, apparently satisfied.

Flicktail Doesn't use his shovle to dig a fire pit, he uses a stick

Antioc continues walking out into the falling night. He stops and turns when he hears another coming up behind him. He smiles when he sees the mouse and starts walking again when he catches up, "I guess Flicktail sent ye?"

The mouse nods and smiles. "Yeah...well...I sort of sent myself"

Gero Sits down near Flicky. "So...Will i cook or will someone else?"

Both Antioc and the mouse would certainly hear the rustling of leaves from above, leading curiously further ahead, then a hard thud on the forest floor.

Flicktail asks, "ye ever tasted me cookin?"

Antioc nods and looks around for some wood as they walk, "Ye ain't sca...." and he stops walking, looking up, then ahead towards the source of the noise, "'Ello?" he asks.

Gero chuckles. "No. Never" he chuckles somewhat. He sort of picks at his habit. "Why did i have to get sore when we just start our trip..." he mutters.

"Wossacook? Abbeyfood? Cookum makeum abbeyfood? Norraknow howto cook..." The robin offers.

And she's not moving. Her pastry is gone though.

The mouse frowns and looks around. "What...What was that?" he asks. "I'm not scared no..." he then

answers the question.

There is no reply for Antioc's cry save the crickets that have begun their evening chorus.

Antioc looks down at the mouse beside him, then looks back ahead. He starts forward cautiously, "'Ello? Who's there?"

The Mouse goes to reach for his dagger but finds its not there. "Why did i forget my Dagger...”

Again, there is silence.

Antioc stops and puts a paw on the mouses shoulder, "Maybe ye should go back. Get yer dagger in case we need it. It sounded like sommat fell, maybe it be a bird. I'm gonna check it out, get yer blade and come back."

Flicktail says, "it be loike wot pirats cook..not good"

The mouse shakes his head. "I'm a better fighter with out a weapon...besides I dont like weapons..."

Gero chuckles. "Ah..." he nods. "Are you saying...your not a good Cook?" he laughs.

Flicktail says, "Aye Matey"

A little further a ways and then Antioc and the mouse can see the source of the thud. It's not a bird,

but a beast. It's also very hard to tell what sort of creature it is as it's wearing a cloak and hood that covers most of its body save the paws, sprawled out as if the beast had fallen from above.

Gero looks To Tweep. "So...Tweep...How long have you been around the Area?" he asks.

Flicktail says, "tate loikes we bottom o ye paw foot it wills"

The mouse Gasps and starts to Run over. "Antioc! Its a Beast! I think he fell...Are you okay mister?"

The mouse asks, going over to the body.

Antioc smiles at the mouse, "Good. Because I ain't allowed t' figh..." And he immediately rushes over

to the prone form on the ground, calling back to the mouse as he goes, "Get back t' camp. Get Gero."

Gero laughs. "hah...probably...I'm not a very good cook either" the mouse laughs.

The body remains still, even as the mouse looks over it.

Tweep makes a bit of a face as Flicktail describes his cooking. And then blinks as Gero asks her a question. "Um. Tweep beenum herefor sinceum bigsnowfallings. Moresnow upnorth. Muchcold. Foodhere. Wormbeasts dropumstuff."

"I'm one of the healers That he brought, I can help!" the mouse says before kneeling down and going to roll the beast over.

Antioc watches the mouse, then nods and starts to help, "We need t' get 'im back t' th' camp."

The beast is a marten, blood leaking from his mouth and his eyes rolled back. A harsh gash runs

along his throat.

The mouse looks Shocked. "He...He's dead..." The mouse says after examining the beast.

Antioc frowns and looks up into the trees, "We need t' get goin....now...."

Gero ahs and smiles. "Ah...you should drop by the Abbey when We're done sometime" he nods.

Suddenly, and without warning, a beast leaps from tree above, sending a slash to the mouse since

he's closest.

The Mouse nods and was about to stand when he screams out in pain. Its not loud enough for

anyone else but Antioc and the attacker. "Oah.." he falls over as a gash is formed on his back.

A second blade slashes upwards for the mouse's throat in a flash, the movements like the wind.

Antioc can only blink as the mouse is killed in front of him. He looks at the attacker, surprise in his

eyes, "What 'ave ye done?" Then he decides that since it's against the order to fight, he turns to run back to camp.

