The Outcast of Redwall Part 28

"Oh, stop fussin', do it in swirls with blobs in between. Don't slice those candied chestnuts so thin. I like to see a fruitcake with chestnuts in big lumps on top, holds the maple-syrup glaze better."

Casks trundled out of the wine cellars, a Redwaller pus.h.i.+ng each one, swerving and chuckling as they dodged others rolling cheeses from the storerooms. Trestles were set up to take the barrels of October Ale from the previous autumn, and jugs-filled with cordials, fizzes and fruit cups were placed on serving trolleys. Windowledges were lined with breads, cakes and scones, set out in rows to cool. Dibbuns waited as pails of crystallized fruits and nuts were opened, dabbing their paws into any of the thick syrup that overflowed onto the tabletops. Redwallers shuffled by one another on the dormitory stairs, some going down to work, others coming off duty to rest a few hours. It was activity the whole night through to next morning, two hours after daybreak.

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The raft lay moored at a place named Wudds.h.i.+pp Creek. Its pa.s.sengers were met by a deputation of otters and squirrels led by Skipperjo and the squirrel Redfarl. The warriors who had beaten Swam off the path to Redwall stood lined on the banks as an honor guard. Pennants of bright hues tied to their lance tips and bows, they stared in open admiration as Sunflash the Mace came ash.o.r.e. He was clad in a red cloak and wearing a tunic of creamy white belted by a woven green sash. He looked every inch the Badger Lord, from the mighty gold-striped head, which towered over even the long ears of his two hares, to the fearsome mace dangling from his ma.s.sive scarred paws. When everybeast was a.s.sembled on the bank, Redfarl winked at Skipperjo; he c.o.c.ked an ear, listened awhile, then nodded to her. "Right y'are, marm, you do the honors!"

Redfarl bowed low to Sunflash. "Sire, I beg yer, wait a moment, there are creatures comin' who have traveled far an' long to be with ye. Will ye tarry a moment, they'll be with us soon."

The unmistakable voice of the squirrelhare, Jodd, sounded from beyond an ash thicket farther down the bank. "This way, chaps, easy as y'go, wot. Ah, there they are!"

The lanky hare emerged, leading a small band of creatures. "What ho! Lord Sunflash, sah! An owl name o' Wudbeak told these goodbeasts you'd be comin' this way, and they insisted on journeyin' from their cave to be with you!"

Sunflash cast aside his mace and dashed to them, shouting, "Tiny LingI! Bruff Dubbo and Elmjak! Oh, my good friends! Dearie! Lully! Look at how your little ones have grown!" The two molemaids and the four young hedgehogs squealed with delight, threatening to topple the badger as they hugged his legs and footpaws.

Sunflash embraced the old moles. "Uncle Blunn and Aunt Ummer, you look brisk as b.u.mblebees!"

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While the Badger Lord was greeting his friends, Jodd wiggled his ears at Fleetrunn. He made an elegant leg at the pretty young hare, obviously stricken by her. "I say, where'd you spring from, missie? You can call me Jodd, all the chaps round here do. Er, would y'like to know my full name, miss?"

Redfarl shook her head at Fleetrunn. "You don't want ter know that 'un's full name!"

Fleetrunn smiled coyly at Jodd. "S'pose I'll get to know your full t.i.tle soon enough, wot!"

Rockleg was an older hare and a confirmed bachelor; he winked at Skipperjo. The otter leader chuckled. "Wait'11 she sees ole Jodd tuckin' vittles away at table, that's enough to put anybeast off 'im fer life, matey!"

Skipperjo began bustling and hustling around the a.s.sembly. "Stir yore stumps, me 'carries, we can't dawdle 'ere all season, there's still a fair ways to g't'the Abbey!"

Dearie Lingl and Lully Dubbo extricated Sunflash from their young, who were swarming over him like ants.

