do a job, do it properly. Take your time. Gather the right equipment together,
organize the troops into squads, give each one a team leader and offer rewards
for the most ingenious traps and the best results. Do you see the idea?"
Brogg's face brightened at the power he was about to wield. "You're right,
Milady. I'll spend all today organizing, then we can make a start first thing
tomorrow.''
He departed, leaving Tsarmina back at her high window, still clutching the
woodpigeon. She destroyed the carcass by crushing it with a single blow and
hurled it out of the window toward the forest.
"Here, have something to eat, woodlanders," she shrieked. "You'll need it by
the time autumn comes. I'll keep you penned up in your holes. We'll see who
runs out of supplies first."
Abbess Germaine and Columbine were taking the little ones to stay with
Gingivere and Sandingomm. Bella drew a map to direct them. Ferdy and Coggs
were torn between visiting
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their uncle Gingivere and staying behind to become warrior seadogs. Gonff had
a word with them.
"Listen, mateys, Martin and I can't be spared to guard the little unst that's
why we thought of sending you two. Imagine how much safer the Abbess and
Columbine will feel, knowing that Ferdy and Coggs are along to protect the
convoy. I've made you a sling each and a pouch of throwing pebbles apiece."
"Honest to goodness real ones, Mr. Gonff?"
"Aye, the same as Martin and I carry."
Ferdy had only one thing to say: "Right, Coggs. Let's line these creatures up.
I'll tell the Abbess and Columbine to lead, we'll protect the rear."
They departed amidst much cheering and paw-waving, both warriors getting their
snouts wiped soundly on the corner of Goody's apron.
The Corim leaders set about the distribution of arms. Log-a-Log and his shrews
were proficient archers; they used the squirrel shoulder bows as standing
longbows, and Lady Amber saw to it they were well supplied. The six hares fell
gladly into Skipper's company. They were well liked by the otters, and proved
to be as efficient with javelins as they were with their own big pikes, which
were greatly admired by the otter crew.
The Loamhedge mice were unused to any sort of weapon, so they joined Goody
Stickle to help in any way possible-healing, repairing, and running the field
kitchen. T. B. and Young Dinny took the moles. They banded together with the
former oar slaves, between them there was an amazing variety of weapons.
Bella strolled over to review them.
"Well, well, who's in charge of this bloodthirsty crew?" she asked, receiving
two salutes.
"Captains Timballisto and Young Dinny of the Mossflower irregulars reporting
for duty, marm."
Young Dinny brandished a dagger, he was decked out in a many-colored fringed
silk sash and brass sea rat earrings.
"Haharr, we'm a roight drefful rabble an' ready furr foighten owt."
Bella returned the salute as she tried to hide a smile.
In the for'ard cabin of Wuddshipp, Martin spoke secretly with five strong,
experienced otters. When he emerged, the
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banks were thronged with a horde waiting upon his word. Every eye was upon him
as he sprang from the side of the vessel and waded ashore through the
shallows. Timballisto had found his old battle armor in the sea rat lockers.
He came forward and buckled it on his friend in silence. Setting the round war
helmet firmly on Martin's head, he strapped the .breastplate on and buckled
the greaves about the warrior's paws. Bella and the hares presented Martin
with a scabbard and swordbelt which matched his sword to perfection.
Martin turned to his army.
"Let us go and settle the score with Kotir!"
Brogg cursed in the half-light before dawn as he tripped upon a coil of rope
lying in the main hallway. The place was a jumble of snaring equipment. The
weasel Captain nibbed a bruised paw and wished he had not been so enthusiastic
on the previous day. Picking up the rope, he hurled it at Chinwart, as the rat
was settling down for a quick nap in the corner.
"Come on, dpzychops. On your paws. I thought you were supposed to be helping
me sort this mess out?"
"What about the others?" the rat yawned. "Why arent they all awake and
helping?"
Brogg paused, letting go of the net he was dragging to the doorway. "Good
idea. Why should I have to do it all myself? Chinwart, go and kick them out of
their billets, say that anyone who isn't ready to parade smartly will be
reported to the Queen."
The threat worked. A few moments later the hall was filled with sleepy
soldiers; but seeing Tsarmina was not about they offered no help. They lounged
about, sitting on the stairs.
Brogg remembered Tsarmina's advice.
"Attention," he called. "First one out on the parade ground carrying a trap
gets double supper this evening. Anybody who lies about will be sentenced to
half bread and water.''
Chinwart grabbed three stakes and scuttled outside. The rest began
half-heartedly picking up nets.
Chinwart came hurtling back inside.
"Cap'n, they're out there!" he said wildly.
"What are you yammering on about now, rat? Who's out there?"
"Woodlanders! Go and see for yourself!"
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Recalling the last woodlander raid, Brogg acted with caution. He poked his
head around the doorway nervously, ready to pull back swiftly in case of
arrows.
The main gates had been flung agape. Standing in the open with the dawn mist
evaporating in the sun around them were a number of creatures: a badger, a
mouse in armor, and that brawny otter. Brogg did not linger to see if there
were others.
"Chinwart, go and rouse the Queen, quickly!" he ordered.
Tsarmina came bounding down wide awake, she peered round the doorway with
Brogg.
"So, at last they're showing themselves. Maybe we might not need the snares,
Brogg. Perhaps they've walked straight into a trap."
'*But, Milady, they're carrying a white flag. Doesn't that make them
peaceable?" Brogg protested.
"Don't believe all you see, Brogg. You're carrying a sword, but that doesn't
make you a soldier. Let's hear what they have to say."
As she stepped boldly out into the open, Tsarmina whispered out the side of
her mouth at Brogg, "Get the archers. Wait for my signal."
None of the deputation was armed, except die mouse who carried a sword to his
side. Tsarmina recognized him immediately, also the cheeky mousethief standing
behind him. She curled her lip in scorn.
"Escaped prisoners and woodland rebels, what do you want?"
"We are the leaders of the Corim come to deliver an ultimatum." The warrior
mouse's voice was hard and clear.
Tsarmina's mind was racing. All the leaders here in one place; they must not
be allowed to escape alive. Had Brogg organized those archers?
"Well, here I am, speak your piece." The wildcat Queen kept her voice
deceptively calm.
The warrior pointed a mailed paw at her. "Listen carefully to what I say, cat.
You and your creatures have no right to tyrannize or try to enslave
woodlanders. We are honest and free. Mossflower is our home.''
"You insolent upstart!" Tsarmina laughed harshly. "I should have killed you
when I had the chance. Do you realize
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who you are threatening? I am Tsarmina, Queen of the Thousand Eyes, Ruler of
Mossflower."
Her adversary did not seem impressed. "I am Martin the Warrior, and I have not
come here to make idle threats. This is what I have to say: leave this place