Means to an end

--This comes after about an hour and a half of idle chit-chat--

The doors slowly open and the figure of Maleficus returns through them, stepping inside, his hood over his face as he makes his way inside. Just by the way he's walking; anybeast can see that he's in a foul mood.

Flicktail smiles to Silverfangs

Silverfangs walks over to Flicktail and nods a hello to him.

Flicktail stands up and gives Silverfangs a warm gentle hug "Ello moi friend

Maleficus sits down at the table, lifting his hood and growling, pounding a fist down on the tabletop.

Silverfangs smiles at the hug, "What was such a greeting about if I may ask?" He glances over at the ferret.

Tristan looks over at the ferret, a little amused to see him in the mood he is in.

Flicktail says, "Just feelin' scared for me friends, all bein' attacked by Vermin....as Oi told Tris, the beasts wonts me ta makes it better"

Flicktail says, "oi'd Hug Mal there but oi think oi'd get bit"

Maleficus bites onto his left hand, his fangs beginning to sink into his flesh, drawing blood. Then he slowly pulls off his bite, making his hand into a fist, "Bloodclaw...why can't I find you..." he murmurs.

Flicktail looks to Mal "Ungry Beast? there be food over there

Tristan chuckles a bit, but makes sure he's out of range of the angry ferret, "Probably for the same reason we can't find him. Cause he's got a horde guarding him and he's in hiding for now."

Maleficus glances over to Flicktail, standing up and walking right up to him, "You...told me where I would find him..." he gets an inch away, his eyes glaring up into Flicky's, "Why wasn't he there?!"

Silverfangs starts to speak to Flicktail and waits on the ferret first.

Flicktail says, "Oi Pointed yato where e was Mate, believe me if ya wants to GET im Oi'd tell ya if oi knew"

Maleficus balls up a fist, bloodied by his own bite, as if ready to punch the fox. But he pauses, a grin coming across his muzzle before a laugh emerges from his throat before he lowers his hand and shakes his head, "All right...you got me..." he glances around, "But I heard he was doing something around here."

Tristan steps towards the two, "Let's not get violent here. Plenty of violence with just Bloody."

Flicktail looks to Silverfangs 'what were YOU gonna say ol friend?" he nods to Tristan "thenk ye Tris, and Oi wish Oi ad been more elp Mal

Maleficus shakes his head, walking over to a wall and leaning against it, "Well...I suppose I will have to wait..." he looks up from his bit of a sulk, "Patience is key."

Tristan mutters, "The key you don't have." to himself.

Maleficus perks an ear as he hears the murmuring otter, "A key I have when I need it, waterdog. And soon, my wish will be granted." He mutters, "I'll see my Diahlah..."

Silverfangs smiles at Flicktail "Nothing you should not already know.."He studys Flicktail silently.." Strong in Spirit is what you are, courage and a true friend, and one who should not give up on things...things will get better in time,this they will."

Tristan shrugs, but realizes he was maybe a bit unkind, "I'm sure you'll work things out."

Flicktail snugs Silverfangs again whispering in his ear "have heart and please don't leave me

Velsa arrives from the Staircase..

Velsa rubs her eyes, she had fallen asleep in her chair and now is awake.

Maleficus sighs, leaning the back of his head against the wall, "What we need to do is study just what happened when he came, when all the action happened. What was he like? What did we learn from his band's motions...or have your beasts just been waving blades willy-nilly, not paying attention?"

Flicktail looks to Mal "ye knows more bout that then me lad

Silverfangs smiles, he glances over at the ferret.

Velsa starts to get up, she doesn't seem willing to disturb them.

Tristan looks up, surprised to hear this logic from him, "Actually, I agree entirely." He taps his fingers on the table, "So what do we know?"