"Thisbird mightum. Abbeyplace looknice. Seefrom skyplace. Perchum inna fruitumtree. Nottum stayed. Sparrabirds notlikeum sharesky." The robin tries to explain, shuffling a little.

The mouse's throat is slit...he's not dead yet! But he's starting to bleed out quickly. "T...tel....wife...love...her....." then he bleeds...bleeds...Dead.

Maleficus tilts his head, watching the ferret start to run when he pulls out his dagger from a side pouch in his trousers and hefts it at the ferret's legs.

Gero nods. "Ah...Yeah. Well. Maybe you can still visit. Nice big area to fly around in. Its everyone's Sky"

Antioc cries out when the point of the dagger enters his right calf, taking him to the ground. He rolls over, grasping at his leg, "I be a novice of th' abby...don't do this..."

Maleficus walks casually over to the fallen ferret, cleaning the blade of one of his scimitars calmly as he approaches before sheathing it and standing above Antioc, "Hmm...I would have preferred the novice

mouse...he would have recognized that was my cloak on that dead marten..."

Gero Yawns some and looks over to where antioc left. "I wonder why he wandered"

Tweep chrrs, a little unhappily. "Groundworms haveum territory? Um, ownland, yessum? Usbirds. Somebird claimsky. Sparraclaim abbeysky. Otherbirds too-um. Biggerbirds claimit. Thisbird onebird; smallbird. Nottum gottum ownsky."

Flicktail continues to dig with his shield on his arm.

Gero shrugs and chuckles. "Ah..well...Would be nice to see you around sometimes. There's not enough birds at the abbey"

Antioc shakes his head, this had to be the one that kidnapped the dibbun. He couldn't run now. He glares at the stoat, "They're gonna find ye. And yer gonna answer fer what ye done."

Maleficus shakes his head slowly, "I'm counting on it..." then he kneels down, looking at the dagger in the calf of the ferret, "Hmm...wouldn't be a good idea for me to pull it out...might make you bleed too much..."

Gero Shrugs. "I say we give them five more minutes before I go after them...they've not gotten into trouble I'm sure" he smiles.

Antioc continues to glare at the stoat, "Wouldn't be wantin that now would ye. How else could ye 'ave fun...vermin..." he spits the word out through the pain.

Flicktail glares at Gero "THIS BE no JOKE...we be outsuide e abby, SOMONE KILT a dubbbun mebby...we don't even ave a long patrol or a brace of camp willa otters..just me an me shield and a few fighters!

Maleficus hears what the ferret has to say and shakes his head, "Why so serious?" then he grabs the handle of the dagger.

Gero looks at Flicktail. "Dont worry Flicktail. The stoat is probably long gone by now" he says.

Tweep says, "Landbeastum oddworms. Makeum campplace. Landworms wander'way. Askfor troubleum. Nottum fly, noneworm. Notgood." The robin chrrs to herself. "Tweep lookum? Tweep flyum. Nottum trouble for thisbird.""

Flicktail says, "Aye looks"

Antioc grabs the wrist of the stoat to stop him from moving the blade any. He wanted to hit the stoat so bad...but he was very serious about the order.

Gero Shrugs. "Dont worry. Antioc can take care of himself, And Jeru is good with his fists...dont worry" he says. "If it makes you feel better" He stands. I'll go look for him, okay? Though there's no need to"

Maleficus watches the paw grab his wrist and then he grins at the ferret, "Ah...so, keeping it in is all

right with you?"

Flicktail exclaims, "NAY ye dosen't goes ALONE!"

Antioc grits his teeth, "Unless ye let me patch meself up, yes. It stays."

Gero sighs. "Flicktail, Stay okay...Sheesh" he stands and slowly heads in Antiocs direction. "I'll be back

in a few minutes, I promise...Just..mind the camp...Thats an order..." he motions for one of the Archers to follow just incase before they head out...slowly...

Maleficus hmmms, "Which would mean tearing apart your nice habit, and we don't want that..."

Tweep puffs her feathers out. "Landworms..." She huffs. And then demonstrates what she meant.

While they're all stuck on the ground, she can flutter off to look, perch among trees and keep avove any trouble.

