Redwall: The ultimate Adventure (IC)

[Mathuvan Union]

Stoutears and 4 other hares stepped out with Lord Irontail to confront the mysterious creature. The beast stepped out the boat and said, "Normally We will tell you to leave the mountain. But you're ancestors ruined our's. You will shiver like branches in the wind. You are lesser orders and you will die like them." The creature than went silent.

Stoutears looked at her. "Tell us the word sah, an' we can give 'em blood an' vinegar! We lesser orders are good at that!"

“Move arund the lad” irontail said, pulling out his bow “we’ll finish him off” while pulling out his bow

He shot an arrow at the creature “kill ‘im!, Ye people”

[Aussie and Zeal]

Stoutears and the others rushed towards the offenders, cleaning them up. Not one injury was sustained.

[Guini]

Rotclaw interrogated the survivors. They didn't know the way. Rotclaw went to Beadeyes
"Sir, they don't know anything." While keeping avoiding his eyes

"Then kill them." He coldly responded

"All of 'em?" Rotclaw shouted

Beadeyes cuffed him "Not all of 'em mudbrain. Let some of 'em leave an' tell da otha's what happen'"

The order was given and helpless beasts were slaughtered. Rotclaw, sick of it left the meadow and went to his company.

[Anglonsaxon]

Charles then talked to Prim "This mouse, Harris and these two squirrels will be your bodyguards. Be careful."

[Ovesa]

Prim

"Sure thing!" Prim was excited; this would be the chance to prove herself as a worthy ally. The journey to Salamandstron typically took four days, but it wouldn't take that long; Prim was known for her speed, and she knew plenty of shortcuts. With any luck, the journey would only take two and a half days, maybe three.

Accompanied by three armed beasts, Prim began the journey to Salamandastron. Supplies wouldn't be difficult to come by, and it wouldn't take much to convince the brigade to join their cause. What could be a greater call-to-arms than the return of a descendant of Ungatt Trunn?

The group walked through a dense forest path, lined with fluffy shrubs and thick, gnarled trees that fanned outward towards the sky. Thin slices of sunlight cut through the dense vegetation, illuminating the viridian forest floor with a soft white glow. The three guards were vigilant were vigilant, carefully stepping through the forest floor with keen ears and watchful eyes.

Nearby, a brook babbled away, as songbirds tweeted and chirped in a symphony of nature. The scene was beyond lovely, as Prim found herself turning to look at little things along the forest path. A moss-covered rock. A cluster of pink flowers. A red mushroom. Miniature masterpieces, little expressions of nature that were practically non-existent overseas.

Suddenly, her guards stopped in their tracks. Just ahead of them was a ruined clearing, with bags and other supplies strewn about. An old, cracked kettle swayed unsteadily over the remains of a dying fire, its contents still bubbling over. The clearing, once an inviting meadow, now felt cold, dead, and vile.

Prim didn't even need to see the abandoned armor and weapons to know what she was looking at. This was the remnants of a Horde camp; from the looks of it, a recently abandoned one.

She looked around, uneasily. Why would they have abandoned a camp like this? Wherever Trunn's soldiers went, they must have been close by. "Let's keep moving." She told them.

The guards nodded. They continued their journey through the woods, with hope and caution in their strides. Smoke from the dying fire reached towards the endless sky, billowing in a blue-grey cloud that blocked the blinding sun that flee high above the forest canopy...

Golat The Ghost

Despite his fierce and reckless reputation in combat, Golat rarely got the chance to engage the enemy directly. He spent most of his time directing troops, shouting orders to a soundtrack of clashing iron. Outside of combat, he was reserved and distant, always calculating and rethinking his many plans. However, when he got the chance to wield a sword, he did not hold back.

He was a whirlwind in combat, lunging towards the enemy with adrenaline-fueled hatred. He practically spun with his dual-wielded shortswords, with an aggressive form of swordplay that was equal parts graceful and unrelentingly powerful. All of his pent-up frustration and resentment were released upon any unfortunate souls caught between his blades, sending them to the Dark Forest in a dizzying whirlwind of deep red.

The Nightwalkers had arrived on the shores north of Salamandastron, near the Moss River Delta. Golat led a group of one hundred and fifty vermin, mostly rats, all loyal to him above all else. They set up camp just north of the Delta, where most of the good creatures had already fled.