Flicktail says, "Well each beast ere kin tell wot they knows"

Silverfangs shakes his head at the mentioning of Bloodclaw" Well..at first he wanted that one otter,..not sure now, think he is a bit..mental"

Maleficus looks amongst the creatures, his cold stare glancing at each and every one of them, "Anybeast? Come on, if you had a proper tactician, you would be able to handle this..." He turns to Silverfang, walking over to him, "Mental, hmm? Perhaps you'd like to elaborate? Let's...go inside his mind, for just a moment..."

Velsa stops as she hears Silverfangs and turns around, not having payed too much attention to just who it was till now.

Flicktail says, "Aye the Otter Pike ad is family killed by Bloodclaw..."

Silverfangs frowns "His mind is not one I would wish to...look it to...though he is one that, seems to...not stop till he gets his wishes may haps."

Maleficus raises an eyebrow, "And his wish is to have the abbey, yes?"

Flicktail says, "well an Pikers"

Flicktail goes to offer a warm blanket to Velsa

Tristan leans back in his chair, resting his footpaws on the table, "Seems more like he just wants us dead."

Velsa looks at Maleficus, she has no clue who he is and doesnt care,she goes over to Silverfangs and hugs him.She moves to look at Flicktail and looks back to Silverfangs, just being quiet.

Maleficus looks to Flicktail, "And...what's so special about this...Pike?" He looks to Tristan as well, "And remember, waterdog...even when it seems something that simple...it's far more detail that's hidden. There's always a 'why'."

Flicktail says, "They been fightin Pike tryin to revenge is family"

Tristan narrows his eyes, "I know there's a reason. Nobeast is insane enough to want to kill everybeast for no reason, not even Bloody."

Silverfangs looks between them and mainly listens,he blinks as Velsa hugs him,he looks to her and pushes back her hood,he smiles "It..can not be..." he then frowns a thought in his head"Why are you here?"

Flicktail says, "don;t know bout wantin ta kill all beasts..e killed Pikers fambily"

Flicktail asks, "Silverfangs? she loikes ya"

Maleficus taps his chin and pulls back, thinking hard as he mills around the information, "So far, there is no indication as to 'why' he's doing this. But...if he wants the abbey so badly..." he pauses a moment, a grin coming across his lips, "why not give it to him..."

Velsa frowns,she shakes her head..."Gone..."

Flicktail says, "mayyyyyyyyyyyybe"

Tristan looks at him, one eyebrow raised, "What are you suggesting?"

Silverfangs looks at Flicktail "She is..my granddaughter..." he looks between the ferret and Flicktail and tilts his head.

Flicktail says, "Ye ave apurdee granddaughter "

Maleficus taps his chin still, that grin still on his face as he turns to the otter, "Give him the abbey. Give him what he wants..." he says softly, "But...like every trick of the eye, there's always...something off, something...of a surprise within..."

Flicktail says, "Tell yer plan Mal"

Velsa smiles a little,she looks to Silverfangs "We..need to talk later" she backs up and heads upstairs, tried still but not willing to stay up.

Tristan says, "Like a trap? Beasts in hiding, waiting for him to be comfortable? Just might work." He pauses, gaining Mal's grin as well, "But is Bloody that foolish?"

Flicktail says, "Maybe mal bethat Smarts"

Silverfangs watches Velsa go and looks to the others, listening as they talk.

Flicktail asks, "are ya appy to see er Silver?"

Maleficus gently licks the blood on the back of his paw as he thinks a moment, "We...disappear..." he licks the blood again, "Bloodclaw may be so focused upon his goal that such luck on his part would intice him to walk through these doors. Even a small taste of intrigue, perhaps." He then looks among the beasts in the room, "Do any of you know the value of camoflage, in a home? Not the woods."

Silverfangs nods "Yes but, the fact she is here, concerns me greatly" he closes his eyes and quickly opens them, he sits down and frowns, "All..is not well"

Tristan looks at him, "Maybe a little, what are you suggesting, we hide behind the curtains?"

Flicktail says, "nay not well at all..but Mal..e as some smarts"

Maleficus shakes his head, "No. That's too obvious, hiding in curtains and under beds and inside closets." He looks around the Great Hall, "What would be the one place that Bloodclaw would feel...comfortable?"