Flicktail says, "Tweep...would ye elp at silly mouse..woudl ye go looks for me? stay inna air...if he calls oi willbeing e fighters a runnin...."

"Thisbird dothat. Foxworm gottum sensesome. Thisbird find sillyworms." Tweep chirps an affirmative, and is airborne, heading in the direction the others took.

Antioc growls through the pain from the dagger, "The 'abit can be replaced. Me life can't." Then he smirks at the stoat, "Ye 'ave t' be knowin that they's gonna come lookin fer us. Ye can't move that

quick if'n ye 'ave t' drag me along."

"Everyone Worries too much you know that?" Gero says to the Archer with a laugh as they go.

Flicktail says, "ye will worry too when ye realize..some beast went to is death..because ye didn't pertek im"

Maleficus nods slowly, "You do have a point. And..." he perks his ears, listening as he quickly pulls the dagger out, then rips a piece of the habit off, wrapping it around above the wound to make a sort of tourniquet. Apparently, this stoat knows plenty about healing himself.

Gero Watches Tweep fly up. "Oh I'm Sure they're just talking for Seasons sake" he calls out to the Robin before shaking his head. "Whats the point of being put in charge when on one listens to you?" he asks himself.

Antioc growls when the dagger is pulled out quickly and the tourniquet is applied. He immediately grabs at the wound, putting pressure on it. He glares hate at the stoat, "Yer lucky I'm not allowed to fight any more vermin."

Tweep can flutter rather quickly, and passes over Gero's head. "You'm incharge of abbeyworms. Thisbird nottum abbeybird!" She's going in the general direction that Antioc and the mouse disappeared in.

Maleficus nods slowly, getting some dockleaf and chewing it as he says, "Yes, yes...I'm sure you would have been quite formidable...and I'm sure you'd be in a lot more honorable a position then you are now..." he spits the herbs into his paw and then applies it to the wound, then rips another piece of the habit off, "You can always change, though..."

Flicktail tells half the fighter beasts to be ready with their equipment

Maleficus shakes his head slowly, "Who said anything about killing innocents? And torture? Bah, that's such a harsh and devillish word..." he finishes the dressing and grabs the paw of Antioc and hefts the arm over his shoulder as he makes off into the deeper woods with the novice ferret.

Antioc glares at the stoat, going along with him only because he was convinced that he had the dibbun. "You killed the mouse, and the martin. Thats not killin innocents?" He limps along, putting as little weight as he can on his injured leg.

The Archer and the Mouse Novice get closer to where Antioc and Maleficus are. But Gero just gets annoyed. "Why not turn back already...I'm tired, I'm Hungry, I'm upset. They couldn't have gone far...Hardly cause for alarm" the mouse stops in his tracks before yawning. "And I'm cold..."

Maleficus looks to the ferret in a sideways glance as the foliage gets deeper and more heavy as he says, "The mouse could have very well killed me. And I heard the two of you talking. Is a beast who fights with his paws well enough to kill truly an innocent? As for the marten, well...he struck first, actually."

Antioc glares at the stoat, going along with him only because he was convinced that he had the dibbun. "You killed the mouse, and the martin. Thats not killin innocents?" He limps along, putting as little weight as he can on his injured leg.

The Archer and the Mouse Novice get closer to where Antioc and Maleficus are. But Gero just gets annoyed. "Why not turn back already...I'm tired, I'm Hungry, I'm upset. They couldn't have gone far...Hardly cause for alarm" the mouse stops in his tracks before yawning. "And I'm cold..."

Maleficus looks to the ferret in a sideways glance as the foliage gets deeper and more heavy as he says, "The mouse could have very well killed me. And I heard the two of you talking. Is a beast who fights with his paws well enough to kill truly an innocent? As for the marten, well...he struck first, actually."

Flicktail Keeps watching, his hopes on Tewrp

Tweep is on the ground again. Hopping about. She's... found a dead mouse. Which doesn't seem good at all. "Thiscause?" She chirps, anxiously. "Badbadbad... Thisbird nolikey..."