A crowd of vermin had formed around two fighting rats. The two clashed swords and charged each other as the crowd roared with excitement. These fights were common within the Horde, and even encouraged during training. They were seen as a way to strengthen the Horde and improve one's combative prowess. Although fights to the death were rare, and usually discouraged, they did happen from time to time.

Normally, Golat would ignore these events, but there was too much at risk for him to stand by and let it happen. Breaking through the crowd, he pulled the fighters apart, holding them both in the air by the scruffs of their necks. "Cease this at once!" He ordered.

The crowd muttered amongst themselves as the two fighters hung helplessly in the air. "Come on, Commander." One of the fighters pleaded. "We were jus' preparin' for da war."

Golat thought carefully about what to say. Normally, he would scold his soldiers for acting so foolishly, but they just doing what was encouraged of them in training. "You may continue your preparations, but all of you should know that's just what the enemy would want."

A rat from the crowd blinked, confused. "What'd'ya mean?"

"They'd want you to practice-fight, spending up all of your energy before the campaign, before they slice you to ribbons." He smiled, wickedly. "See, these beasts are a heartless and ravenous folk, who serve no one but themselves. We follow the honored ways of combat, while they cheat and lie and scamper about. They will do anything they can to stop us from freeing their lands."

Golat gazed upon the crowd of vermin, all entranced with his story. "Are we going to let them win?"

"Never!" They shouted, in near-perfect unison.

Golat had the power of the mob within his hands, and he wasn't going to squander it. As he set down the two fighter rats, he made his announcement. "Fellow vermin, tonight, the world is ours. We begin the march to Redwall at dusk."

The crowds erupted with excitement and a roar like thunder. The vermin even began a chant for their beloved commander. "Go-lat! Go-lat! Go-lat!"

Golat felt incredibly powerful; here he was, standing amongst some of the Horde's most capable fighters, and they were all loyal to him above all else. Not Balu the Reckless, not Katngorl, and most certainly not some kitten playing pretend. No, these were his soldiers.

And the world was his for the taking.

[Guini]

Rotclaw was marching his men up. Beadeyes had ordered him to move to flanking positions. They were marching when they caught sight of 4 creatures. 2 squirrels, a mouse and a... rat? Rotclaw ordered the flanking movement. The the squirrels spotted them. One of the squirrels shouted at them. The other squirrel fired from afar and slayed multiple vermin. One, called Brozil crashed into the vermin. He slayed 5 then Rotclaw ran him through with his sword. The other squirrel lounged at the vermin, but the rat and mouse held him back.

"They killed him! They killed Brozil! The savages! Brozil." He shouted. They ran off.

"Shall we pursue?" asked his brother, Killeye.

"Nah. Let them go."

[Aussie and Zeal]

Stoutears cleaned his sword.
"That was a good wakin' call, aye sah?"

[Ovesa]

Prim

The ambush took Prim completely off guard, but her guards seemed to be prepared for the event. The mouse, whose name was Harris, protected Prim, deflecting enemy shots with his shield. Vahlkur, one of the two squirrels sent from Balthair's tribe, used ranged attacks to his advantage, pushing back the vermin with a volley of stones from his slingshot.

Brozil didn't hesitate in combat; he charged the enemy directly, taking down five vermin with a single slash of his knives. Nimble and agile, he dodged the enemy attacks with ease, effortlessly moving in between the vermin.

The vermin leader had enough of Brozil's perceived arrogance. Before anyone could react, the rat leader ran through Brozil with his sword, piercing his heart instantly.

Vahlkur was utterly distraught; his best friend died, and he did nothing. "They killed him!" Vahlkur could feel himself becoming consumed with rage. "They killed Brozil! The savages!" It took all of Harris's and Prim's strength to hold him back. Defiantly, he tried lunging forward, to no avail. His scowl gave way to a steady stream of tears, as he struggled to break free. "Brozil..."

Harris took charge, giving orders to what was left of his group. "We have to go, now!"

The group retreated into the woods, running as fast as their legs could carry them. Although they were initially followed by a volley of arrows, the attack soon ceased. They kept running, running, running, until they were absolutely certain that nobody had followed them.

The group had managed to escape, with only minor injuries. Harris tended to Vahlkur's wounded arm, while Prim searched for medicinal plants nearby. As she searched through the shrubs and grasses, her scarlet cloak fluttered behind her, in tatters. Alone with her thoughts, she realized that the rat leader looked strikingly familiar to someone she once knew. It was unnerving, how similar he looked to her old friend...