"Bitty, Giller, Gurmil, Tirg, leave 'is pore Lords.h.i.+p alone, you'll 'ave 'im wore out afore 'e's much older!"

Lully called to her two daughters, "Yurr Nilly, c.u.mm Podd, show ee badger zurr wot us'n's bringed furr ee 'awkburd."

She drew a small white cheese from under her ap.r.o.n and gave it to the molemaids, who presented it to Sunflash. The Badger Lord accepted it, shaking his head sadly. "Come, friends, let's go to Redwall Abbey. Til tell you some very sorry news as we walk."

Sister Withe and Abbess Meriam were greatly surprised at what they found on entering Bella's room in the early morning of the day when Redwall was expecting its visitors. They were certain that n.o.beast had spoken of the coming festivities to Bella. Yet there she stood, s.h.i.+ning silver from brush and comb, clad in a beautiful woven cloak of light purple, her head garlanded with a coronet of gillyflowers and young white roses.

Meriam bowed instinctively before the regal old badger, saying, "Bella, you look magnificent!"

The silver badger picked up the carved, silver-mounted stick she used for walking. "Thank you, Meriam, I felt that I must look my best on the day I meet my son the Badger Lord."

Meriam gasped. "But-how did you know? Who told you? n.o.body but I knew-"

Bella sat in her armchair and shook the stick. "Long before you knew of my son's arrival, I was told of it in a dream."

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Mcriam nodded understand!ngly. "Ah yes, your badger ancestors, no doubt."

Bella beckoned to them both. "Sit down, I have something to tell you. It was no long-dead badger kin of mine that appeared in my dream, but one whom I knew well in the old days. Martin the Warrior, hero of Redwall and Chief Founder of this Abbey."

Abbess Meriam's usual composure deserted her. "Martin the great Mouse Warrior! He spoke to you?"

Bella closed her eyes, smiling happily. "Yes, I can see him now. His message was not only for me, but for all Redwallers. Listen now. I was sleeping here in my chair some moons ago when he appeared before me. Fully armored and carrying his great sword, Martin told me of my son, of how he would defeat the Warlord Sixclaw and lose his friend Skarlath the hawk. He said that Sunflash would come to this Abbey when the leaves turned brown and that I would live to see him. He made me feel happy; a great peace such as I have never known filled my heart. Then he gave me this message to pa.s.s on to you...."

The two mice sat entranced as Bella spoke.

* 'Good creatures dwelling within these walls, Be faithful, honest, and true.

My spirit is near; when harm befalls, I will comfort and counsel you.

Throughout all seasons, I will be here, Fear neither evil, nor strife.

The Warrior protects all you hold dear; To my Redwall comrades, long life!"

Soft morning sunlight flooded through the window, enveloping Bella in an aura of light, twinkling and sparkling off 357.

her ancient silver-furred form, clothing her in mysterious radiance.

Meriam's voice was hushed with wonder. "Martin the Warrior is the spirit of peace and courage; our Abbey will remain safe forever with him to guide us."

Bella broke the spell, holding out her paws for a.s.sistance. "Come on, you two young 'uns, help me up. Only a light breakfast today. Save your appet.i.tes until after they arrive, when the noon is high."

By midmorning everything was ready. Bella and the Abbess had p.r.o.nounced the preparations well done and perfectly in order. RedwalTs newest additions, Ole Hoffy the dormouse, with his grandmice, Young Hoffy and Brund, led the procession to the outer walltops. Banners and pennants fluttered in the breeze, flowers and vines were draped over the west- and north-facing ramparts. Every Redwaller was scrubbed, brushed, and wearing their festive finery. Sumin perched upon the northwest battlements, scouring path and woodland with his keen eyes, listening for any sound that would announce the arrival of visitors. A mood of gaiety prevailed; Dibbuns and young ones danced excitedly, their elders speculating eagerly.