Antioc smirks at the stoat, "I can still kill. I can still use me blade. Am I an innocent since me codes

won't allow me t' fight? The mouse wouldn't 'ave killed ye. I know it. 'E was an abby beast, 'e would 'ave brought ye back so we could get the dibbun back. How do ye justify that?"

The Archer points to Tweep. "I think she found something though" Gero sighs before nodding and going over. "Report Tweep..." he says, before sort of just pausing dead still as the body of the mouse is spotted. "No..."

Maleficus smirks back to the ferret, "Well, you may live by a code that tells you not to fight, but you also live in a code that tells you not to hate." He grins, "And I could see that hatred in your eyes.

Antioc nods, "It be there. But if ye was 'urt, I'd still 'elp ye." And he would. He's actually not lying. "Ye still didn't explain why ye 'ave the dibbun, stoat”

"Thisbird noknow... Foundum. Deadmouse. Noooolikey. I gettum otherworms? Foxworm?" She hops from leg to the other. "Noseeum Antworm... Antworm nothere. Tweep flyback? Tellum otherworms?"

Maleficus says quite plainly, "Because I don't have him. Did you honestly think I was lying when I said..." he pauses in a spot deep within the forest, letting the ferret lean against a tree, "that the

dibbun was dead?".

Gero goes over to the mouse and kneels by him with a sigh, a tear running down his face. "Both of you, go get the others...quickly now..." he looks around for Antioc but sees nothing. "ANTIOC!?" The mouse calls out loudly. "OH why didn't We come sooner....why am I such an Idiot..."

Antioc leans against the tree, panting softly from the pain and moving around on it. "Did ye kill 'im? Where is the body?" When he asks the second question, he sounds a little anxious.

Maleficus looks to the ferret and says, "Well, I gave the map to your mouse novice friend...but your

Abbot said to burn it. It showed just where the grave of the poor lad was." He sighs, as if deeply disappointed, "And I gave it to them so that they could pay their respects...and your Father Abbot had it burned..."

Tweep flutters back then. As quick as she can. And /now/ she tells Flicktail about it all. "Foundum mouseworm... Nottum good. Deadbeast. Geroworm there. Antworm nottum... Thisbird nolikey. Badbeastworm somewhere..."

Flicktail looks ansious "o.k. the 1/2 of you with me, the oteh rhalf..stand ready..once of teh mice is dead..Twerp can you lead us" he gets his sheisld and will be out front "fast..we can charge!

Antioc takes in a deep breath and looks down at the ground in front of him, closing his eyes. More anger seeps into his voice when he speaks again, "Did ye kill 'im?"

The Archer left Gero his bow and arrows as he too went back. "I'm Sorry...I'm so sorry..." he closes the mouse's eyes, tears streaming down his face. "Antioc...Where are you..." he stands and, stupidly,

by himself, starts following the tracks they left behind.

Maleficus looks to the ferret and says, "Well, in the grand scheme of things, it was actually your Father

Abbot who killed the poor thing."

Antioc looks up quickly and glares at Maleficus, his voice getting louder as he got angrier, "Answer me strait vermin..."

Half of the beasts flicktail ordered, nod and start doing as they're told, following the fox close behind.

Gero...Was...Not really sure of himself anymore. this is the second time he got someone killed from the abbey...and now he thinks he lost his best friend too...The arrows are placed on his back and the bow in his paw as he goes.

Maleficus nods, "All right. A straight answer, then." He nods slowly once more, "I did kill the dibbun. But it was prove to you Redwallers a little something that I was afraid that only the death of the little

one could have you hear."

Antioc pushes himself off of the tree and advances towards the stoat, fury in his eyes, "What did 'e

'ave t' do with it? What is so 'portant 'at ye 'ad t' kill 'im?!" It's obvious that Antioc was almost to the point of getting violent.

Flicktail Charges out front following Twerp, his shiield out but silent as he rushes

Gero is probably still in view of everyone but the two that are already so far ahead. The mouse doesn't seem to care he's more or less being stupid and suicidal right now by not waiting for the others. Though there's still the fact that they will catch up to him sooner or later on their own.

Maleficus stands his ground, certainly not looking like he's intimidated by the ferret, "Because Redwall is just as bad as the rest of the world. If the Abbot truly loved his little ones so much, why would he let one out into the world with nobeast to supervise? Nobeast to guard and protect?"