Rotclaw? No, that would've been impossible. It couldn't have been him. Like Prim, he didn't fully commit to the Horde's mindless rhetoric. But unlike Prim, he excelled at the one thing that mattered for a Horde rat; combat. He had been transferred to a different unit shortly before she left for Redwall, but would he have really had the ruthlessness required to become a Horde leader? She ignored these troubling thoughts; there were more important things to attend to.

She returned to the other two with a bunch of soft, tear-shaped leaves that fanned outwards. "These are Wrap-Leaves." Prim explained. "They can be used as bandages, and prevent wounds from worsening."

Vahlkur didn't answer her. His eyes were glossed over, as he stared vacantly towards the ground. Harris thanked her, and begun wrapping the leaves around his friend's injured arm. Although they stung, Vahlkur didn't flinch. The Wrap-leaves proved to be a sturdy bandage, firmly clinging to the other leaves and wrapping tightly around the wound.

"Once we arrive in Salamandastron, we can find a doctor to take care of your arm." Prim continued to explain to her comrades. "From where we are now, it'll take two days to get to Salamandastron. We'll meet up with Lord Irontail's brigade, pick up supplies, and possibly find more volunteers to join us in the fight against the Horde." Was she saying this to remind them of their goal? Or was she repeating their mission for her own comfort? Prim couldn't tell. "Before we start moving again, do you have any questions?"

Harris shook his head, while Vahlkur remained unresponsive. One thing was certain; the trio had a long journey ahead of them...

[Guini]

Rotclaw had retired to a shadowed willow. He had remembered the rat. She had been his friend. Both of them did not believe the ideology that Ungatt Trunn would prevail. They had planned to escape the hordes and flee to Redwall. But, on a stormy night, she had left leaving him behind. Suddenly filled with rage, he destroyed a firm tree branch with his sword. He had sworn to rise through the ranks and when the time came, kill her himself for her betrayal. He had risen and his expertise in fighting helped him. But lately, he had noticed a gap in his soul. His conscience had returned. But there was his final goal to be completed.

[Aussie and Zeal]

Stoutears had rested the night with no worries. He woke up to cinnamon and blueberries oatmeal and some mint tea. He went out for a walk. He walked out and did his boxing exercises. He then retired back to the mountain.

[Romextly]

Bahltair was making the defenses for Redwall Abbey. It was a cool, autumn breeze. His squirrels were chattering. Fergus was sitting guard, leaning on a oak tree. He, personally was in the daily practice of the tribes. The only defense so far was a wooden fence, which would not do well against the number of vermin that were coming.

He was distracted by a young squirrel running towards us. Bahltair recognized it as Felx. He had sent him out to see the progress of the horde

"We got a company of archers!" A volley of arrows were fired, looking like the wind.

"Go for cover!" Bahltair shouted. 2 or 3 did not follow them close enough and they were struck. Luckily, none were fatal. Bahltair then looked out the gate. He saw Falx had been hit by an arrow to his leg. Bahltair bursts out, grabbing Felx by his paw, and dragging him to safety. The vermin, seeing him open, hastened to fire upon him.

Bahltair now had Felx draped over his shoulder and dived. Fergus immediately closed the gate, and they all heard the shattering. After a couple of minutes, the vermin, seeing no-one wanted try their luck left.

[Guini]

Katngorl

Katngorl was enjoying watching the rats pile the rations. It was fun to cut their packs and have them collect the fruit again, a challenge to the already tired vermin. Once, to his delight, a rat had murmured behind his back, and Katngorl used his famed knife throwing capabilities to persuade him not to talk.

Suddenly and courier came running up, then he Kowtowed.
"Sa, da great Ungatt Trunn is coming to inspect his lands."
Katngorl was stunned. Trunn was not supposed to come. He started to call for another courier, but seeing the one next to him in exhaustion, he beckoned him closer. He was going to tell him to tell Golat that Trunn was coming, but he stopped himself.

Golat had been an arrogant beast, and he deserved this wake up call that there were superiors. He was delighted of the thought that Golat would get a long out punishment. And maybe, they could get rid of those treacherous Nightwalkers. Then, he could truly be in control.

He ordered the rat closer. "Tell the beast Golat the Wimp, to get men and go to Salamandastron. And! Tell him these were direct orders from Ungatt!"

"Do ah tell 'em 'bout da great Ungatt Trunn?" the rat asked

"Nay. Donnae tell 'im. I wan' ta see 'is face, when he sees the great Ungatt"

The rat smiled "Yes sah"

---

Rotclaw

Rotclaw had started telling his men to pack up an' go back to Beadeyes. They marched.