Silverfangs looks at Flicktail, "This is not on..bloodclaws doings...but yes the rat needs dealed with as well"

Flicktail nods "Oi think it be Jomo

Tristan shrugs, "Near the tapestry I suppose."

Maleficus taps his chin, "Not just here, in the hall...anywhere in this abbey...he thinks himself so high and mighty...why not someplace close to being a throneroom?"

Pike limps down the stairs, he has been resting since last night, his arm is bandaged and he has a small bandage on his leg,he looks at the room of beasts from where he is on the bottom step.

Tristan scratches his neck, "I'm humble enough to admit you've got me stumped, what's on your mind?"

Flicktail asks, "Ello Pike did ye find Benars?"

Maleficus grins slowly, "Wait...until he's alone, maybe with a few beasts guarding him..." he nods a little, "But, in the shadows...perhaps in the rafters...we have archers...waiting..."

Pike nods "Yeah..ummm..Flicky I.." he frowns,he then grows curious "Why beasts be a talkin' bout?"

Flicktail says, "Tris..Oi'd give Mal a blade and let im put itto me throat..Oi trusts im"

Silverfangs listens as they talk,he raises an eyebrow.

Pike asks, "What be a goin' on mateys?""

Tristan nods, a grin playing at his lips, "Of course. If you think about it, beasts rarely look up," He looks over at Flick and consdiers for a second or two, "I'm not sure I trust anybeast that much, no offense to you, Flick."

Flicktail says, "Talkin about layin a Trap for Bloodclaw..ye wants ta elp and elp bushwhak the beast? Needs to tell Mal ere wot ya knwo Mal as good ideas"

Contrary to popular belief, Redfang has been listening carefully.

Maleficus nods to the otter, "Exactly. Always the left, the right, and behind and front...but never up. And some of you...may call this dishonorable...but poison may need to be utilized..."

Flicktail points to redfang "Mal do that beast works fer you?

Pike chuckles "Like a trap will work..not agaist im mateys...hee hee"

Tristan shakes his head, "Have to do what you have to do."

Maleficus looks to Redfang, tilting his head, "I work alone, Flicky, you know that..." he walks over to the other ferret, tilting his head, "And...who are you?"

Redfang looks up, pretending he wasn't paying attention, "Er, what? Name's Redfang." He looks over at Flick and Tristan, "C'mon mates, I was at the summer feast wit' ya."

Flicktail asks, "why so Quiet Redfang?"

Pike looks over at where the beasts are going and narrows his eyes,he walks closer to him.

Flicktail smiles and sits down nextto him friendly like

Maleficus tilts his head, leaning his face towards the other ferrets, his cold stare looking into his own, "Tell me...do you know anything about what we were talking about, hmm?"

Tristan nods, "He's right, he was at the feast, Flick."

Silverfangs yawns and rubs his eyes blinking a couple times.

Flicktail says, "aye he be a good beast"

Redfang shakes his head, "Nay, I don't know anything about Bloodclaw."

Pike speaks with a growl "Redfang is not ta be trusted mates"He growls and rushes over to Redfang and stops right in front of him "Lies!"

Redfang looks surprised, "What're ya talking about, ya blasted riverdog? I'm no liar!"

Maleficus looks to the sea otter, a grin coming across his lips, "Glad somebeast else thinks so..."

Flicktail says, "Easy Pike.......Oi know Redfang......don't be so mean to im..."

Tristan raises an eyebrow and looks at Redfang, "Hmm, sounds a bit nervous to me."

Flicktail says, "oi'd be nervous too if oi ad big beasts round me"

Pike narrows his eyes "Ya were talking with..with de one mouse,..don't know he name..and ya be a spy fer Bloodclaw..I overheard ye two talking other day"

Flicktail says, "Piker that be a verra serious charge"

Redfang glances at him, indignant, "And 'ow de we know ye're not the liar here?"