Tweep will probably stay quiet and hide in a tree while the big charge reaches Antioc and Maleficus. She flutters along, overhead of the group. The little robin is definitely not made for combat.

Antioc grabs the stoats collar and pulls his face closer, "Th' abby is th' safest place fer any beast! It's

not like th' rest 'o th' world." Then he shoves the stoat as hard as he can, throwing himself slightly off balance because of his wounded leg, "And if there weren't beasts like ye, th' world would be better!"

He's so angry, more of his accent is even coming out. The accent he's been trying so hard to hide and get rid of.

Gero just...collapses in the snow. He buries his face into his sleeve, sobbing away. The others can Catch up to him if they try now, as he sobs away.

Flicktail pants "gero.....Gero pull yeself ta gether....We needs ta keep cools eads

A few of the beasts that didnt follow flicktail slowly find the mouse's Body. They place the body on some blankets before wrapping it up, tears flowing like rivers now.

Flicktail keeps a few beasts withim "Gero...we needs ta find Antworms....

Gero Keeps sobbing. ".Why Didn't we go sooner...his death...its my fault..." he sobs. "And I've even lost my best friend..." he sobs.

Maleficus steps a step back from the shove because it's strong, but the wound that overbalanced the ferret make it less of an impact. The stoat nods, "Yes, if there weren’t, it would be a great place, but it isn't is it? And your little Order's so-called code? This code of peace? It's obviously doing you no good. Thanks to that code, I was let free from your abbey. I could have been miles away." He leans down, lifting a hatch made from the earth, "Come, get in here with me."

Antioc glares at the stoat because he was right. He was forgetting his order's code because of his own anger. He growls out, "Why should I follow ye? Ye gonna kill me too just t' prove yer point? Do it out 'ere so's me friends can find me and take me 'ome."

Flicktail says, "C'mon Gero..."

Maleficus surprisingly takes the ferret's paw in a friendly gesture, "Now...did I lie when I said I killed that dibbun? Did I lie when I told you all these things? Now...I'm going to promise you, on pain of death, that I will not harm you...and you know I'm telling the truth."

Antioc looks down at the stoats paw, then looks back up at him, "Why though? What are ye workin at vermin?"

Maleficus chuckles a bit, "Working at? What am I working at? It's quite simple, my ferret friend...to show you just what the world truly is."

Gero slowly sits up, face covered in more tears then he's ever cried. "My...best friend is gone...because of me...one of the abbey beasts dead...I..." he pauses and then growls loudly. "I'LL FIND YOU STOAT! THEN YOU'LL WISH YOU'VE NEVER BEEN BORN!" The mouse shouts loudly, the voice echoing Finally, he stands and goes /with / the crowd. "I dont care If I get kicked out of the order...I'm going to kill that stoat if its the last thing I Do!”

Antioc seems to be fighting against the stoats silvery words slightly less, just slightly, "I've seen what th' world is. I used t' be a pirate. I know th' evils and I know th' friendship at th' abby."

Maleficus chuckles again and says, "Friendship? When dibbuns are allowed to go out into the dark,

perilous world without anybeast to guard or supervise them? Even to a beast like myself, that's cold."

Antioc growls, "They be knowin th' rules. They sneak about when they should be sleepin." It really was cruel what the stoat was doing to the younger ferret, though he didn't know it yet. The stoat had a point, why weren't there better measures to keep the dibbuns safe?

Maleficus nods slowly, "Yes, they should be. And I looked over your abbey when I visited. A dibbun as small as he might have gotten over the wall, but that's a hard bet with one so young, even a squirrel. The main gate would have been his only way out. Also, when I visited, I was able to bring a dagger through the gates without any notice. Proof that your Abbot likes hiring lazy lackies to do what should be done by better beasts."

Antioc continues to glare at the stoat, "And instead of tryin t' talk t' th' abbot 'r any other beast, ye decide killin is best fer teachin?"

Maleficus actually almost laughs at that and says, "Tell the Abbot? Would you honestly believe that he would have taken my advice when history has shown that Redwall is the sight of every major invasion of vermin? If the defenses haven't changed from what happened before, they'll never change. See, this is what I'm talking about. The safety? The code? It's all just an illusion to keep you calm and in control."