His brother, Killeye, nudged him "Wat was ye thinkin'? We coudl've gotten 'em!"

"If they get da news that Redwall was in trouble, the Badger will weaken his force to send help. Then we could take Salamandastron, Dimwit!" Rotclaw retorted

"But how do ye know she is carrin' that message? You can't read her mind?" Killeye said back

"Put da clues together. Balu is goin' from east of Mossflower. That puts Redwall in danger. Second, she wears a scarlet cape, that is a Redwall messenger. An third, she had guards. Only a message of that importance would giv 'er them guards. You have no brains!"

When they got back to the camp, they were met with a shocking news: Beadeyes was dead. He had been killed by the Badger while trying to do a parly. Rotclaw was the commander of 300 horde members.

[Klarik]

The second Duot heard the arrows, his instincts reacted. Losé and Tuff to the action. Duot and Losé fired sniper shots, while Tuff took care of vermin to close. Draw.Aim.Release. Draw.Aim.Release. He saw the tiniest of fur hanging outside a tree trunk. Maybe an inch. Duot took out an arrow and shot it. The before the vermin could recover from the shock, he fired again, slaying him. The vermin fled to the main group.

[Districto]

Log a Log Vernn and his shrews were relaxing and listening to a classical shrew song

“Splish splash bumpitty crash!

all in and out the water.

Amid the cascade, bow to the maid,

an’ kiss the cook’s young daughter!

How happy we’ll be, just you’n me,

we’ll have a good ole wash.

Yore mother’ll say ‘O lack a day,’

Splish splash splosh!

Splish splash bumpitty crash!

The little maid she said sir,

‘Just look at the mess o’ my fine dress,

I’ll blame it on the weather!’

And as for you, I’ll tell you true,

my daddy’ll yell ‘Good gosh!’

He’ll tan yore tail an’ make you wail,

Splish splash splosh!”

every worry had fallen out

[Harbertia]

Prim

The ambush took Prim completely off guard, but her guards seemed to be prepared for the event. The mouse, whose name was Harris, protected Prim, deflecting enemy shots with his shield. Vahlkur, one of the two squirrels sent from Balthair's tribe, used ranged attacks to his advantage, pushing back the vermin with a volley of stones from his slingshot.

Brozil didn't hesitate in combat; he charged the enemy directly, taking down five vermin with a single slash of his knives. Nimble and agile, he dodged the enemy attacks with ease, effortlessly moving in between the vermin.

The vermin leader had enough of Brozil's perceived arrogance. Before anyone could react, the rat leader ran through Brozil with his sword, piercing his heart instantly.

Vahlkur was utterly distraught; his best friend died, and he did nothing. "They killed him!" Vahlkur could feel himself becoming consumed with rage. "They killed Brozil! The savages!" It took all of Harris's and Prim's strength to hold him back. Defiantly, he tried lunging forward, to no avail. His scowl gave way to a steady stream of tears, as he struggled to break free. "Brozil..."

Harris took charge, giving orders to what was left of his group. "We have to go, now!"

The group retreated into the woods, running as fast as their legs could carry them. Although they were initially followed by a volley of arrows, the attack soon ceased. They kept running, running, running, until they were absolutely certain that nobody had followed them.

The group had managed to escape, with only minor injuries. Harris tended to Vahlkur's wounded arm, while Prim searched for medicinal plants nearby. As she searched through the shrubs and grasses, her scarlet cloak fluttered behind her, in tatters. Alone with her thoughts, she realized that the rat leader looked strikingly familiar to someone she once knew. It was unnerving, how similar he looked to her old friend...

Rotclaw? No, that would've been impossible. It couldn't have been him. Like Prim, he didn't fully commit to the Horde's mindless rhetoric. But unlike Prim, he excelled at the one thing that mattered for a Horde rat; combat. He had been transferred to a different unit shortly before she left for Redwall, but would he have really had the ruthlessness required to become a Horde leader? She ignored these troubling thoughts; there were more important things to attend to.

She returned to the other two with a bunch of soft, tear-shaped leaves that fanned outwards. "These are Wrap-Leaves." Prim explained. "They can be used as bandages, and prevent wounds from worsening."