Maleficus ooooooohs and tsk-tsks, grinning wickedly at the other ferret, "Somebeast's been naughty..." he reaches into his shirt, revealing his hidden dagger, "Perhaps...I can go about using my methods...of persuasion?"

Pike looks at Flicktail and back to Redfang "I know whata I heard that day and de mouse said he wanted gold fer info"

Flicktail says, "Just remember ever beast NO violence in th abbey....MAL! no weapons! (The guard would be over to get the weapons) as another come in "Champion yer needed" he sighs "Tris..make sure NO beast gets hurt!"

Redfang looks up at him, "Now look 'ere, you cain't 'ave that in 'ere, it's against the rules!" he scoots back to show that he is completely unarmed.

Tristan nods at Flick, "He's right you know, put the dagger away."

Pike growls low,he watches Redfang closely.

Maleficus licks his lips, "Do I look like I follow rules, son?" He chuckles, twirling the blade in his fingers before shaking his head slowly, dropping the dagger, "You know what...I don't need that to have my fun..." he walks over to the ferret, "How about I take him outside...and we participate in a little game of...truth or false?"

Redfang takes a sip of his drink, and it seems to embolden him a bit, "Alright, let's see what ya can do, ya big oaf!" He realizes he's made a mistake just a bit late.

Maleficus licks along his fangs slowly, "Brilliant." He looks at the other beasts, "I will trust you to bring him to me outside the gates. Where...the 'rules' don't apply..." he then begins to march to the doors, "And know this, ferret..." he turns to him, "I will enjoy this. You won't."

Pike looks between them, he speaks, "Redfang is a spy, him and the one mouse talking bout Bloodclaw and what each knew... how to get plans to the boss...I heard it all while hiding on the steps."

Redfang slams his fist on the table, "Oh, I'll enjoy it just fine!"

Maleficus grins, "Then come and prove it. If you are lying, then we'll know soon enough."

Tristan waves a paw, "Alright, but nobeast is to be killed."

Maleficus heads outside and into the Abbey Entry..

Pike sighs,he starts to follow and tenses up as pain shots up his leg,he sighs and mutters under his breath, he heads to the infirm.

--On the dirt road outside the gate--

Tristan stands on the side of the road with a torch, watching the competitors.

Redfang has his sabre strapped to his belt and a fierce expression on his face.

Maleficus is standing outside on the road, looking up at the night sky, his kukri knives in his paws, "You know...it's nights like these that remind me about the good days..." he slowly turns around, "Perhaps we should review the rules of 'truth or false' before we begin?"

Tristan shrugs, "Nobeast dies, or Flick'll skin me."

Maleficus nods to the otter, "Nobeast dies. Good, that's one rule."

Redfang taps his paw on the road, pawing at his sabre hilt impatiently.

Maleficus grins, "For every cut...the beast must tell a truth, whatever the other beast asks." He chuckles darkly to the other ferret, "Sound fair?"

Redfang says "yes, yes, let's go already, I don't have all night."

Tristan shakes his head at the ferret's impatientence, "Fair to me."

Maleficus chuckles softly, spreading his arms wide, "Then let's get cutting!"

Redfang draws his sabre and drops to a loose fighting stance. He's not all talk. "C'mon then, let's do this!"

Maleficus keeps his arms spread wide and grins, "Take your best slice...make sure you make it count..."

Redfang flicks his sabre to the left, but it's a feint, and the true slash comes from the right.

Maleficus doesn't move. The slice comes across his chest, diagnally down the right side of his chest. The ferret winces and closes his eyes, his arms slightly shaking, "Mmmm...okay...now ask your question..."

Redfang grins slightly, but it's simply a mask for the shock of how little effect his slash seemed to have, "Why are you so interested in Bloodclaw?"

Maleficus opens his eyes, his cold stare greeting Redfang as he licks his fangs, "Because...this abbey...is mine...and nobeast can take it from me."