Antioc shakes his head, "If ye showed 'im proof. If ye showed 'at ye snuck a dagger in, 'e would 'ave t' listen. And 'e would listen t' ye. 'Ell, 'e let me in th' order." Sounds like Antioc is getting more in control of himself now.

Maleficus shakes his head, "Ah, but would he have listened to the protection of the young one? See, killing the poor thing...was unfortunately a step I had to take. He would not have listened otherwise. And history, once again, has shown that the defenses of Redwall are essential. How can you excuse such a thing as letting a dibbun through the gates

Antioc looks away from the stoat, having no idea how to answer, "It be unexcusable."

Maleficus nods, "And who's to blame for that? The guards, right? Okay, then who's in charge of the guards and everybeast else in the abbey? The Abbot." He pats the shoulder of the ferret, "See where I'm working you to? Nobeast is innocent, even in the poor lad's own murder. For, if you truly wanted justice, you would go up the lines and straight to the Abbot."

Antioc turns his head and looks at the stoat. It's obvious that the young ferret's mind was a hurricane of thoughts and emotions. One half saying to blame the stoat, the other saying that he was right. Maybe they were both wrong. That has to be it. He narrows his eyes, "Yer wrong...th' dibbun was innocent of all 'o this. Maybe we do need t' change a few things. But we aren't perfect beasts. And ye be a murderer."

Maleficus nods, "I am a murderer. I never said I wasn't. Though your Abbot has just as much to answer for as no doubt I do."

Antioc crosses his arms and shifts to take the weight off of his injured leg. He looks down, knowing that the stoat was right.

Maleficus pats the shoulder once more, "Come on. Let's get into the hole. We can continue our little chat down there."

Antioc doesn't fight the stoat this time. He just numbly follows.

Maleficus actually helps the ferret down into the hole first, then jumps in and shuts the hatch. Then all is quiet as the earth seems entirely undisturbed. As if the two just disappeared into thin air.

Antioc grudgingly accepts the help down into the hole. He limps his way down, looking around, trying to take in everything at once.

Maleficus lights a torch with a flint from one of his pouches and looks to the ferret, "Are you understanding now?"

Antioc takes in a deep breath and refuses to look at the stoat. "Ye try t' 'elp by killin t' prove yer point..."

Maleficus shakes his head, "Well, that's only partly true of what I'm trying to show me. You see,

nobeast pays attention until the death of someone valuable comes along, then they go into a panic because something has finally given them a threat. They should have seen that threat long before it happened. Another thing...nobeast is innocent, save the young. I do admit and tell you that killing

him not only brought me no pleasure, but...it was certainly wrong."

Antioc looks up and narrows his eyes at the stoat. His voice comes out cold and bitter, "Did ye at least make it quick fer 'im? Did ye at least tell 'im sorry fer killin 'im?!

Maleficus nods slowly, "Yes. I made it quick and promised him that he would be in a better place. After that, I buried him and gave him my respects."

Antioc almost snarls, but he remembers that he is still in the order and only sits down, taking his pack off. He rummages around in it and pulls out some proper medical items so he could fix himself up better. He sets about cleaning the knife wound, "-When- I leave. Yer gonna take me t' 'is grave so I can bring 'im 'ome." The tone in his voice says that he is leaving no room for argument.

Maleficus nods slowly, "Yes. I made it quick and promised him that he would be in a better place. After that, I buried him and gave him my respects."

Antioc almost snarls, but he remembers that he is still in the order and only sits down, taking his pack off. He rummages around in it and pulls out some proper medical items so he could fix himself up better. He sets about cleaning the knife wound, "-When- I leave. Yer gonna take me t' 'is grave so I can bring 'im 'ome." The tone in his voice says that he is leaving no room for argument.

Maleficus nods, "Certainly. That's why I gave your friends the map to his grave. So that he could be sent home or at least have them give their respects. But...your Abbot had the map burned. Now look where you all are: searching around when it would have been so simple."

Antioc looks up and glares at the stoat, "Ye know 'at there be beasts now that want t' kill ye. And I won't lie, I wouldn't mourn for ye." He pulls out a needle and some stitching thread so he could close the wound. Each time the needle enters, he groans in pain, gritting his teeth.