Vahlkur didn't answer her. His eyes were glossed over, as he stared vacantly towards the ground. Harris thanked her, and begun wrapping the leaves around his friend's injured arm. Although they stung, Vahlkur didn't flinch. The Wrap-leaves proved to be a sturdy bandage, firmly clinging to the other leaves and wrapping tightly around the wound.

"Once we arrive in Salamandastron, we can find a doctor to take care of your arm." Prim continued to explain to her comrades. "From where we are now, it'll take two days to get to Salamandastron. We'll meet up with Lord Irontail's brigade, pick up supplies, and possibly find more volunteers to join us in the fight against the Horde." Was she saying this to remind them of their goal? Or was she repeating their mission for her own comfort? Prim couldn't tell. "Before we start moving again, do you have any questions?"

Harris shook his head, while Vahlkur remained unresponsive. One thing was certain; the trio had a long journey ahead of them...

Senua

Eyes like the moon on a blue night looked out upon the trio from the brush. The eyes of Senua, a black serpent who had been observing the Horde when the arrows where flung. Her movements must have blended well with the sounds of the trio's own or have otherwise gone unnoticed as she watched and listened. She had only noticed the group during her own efforts to remain undiscovered. Her listening had started when one offered 'wrap leaves' for anothers wounds. Compared to the Horde these three seems easier prey. From the words she heard they where far from support, she knew where they where going, and felt confident taking on the three as opposed to some of her plans regarding the Horde's numbers. Still, she found them curious- they had a mission. The one who had offered the leaves to the other wore a cloak, and had a satchel. It took a while for Senua to draw to her mind why this one was interesting. Senua had seen that garb before- Senua had long watched the coast and lived in the region. There was something novel about hearing the she-rat speak after so long of no voice to go with her appearance. The two squirrels where less interesting to her save the injured one. From that one's unresponsiveness it was evident he'd be a burden upon the others. Perhaps enough for them to settle down somewhere to rest. She only had a day to act if the she-rat's words of two days time where correct. She couldn't risk coming to face the Long Patrol.

[Ovesa]

Prim

It had been two days since the initial attack on the group. Although the terrain turned treacherous in some areas along the path, travelling had become mostly uneventful. Thankfully, there were no run-ins with any other Horde vermin, aside from a close call with a scouting group.

Harris the mouse led the way, following Prim's directions and keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area. Sharp and alert, he was a natural-born leader who, despite his small stature, was an excellent and formidable fighter. His fur was the color of light teak wood, which scattered the low light of the forest in a way that could mask him from unobservant enemies.

Prim was in the middle of the group, giving her group directions, but otherwise staying silent. She kept a close eye on Vahlkur, who followed closely behind Prim. He had mostly recovered from his injuries, but his friends were still cautious (and rightfully so).

"I have excellent news, everyone!" Prim announced. "We're less than half a day away from Salamandastron. Once we get through the gates, it'll be a cakewalk!"

Vahlkur simply nodded. Ever since the incident, he had spoken very little, if at all.

Harris made up for the lack of conversation provided by his squirrel friend. "That's great to hear, Prim. We're bound to find plenty of volunteers to join us alongside the Brigade." He looked past Prim, to address Vahlkur. "I happen to know a doctor in Salamandastron. Name's Molesworth, he's a nice fellow. It'd probably be best for you to go see him before we return. You can never be to careful."

Vahlkur nodded again.

As Harris turned around, he suddenly became much more alert. His head jolted to the side, his ears sticking out like sails. His brow furrowed, as he finally recognized what had alerted him.

Prim was confused. "Harris, is ev-"

He shushed her, pulling her and Vahlkur closer to him. He stepped out in front of his friends, sword drawn, his face barely reaching above his shield. "Show yourself, serpent! Hiding wont do you any good!"

---

Golat the Ghost

From his personal tent, Golat looked out at the Nightwalker camp. It was bustling with activity, with dozens of vermin running about. The shoreline hummed with anticipation, as the vermin prepared themselves for battle.

Golat's tent was a complete mess; countless papers were strewn across the floor, walls, and ceiling. Battle plans and terrain maps completely covered his make-shift desk, their corners and edges hanging over and fluttering with every movement Golat made. He knew what was to happen, and he was beyond excited for it. If he played his cards right, this battle would easily secure him a promotion. All that was needed now was the go-ahead from one of his superiors...

"Sir!" A rat scampered into the camp, short of breath. "We've just recieved direct orders to head to Salamandastron!"

Golat grinned, wickedly. "Excellent. With all of their forces focused on Balu's attack, they will never see us coming. Tell the troops to prepare themselves, and meet with me at the hill."