Redfang looks a bit disturbed by this, but lets his sabre fall to his side, "Yer turn. 'Ave at it."

Maleficus grins and walks over to the ferret, that dark grin coming across his lips as he approaches him. Then, just as he reaches him, his kukris flail about, expertly spinning through the air as he sends them both along the right side of the ferret, then madly towards his legs, one for each in a ferocious wave as he seems to roar aloud in a mad rage.

Redfang gives a yelp and tries to block the slashes with his sword hilt, and almost manages it, but he scowls at a gash that begins to bleed on his right leg.

Maleficus jumps back, bringing his kukri blade up to his lips, where he licks the blood from it, "Mmmm...you're afraid..." he grins, "Now...is it true that you are a ferret?"

Redfang raises an eyebrow, "No, i'm a bloody stoat! O' course i'm a ferret."

Maleficus chuckles, "Just checking. Now...the fun really starts!" He then lunges at the other ferret in another spurt of intense rage. He never said anything about taking turns. The kukris spin as the tattooed ferret leaps in the air, his arms extended into a deadly whirlwind as he flips sideways through the air.

Redfang is taken by surprise, but shouldn't have expecting anything more from Mal. He brings up his sabre and there is a clash of steel on steel. He flicks his blade sideways in a counterattack, "Nice try," he mutters.

Maleficus chuckles and glares at the other ferret as he releases the hold with his other kukri, swinging it upwards towards the ferret's chin.

Redfang holds out his empty paw in an attempt to block it, but only succeeds in taking a cut to the paw instead of his chin.

Maleficus oooohs and grins at the ferret, holding the blades together still, "Brilliant...now...if you lie...Flicky's gonna have to skin the waterdog on this one..." he leans forward, "Do you work for Bloodclaw?"

Redfang sighs, "If I do, wot's it to ya?" he is quite obviously buying time.

Maleficus @#!*% an eyebrow, "A means to an end...whatever end that may be..." he leans forward, whispering more, "Now...all you have to do is whisper in my ear...do you work...for Bloodclaw..."

Tristan listens intently, watching the pair, especially Mal, for any hostile movements.

Redfang leans in closely, and says, loud enough for anybeast to hear, "Aye ,I work for Bloody, what're you gonna do about it? Rules say no killing."

Maleficus lets a grin slowly spread across his lips as he hears the confession. The ferret then says, "Killing? No, there will be no killing." He then kicks hard for the ferret's knee, "But...everything else...will be a gas!"

Redfang grunts as his knee buckles beneath him, he rolls out of range, swinging his sabre wildly.

Maleficus grins and says, "Now...run to your master, runt. Let him know that there's a new creature here in Redwall that knows him and his beasts." He grins, "And Hellgates is with him, you hear!" He then growls, "Hellgates...is coming with me..."

Redfang stands up straight, though favoring his knee, " 'Ellgates, eh? Well when I go, 'ere's sumthin ta remember me by!" He flicks his sabre up and slashes twice; making a nice 'X' shaped slash over Mal's heart. Then he turns and half sprints off towards the Gull, limping slightly on one leg.

Tristan has had his bow out and ready, but lowers it when he sees Redfang retreating.

Maleficus wasn't expecting that, to tell all honesty. He's caught off-guard. The slashes ring through the ferret's chest, making him drop to his knees, gasping hard as his chest bleeds, "Ah...no..." he puts his paw on his chest.

Tristan steps over, watching the ferret disappear into the night; He offers Mal a paw, "Need help?"

Maleficus winces, standing up, looking at the blood on his paw. The cuts were deep, sliced into his pectoral muscle, speechless.

Tristan simply puts one sinewy arm under the ferret's and picks him up, taking him towards the gates and the infirmary, "I suppose you asked for it."

Maleficus winces, more blood pouring from his wound, "Ah...got you...the information you needed...didn't it..." he looks at the otter, "A means...to an end..."

Tristan nods, "Yes, a means to and end."