"How big and fierce is a Badger Lord supposed to be?" "Phwaw! Big as three of us stood atop of one another!" "Aye, they'm sayen ee carry a gurt war club, hurr, et'd take foive o' us'n's to lift it, they'm callen et ee macer!"

"Haha, if the Badger Lord's that big he'll take some feed-in' r "Hurr oi wager ee'll eat more'n ten 'arebeasts cudd!" Even Abbess Meriam's customary serenity was strained. "Is it near midday, Barlom? I hope they'll be here soon. Can you see any sign yet, Sumin, do you hear anything?"

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The little molemaid Figgul tugged Meriam's gown. "Oi gets scolded furr arskin' too many questions, marm, moind ee owd badgermarm doan't send ee off t'bed, hurr!"

Bella pursed her lips in mock censure of the Abbess. "She's right, Meriam, one more word from you and it's up the stairs and no feast! They'll come when they come, and not before. Isn't that right, Friar Bunfold?"

"Right y'are, Bella marm, y'know what I always say: "Apples is ripe when they're ready, When pears is ripe they'll fall, What must happen will happen, Or it won't happen at all!"

Heartwood glanced imploringly at the clear blue sky. "Huh, that's a great comfort t'know an' no mistake."

"Hist, there! Let me listen, quiet, everybeast!" Sumin cupped a paw around his ear and, gripping the battlement gable with his tail, he leaned outward, facing north. Silence fell over the Redwallers; every ear was strained into the southerly drifting breeze.

Myrtle the hogwife coughed, and everybeast turned to glare at her.

Then Sumin signaled wildly to Barlom. "Throw open the gates, it's them, I hear 'em comin'!"

Leading the column, Skipperjo stepped out of the woodlands and onto the path, pointing with his javelin.

"There's the spire o' Redwall yonder, mates. Let's see if'n we can make 'em 'ear us. D'ye all know *Ome Returnin'?"

There was not a beast marching who had not heard or sung the famous old marching song before. They roared l.u.s.tily.

"See the smoke curl from the chimney, An' the mat beside the door, Outcast of RedwaXL 359 On the path there stands the family, Like you left 'em long before.

Home returning, home returning, Seasons gone an' young uns grown, Home returning, home returning, Back to those I call my own!

There the fire b.u.ms and the ale brews, And the bread bakes soft an' brown. While my friends wait with the good news, Bring my chair an' sit me down.

Home returning, home returning, Comes the warrior from the war, Home returning, home returning, Home to wander nevermore!"

Voices rising to their limit, they sang the last chorus over again, drawing out the last word with all their might.

Bella gripped Sumin's paw like a vice. "Do you see my son? Where is Sunflash?"

The squirrel shook his head in admiration as he pointed. "I see him fine, marm! He strides out until they run to keep up with him, he stands out like an oak among ferns. Great seasons in the land! Now I know what a Badger Lord looks like!"

The Abbess, Sumin, and Ole Hoffy stayed to a.s.sist Bella.

All the other Redwallers clattered down the wallstairs to the main threshold gate, where they stood on the path, waiting until Bella arrived, because it was her special day above all days. The Abbey dwellers raised a cheer as Bella stood out on the path, ready to lead them. She turned, smiling.

"Well, would you like to hear the war cry of a Badger Lord? When I give the signal, shout out the word Eeulalia, but make it loud and long. Ready, set, go!"

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"Eeulaliaaaaaa!"

Sunflash swung his mace in circles above his head and, drawing air into his cavernous chest, he bellowed back the badger war cry.

"Eeulaliaaaaa!"

Foremole clapped paws over both ears. "Whurr, et sounden loik thunder afore ee storm! Lookit, yurr he'm a comen!"

Sunflash had caught sight of the silver badger leading the Redwallers along the path. He knew it could only be one creature, his mother, Bella. Pa.s.sing the mace to Skipperjo, he ran rhe final distance, paws pounding the path like hammers, spurting dust up in a cloud, to the accompaniment of loud cheers from both groups.