As the first messenger ran away, another rat stepped forward. "Commander Golat, the Redwall traitor was spotted by a scouting party. It's believed that she's heading to Salamandastron."

Golat pondered this for a moment, before grinning yet again. The Nightwalkers were only one day shy of the city; if his troops were fast enough, he could trap that traitorous vermin before she could even think of escaping.

"Sir?" The rat asked.

Golat stared blankly at the vermin. "Anything else?"

"Rumor has it you're to be promoted." The rat whispered. "If that happened, who would lead the Nightwalkers?"

Golat almost interjected to explain that he could still lead them as a general, but he stopped himself. A new, much more twisted idea formed in the back of his mind, one that would solve two of his problems in one fell swoop. "I promise to explain it at the meeting. Go along, now."

"Yes, sir!"

Golat made his way over to the hill, his black cape flowing behind him. Vermin who were still making their way to the hill stopped mid-run to salute their Commander, before running off to join their fellow soldiers.

Once he was at the top of the hill, Golat looked out to his great army. His forces consisted of 20 archers, 10 scouts and messengers, and 150 of the most loyal and bloodthirsty combatants that the Horde could offer. Their armor, much like their Commander, was darkly colored, and covered in jagged and twisted spikes. Many painted their faces with dark pigments, creating striped patterns that resembled lightning. They were a fearsome and intimidating sight.

Golat addressed his troops with a strong voice that commanded respect. "My fellow vermin, we are at a turning point in our great history. If we are successful in our campaign, Salamandastron will surely be ours."

The crowd began to roar with cheers and shouts of excitement, but the moment Golat raised his hand, they fell dead silent.

"But, as you all know, not everyone is as loyal to our cause as we are." He feigned a solemn and pained performance, which captivated his troops. "There are some who would not only abandon our great cause, but they would actively work against it by collaborating with... those beasts of Redwall."

The crowd jeered at the very mention of their sworn enemy. "Tear 'em all down!" One shouted.

"No mercy!" Yelled another.

Golat continued to feign sympathy. "For so long, I have tried to sway our misguided brethren to their true calling, but I have been met with nothing but rejection." He clutched his heart, before continuing his speech. "They have left me no choice." He shifted from sad and sympathetic to angry and determined, with each new statement getting more energy.

"Their crimes against the Horde will no longer be tolerated. To prove my dedication to our great cause, I have made a plan. To my fellow vermin, I know your triumphs and struggles! I know what it's like, having to fight for your right to keep existed. I was once among you, born into the life of the infantry, where after countless seasons of loyalty and hard work, I emerged as your soon-to-be General! I wish to give others the chance to rise up through the ranks, to experience the glory of success alongside me!"

"That is why I am declaring the traitorous wretch Primak-alros, the accursed Redwall messenger, an enemy of the Horde! To any vermin who successfully kills or captures her, you will hereby be instantly granted the rank of Lieutenant. This is my declaration."

The crowd erupted with a chorus of cheers, their eyes filled with bloodlust. If anyone knew how to rally a crowd, it was certainly Golat. Several vermin began singing a war song, and dozens more soon followed suit. Originally written for the first Ungatt Trunn, some of the lyrics were modified for the Nightwalkers. The song went something along these lines;

We'll conquer ev'ry grassland,
We'll turn the rivers red,
When seasons pass,
They never last,
But he'll lead us ahead!

Here's to mighty Golat, true,
Always strong and wise,
When the Dark Forest beckons,
He'll take us to the skies.

Golat's laughter was washed out by the wave of cheers that followed the war song. He had never felt so powerful before now; his performance had worked perfectly. For just a split second, he forgot about the power struggles, the petty quarrels, as he could finally savor the moment. Almost two hundred ravenous eyes looked to him for guidance, and guidance he did give.

"Forward, march!"

[Harbertia]

Prim

It had been two days since the initial attack on the group. Although the terrain turned treacherous in some areas along the path, travelling had become mostly uneventful. Thankfully, there were no run-ins with any other Horde vermin, aside from a close call with a scouting group.

Harris the mouse led the way, following Prim's directions and keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area. Sharp and alert, he was a natural-born leader who, despite his small stature, was an excellent and formidable fighter. His fur was the color of light teak wood, which scattered the low light of the forest in a way that could mask him from unobservant enemies.