Maleficus shakes his head, "I don't expect any mourning, nor do I expect to be let off from this lightly by any means. You see...unlike other beasts you may know, I am not afraid of the consequences of what I'm doing. If I am to be put to death, then so be it. If I am to have a paw cut off, then so be it. Justice would have been served, and that's where it's supposed to count."

Antioc gets halfway up the wound and pauses. The one thing he forgot in his hurry to get out to find the dibbun was pain killer. Oh well, he's had worse with no pain killer before. No, thats a lie, he had rum. He glances up at the stoat, "Would ye turn yerself in?"

Maleficus hmmms, thinking it over a second before saying, "Possibly. If they can prove to me that they've a right to bear judgement. Only somebeast who is truly innocent can judge properly."

Antioc smirks at the stoat and goes to finish up the stitching, "Assssk th' other...*pant* dibbuns."

Maleficus smirks and says, "Ah, but they would not be experienced. See, that's the problem. There is no innocence save the young. And where there is no innocence, there can be no good. Your Order has condoned a code that sounds honorable, yes, but on the whole it's just a way to keep control."

Antioc takes a small knife from his medical pouch and cuts the thread once he was finished. He tucks the needle and the rest of the thread away and pulls out a healing salve and some clean white sheets to wrap it up with, "Without order, there be chaos. In chaos there be hate, murder, and fear."

Maleficus raises a single claw, "Ah, but in chaos comes something else. Fairness. You see, you had an equal chance of being killed as your mouse friend did, but you chose to be the one in the forest

and I spared your life. Of course, your mouse cohort I did kill, but you survived. That's fair."

Antioc shakes his head, "No, it isn't. Fair would 'ave been a fair fight. Or, ye could've left us be," he says as he wraps his leg up properly, wincing slightly as he ties it.

Maleficus raises the single claw once more, "Ah, but that's what you were taught to believe. In the

real world, where we truly are, everybeast has the same chance of survival or death as the next, whether your Order says it or not."

Antioc takes in a deep breath. Things were much simpler at the abby, but he agreed to help his friend. He looks at the stoat and asks in an exasperated tone, "Are ye 'urt at all?

Maleficus shakes his head, "No. You need to worry about yourself for now, with that dagger wound. I didn't really think I threw it that hard, but..." he shrugs a bit.

Antioc shakes his head, "I'll be fine. I've 'ad worse in me past. If ye got any ailment...I may be able t' 'elp." This was what he was taught was right. This might be able to bring him focus so that the stoat couldn't warp his mind any further.

Maleficus nods slowly, "Good. Good to know that you're able to do that. But I'm able to take care of myself."

Antioc nods and leans back against the wall of what he sort of thinks as his prison. He takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, closing his eyes to try and gather his thoughts.

Maleficus looks to the ferret and says, "Why don't you get some sleep? It'll do you a world of good."

Antioc opens his eyes and looks at the vermin. There is a hint of distrust in that look, but only a hint now.

Maleficus smiles a little bit, "I promised I wouldn't harm you. I'm a beast of my word."

Antioc nods, "Then give me yer word that ye won't 'arm any more abby beasts. If ye 'ave to t' prove yer point, do it t' me instead." He leans his head back against the wall, "Ye 'ave alot o' good points about th' abby, but it's still me 'ome."

Maleficus hmms and nods slowly, "Yes...I do understand the loyalty to one's home. That gives you the right to want to protect it."

Antioc watches the stoat, "Give me yer word."

Maleficus hmms and says, "Fine. I promise that I will not harm any abbeybeasts."

Antioc seems slightly contented with it, feeling somehow that he can trust the stoat, but he didn't know why. He closes his eyes again, trying to get to sleep.

Maleficus smiles a bit as he watches the ferret try to sleep before he says, "You know...what helps me sleep at night?"

Antioc cracks his eyes open and waits for the answer. He was tired of talking to this stoat, he had too many valid points that rocked the world of the younger ferret.

Maleficus slides a dagger to the ferret's paw and says, "Knowing I have something there to protect me.”

Antioc grabs the dagger and looks at it. His order said he shouldn't hold it, even for self defense. But...they would probably understand in this situation. He curls up against the wall, holding the dagger.