He skidded to a halt and walked the last three paces slowly. There before him was the gentle old face he had seen in dreams. In the silence that followed, only two words were spoken.

"Mother."

"Son."

And that is how Sunflash the Mace, Lord of Salamandas-tron, came to Redwall Abbey and found his mother, Bella of Brocktree.

On that same hour of the next day, the feast was still in progress and showed no signs of slackening.

Bryony sat beneath her favorite old apple tree in the orchard with Barlom and Abbess Meriam. The Redwall Recorder had brought quill and parchment to doc.u.ment the mousemaid's story. She told it frankly, leaving out no detail. Abbess Meriam sat in silence until the recital was at an end.

The calm kind eyes of Redwall's Abbess met those of the mousemaid. "So, Bella and I were wrong, there was some good in Veil, even though it cost him his life to show it. Can you accept my apologies, Bryony?''

The mousemaid kissed her Mother Abbess's paw respectfully. "There is no need for your apology. Veil was bad, I know that now. Bella was right. Some creatures cannot help being the way they are. In all the time we knew him, Veil did not perform one act of kindness to any living creature. I have 361.

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thought a great deal since he died and wondered if he would have saved me if he knew his father was really going to throw that javelin. I couldn't help loving him, because that's the way I am, but I know that the world is a better place without Veil or Swartt bringing death and misery to it."

Meriam cast a knowing glance at Barlom before she replied, "You have grown, Bryony. Your courage and compa.s.sion were never in doubt, but you have returned to us wiser and more sensible, far more mature than I ever was at your age. What do you think, Barlom?"

The Recorder finished rolling his scrolls. "I think in the seasons to come, Redwall will not lack a good Mother Abbess; that is, of course, marm, when you feel the need to pa.s.s on your t.i.tle."

Meriam placed a paw around Bryony's shoulders. "I could think of no one better to be Mother of Redwall some day."

Bryony could scarce believe what she was hearing. * 'Me- Abbess of Redwall?"

"The same as Togget will be made Foremole when the time comes. You have earned both admiration and respect from many elders."

Myrtle the hogwife trundled a fresh cart laden with hot scones, cheese, and salad vegetables from the kitchens to the dining tables of Great Hall. Most of the feasters were resting, or playing with the young ones, but the die-hard core of trencher-beasts remained.

"Ain't you lot finished yet?" Myrtle groaned.

Rockleg smiled winningly at her. "Not as long as there's such splendid food bein' served!"

Myrtle sighed, then sat down with them. "Then I might as well join you; pa.s.s the mint tea, please."

Duddle Pollspike pushed it across obligingly. "Mint tea, there you are, my chubby-cheeked chaffwarbler. It almost

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makes me wish I was a landlubber, dinin' in this wunnerful Abbey. What say you, my liddle larkspur?"

Tutty Pollspike looked up from a raspberry crumble. "Lands'n'lakes! Tis all very nice, but we've been waterbeasts too long to change our ways now."

Redfarl broke the crust of a pastie, letting the gravy spill out. "Wot about you, longshanks-thinkin' of changin' yore ways?''

Jodd cut himself a slice of fruitcake, a silly grin all over his face as he twisted his ears at Fleetrunn. "Whazzat? Oh, er, rather! I'd sooner be a square any time than a hirrel!"

Fleetrunn giggled. "Don't you mean you'd sooner be a hare than a squirrel, you great duffer? Fancy bein' called a squir-relhare, daft name!"

Jodd bolted the fruitcake reflectively. "Oh, I dunno really. I don't mind daft names as long as a chap has a good sensible real name. By the way, Fleetrunn, I never told you my real name, did I? Well, it's actually Wilthurio Longbarrow Sack-firth Toxophola Fedlric ..."

Outside on the sunlit lawns of Redwall Abbey, the happy laughter of old and young alike rose to mingle with high lark-song on the warm autumn afternoon.

Epilogue.