Prim was in the middle of the group, giving her group directions, but otherwise staying silent. She kept a close eye on Vahlkur, who followed closely behind Prim. He had mostly recovered from his injuries, but his friends were still cautious (and rightfully so).

"I have excellent news, everyone!" Prim announced. "We're less than half a day away from Salamandastron. Once we get through the gates, it'll be a cakewalk!"

Vahlkur simply nodded. Ever since the incident, he had spoken very little, if at all.

Harris made up for the lack of conversation provided by his squirrel friend. "That's great to hear, Prim. We're bound to find plenty of volunteers to join us alongside the Brigade." He looked past Prim, to address Vahlkur. "I happen to know a doctor in Salamandastron. Name's Molesworth, he's a nice fellow. It'd probably be best for you to go see him before we return. You can never be to careful."

Vahlkur nodded again.

As Harris turned around, he suddenly became much more alert. His head jolted to the side, his ears sticking out like sails. His brow furrowed, as he finally recognized what had alerted him.

Prim was confused. "Harris, is ev-"

He shushed her, pulling her and Vahlkur closer to him. He stepped out in front of his friends, sword drawn, his face barely reaching above his shield. "Show yourself, serpent! Hiding wont do you any good!"

A serpent's expression is a cold unreadable thing whose tone and body alone convey emotion. This one moved slowly into view rather then striking out right, it's tongue flicked in the group's direction. The being was black scaled with bluish silvered eyes. It lacked the diamond pattern of an adder. The tone that came from it was one of slight agitation and feminine; "From your posture," she began, "you are certainly more defensive." she said pulling her body not entirely into view but further before them, "From your words you seem to be making a threat, the sword and shield comfort you." there was a tone of enjoyment in those words, "I'll ignore your threat, you know well what I could do, so now you must wonder- why have I not?"

[Guini]

Rotclaw

The force had begun trailing Prim and her group. They were half a day behind them. They were stopping though to avoid the long patrol.

Rotclaw was still nulling his stated goal. Did he really want to kill Prim? She was the only beast who understood Rotclaw. His brother, Killeye, was a lunatic and dimwit who loved gruesome deaths. They pushed out and got ready to join Golat's horde with the other hundreds of Horde beasts.

---

Katngorl

Katngorl knew Ungatt Trunn was coming in 2 days tops. Katngorl knew that Golat would get punished. And he reveled in it.

[Ovesa]

Prim

Harris and Vahlkur cautiously backed away from the serpent, weapons readied at their sides. Despite her nervousness, Prim found the confidence to speak up. It was obvious that a fight would be difficult, especially in the group's current state. Although she was trained with a sword, Prim didn't want to use it if she didn't have to. Besides, the less combat that got involved in, the more quickly they could complete their mission.

"I apologize if we came across as threatening. We've been travelling for just over two days now, and we've encountered more than our fair share of threats." She did her best to sound polite, despite her fear of the serpent. Her two remaining guards surrounded her with readied weapons, but she dismissed them with a wave of her hand. The looked at each other, bewildered, but they both lowered their weapons, while remaining ever vigilant of potential threats. "These forest paths are dangerous, especially with the Horde and all. Hopefully, they haven't been too much trouble for you, Miss......what would you like us to call you?"

[Harbertia]

Prim

Harris and Vahlkur cautiously backed away from the serpent, weapons readied at their sides. Despite her nervousness, Prim found the confidence to speak up. It was obvious that a fight would be difficult, especially in the group's current state. Although she was trained with a sword, Prim didn't want to use it if she didn't have to. Besides, the less combat that got involved in, the more quickly they could complete their mission.

"I apologize if we came across as threatening. We've been travelling for just over two days now, and we've encountered more than our fair share of threats." She did her best to sound polite, despite her fear of the serpent. Her two remaining guards surrounded her with readied weapons, but she dismissed them with a wave of her hand. The looked at each other, bewildered, but they both lowered their weapons, while remaining ever vigilant of potential threats. "These forest paths are dangerous, especially with the Horde and all. Hopefully, they haven't been too much trouble for you, Miss......what would you like us to call you?"

The serpent looked at the trio with her unblinking eyes for a moment, reading them and contemplating what her next move should be. "You surprise me." she spoke, her tone wasn't agitated anymore rather it had a curiosity to it, "I am Senua. I have seen the horde, this is not the first time a great force has come upon the land. They are a bit close to home, and close together. They fight among themselves, cause the settled folk to flee or fall. I've had to venture further from home then I would other wise." she said pausing, her tongue flicking out investigating the trio. She wondered what else the red hooded one would say, given as her group initiated conversation.

[Ovesa]

Prim

Vahlkur and Harris were still incredibly wary of the serpent, but they cautiously let Prim continue the conversation she had initiated. They were less than happy about interacting with Senua, but they tried to not let it show.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. These days, venturing is much more dangerous than it ought to be." This was more than a friendly conversation; this was a way to convince the serpent not to attack them, and let them continue their journey to Salamandastron.

Prim was curious when Senua mentioned the other great force that arrived many seasons prior. What did she know about the Blue Horde? Where did she live? Out of politeness, and out of hesitation, she did not ask such questions. "Sorry about being so jumpy earlier. None of us have spoken to a serpent before." Prim smiled, sweetly. "It was nice getting to meet you"

Just then, a crow flew overhead, cawing above the forest canopy as it glided far past the group, heading the opposite direction. Vahlkur and Harris readied their weapons, but Prim stopped them. They waited to see if the bird would turn back; after a moment of silence, Prim continued.

"We're heading to Salamandastron, to pick up some supplies. We should probably get going soon."

Prim and her group anxiously waited for the serpent's response, knowing very well their entire mission could easily depend on it...

[Harbertia]

Prim

Vahlkur and Harris were still incredibly wary of the serpent, but they cautiously let Prim continue the conversation she had initiated. They were less than happy about interacting with Senua, but they tried to not let it show.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. These days, venturing is much more dangerous than it ought to be." This was more than a friendly conversation; this was a way to convince the serpent not to attack them, and let them continue their journey to Salamandastron.

Prim was curious when Senua mentioned the other great force that arrived many seasons prior. What did she know about the Blue Horde? Where did she live? Out of politeness, and out of hesitation, she did not ask such questions. "Sorry about being so jumpy earlier. None of us have spoken to a serpent before." Prim smiled, sweetly. "It was nice getting to meet you"

Just then, a crow flew overhead, cawing above the forest canopy as it glided far past the group, heading the opposite direction. Vahlkur and Harris readied their weapons, but Prim stopped them. They waited to see if the bird would turn back; after a moment of silence, Prim continued.

"We're heading to Salamandastron, to pick up some supplies. We should probably get going soon."

Prim and her group anxiously waited for the serpent's response, knowing very well their entire mission could easily depend on it...

"Stay your leave," said Senua, "be not sorry for your reaction. As you say, venturing out is hazardous this season." The serpent's head turned slightly towards Vahlkur and then back to Prim, "You should travel in single file." she advised, "To hide your numbers."

[Guini]

The Cobra and Adder Legion were marching to join the Nightstalker Legion and 10 other Legions. Commander Rotclaw was to be second in command to Golat, whom he heartily disliked. His troops were good, he was forced to agree, but he was hiding something. Rotclaw and his men then went practicing for the storming of Salamandastron.

[Anglonsaxon]

Charles was honing his fighting skills. He was sworn to protect Redwall and nothing would stop him from protecting that vow. The shattering sound of arrows shocked everyone, the Dibbuns were rushed o the cellar by Sister Mergrin and Recorder Alfinie. Charles rushed out with 3 otters to check on outside. Charles could see that the squirrels that were erecting extra defenses had been attacked and 4 were wounded. The beats responsible were seen running away, with 4 or 5 of the Mossflower Militia on their paws.

"Sister Mary and Brother Georgei, Come!"Skipper said. The 4 squirrels were lifted into the infirmary

[Romextly]

Charles was honing his fighting skills. He was sworn to protect Redwall and nothing would stop him from protecting that vow. The shattering sound of arrows shocked everyone, the Dibbuns were rushed o the cellar by Sister Mergrin and Recorder Alfinie. Charles rushed out with 3 otters to check on outside. Charles could see that the squirrels that were erecting extra defenses had been attacked and 4 were wounded. The beats responsible were seen running away, with 4 or 5 of the Mossflower Militia on their paws.

"Sister Mary and Brother Georgei, Come!"Skipper said. The 4 squirrels were lifted into the infirmary

Bahltair followed Felx "Ye are gonna' be ok,Felx. Just stay with us."

Fergus didn't look famine faced. "Ach, they shot him in da foot. He won't be able to run anymore."

The other squirrels looked worried as their 4 companions were carried into Redwall. They were offered some Honey drenched Walnut cake and Nettle wine o take their minds off the attack