Blaggut and Slipp looked at each other nonplussed. “Do our bit? groaned Slipp.
The searat Captain snorted as he gathered up dishes. “Huh, the only bit well be doin is robbin the treasure from this place an makin a run fer it, an tis woe betide anybeast who gets in the way!
27
In the cavern under Castle Floret, Egbert the Scholar caught hold of the huge badgers paws and tried to break its hold on Mariel. The mousemaid was totally helpless in the grip of the great beast. Starbursts and colored lights danced in front of her vision, and the breath was forced from her body as the maddened creature tightened its grip. Egberts voice sounded thin and hollow in the cavern as he called out, “Help me, Rudd, help me! Shes a friend!
An otter bounded out of the mist. He stood before the badger and made a swift motion with a javelin he was carrying. Instantly the badger dropped Mariel, who fell to the rocky floor gasping for breath. Egbert ministered to Mariel as he spoke soothingly to the badger.
“This is our friend Marielshe will not harm us, Muta. She is an enemy of Foxwolf; you and Rudd can help her.
The otter dipped a beaker into a pool among the rocks and, holding it to the mousemaids lips, he allowed her to drink.
Aside from a few aching ribs, Mariel was not badly injured. She regained her breath and sat among the rocks with Egbert. The badger and the otter sat a short distance away. She watched them. Both were completely still, as if awaiting an order from Egbert. The mousemaid could not help but notice the dreadful scars tracing the fur of both creatures. Egbert explained their story.
“They staggered in here one night, virtually ripped to pieces and nearly dead. I took care of them both. It was no easy task. I learned most of my healing skills from books and scrolls, and luckily they worked, though not completelyI cannot heal minds. It was Nagru and his horde who tried to kill themsee the way they bare their teeth at the mention of his name. The badger I know is called Muta; she used to be nursemaid to the son of Gael, here at Floret. I do not know the otter, so I call him Rudd. Strange, but neither beast talks, nor do they appear to have any memory of things that went on before I found them here that night. They are both mighty warriors. I think Muta has taken the way of the berserkI have read of badgers being like this; nobeast can stop them when a bloodlust is upon them. Rudd has become like her.
Mariel interrupted Egbert. “I think I know more about these two than you do, friend. The otter is called Rab Streambattle. I was told about them at the dwelling of Furpp the mole; they were believed to be dead, both killed when Serena and Truffen made their escape. I will tell you the full story when we get time. Meanwhile, let me try something.
Mariel approached the two silent beasts, as they sat motionless. The mousemaid spoke first to Muta and then to Rab, repeating the names of their loved ones.
“Muta, I come from Gael, I have news of Serena and the little Truffen. They are safe. Rab, you are alive, yet Iris thinks you are dead. Your mate, Iris!
There was no response. The two battle-scarred warriors stared blankly at Mariel as if she were talking in a strange language. Egbert drew her aside.
“It is no use, he said. “I have tried similar things with them. Whatever was done to those two has changed them; they are inseparable and live only to kill their enemies.
Mariel felt a great wave of pity for the two dumb beasts. She, too, had known what it was to be like them; seasons before she came to Redwall a similar thing had happened to her. She clasped their paws in hersMutas, huge and forbidding, Rabs, sinewy and dangerous.
“Listen, friends, she said, earnestly, “I am Mariel of Redwall. Together we will rid Southsward of Urgan Na-gru and his scum; this I promise you! Egbert, where is the gatehouse that works the drawbridge?
The scholarly mole squinted over his glasses. “Follow me, but be careful!
Greenbeck bowed low as Gael Squirrelking materialized out of the mist to meet the rescuers on the plateau.
“Your Majesty, fates be thanked!
Gael clasped Greenbecks paw saying, “Do not bow to a fool like me. There are others followingsend your scouts to guide them here.
On Greenbecks order, two otters, Ruckal and Cress-eye, trotted off into the rain-spattering mists and returned leading Meldrum and Dandin. Silvamord had given up searching for Marie). She sat kicking her paws on a window ledge, shaking her head in mock pity at Nagru.
“What are you going to do, mighty conquerortear the castle apart to find one mousemaid? Shes long gone!
The Foxwolf had been roaring orders, tearing down wall hangings, smashing doors, and generally abusing his searchers. With his chest heaving from exertion, he slumped down and sat on the cold stone floor.
“Catch them as they swing into the battlements, he sneered. “That wasnt my idea; that was your bright scheme, vixen!
Wetchops and Mingol came scurrying up from opposite ends of the corridor. Before they could speak, Silvamord pointed at Mingol. “You first, whats your good news?
The rat shuffled nervously, keeping out of range of Na-gru. “The prisoners have all escaped, Sire. We finally broke into the attic of the tower, but there was nobeast there!
“Leave them up there in the rain; Ill deal with them tomorrow after a good sleep, said Silvamord, mimicking Nagrus voice. “Thats what you saidSire!
Nagru shot her a swift, murderous glare before turning his attention to Wetchops. “Well, what have you got to say for yourself? Speak!
“Sire, the drawbridge is being attacked!
“By who?
“Dunno, Siretoo much rain an mist outside, but theyre firm arrows, throwin lances an slingstones.
Silvamord eased herself off the window ledge. “Well, theyre wasting their time, she said. “That drawbridge gate wont budge for arrows or stones and lances. I wonder what theyre really up to?
Nagru stood up slowly, saying, “A diversion, maybe. What dyou think?
Silvamord raised her eyebrows approvingly. “I think youre right, for once. Better double the guards on the walls and in the turrets; they may try a surprise attack from another part of the valley.
Iris loosed an arrow off into the mist. She heard it thud into the drawbridge gate.
Troutlad fitted a shaft to his bowstring. “Rains gone off, he said. “But I think were wastin arrows and lances here. That keep door is too sturdy.
“Oh, I dont know, old chap, came a voice from in front of them. “You mayve kept em off our backs while we escaped!
Greenbecks party emerged from the mist, Dandin, Meldrum, and Gael striding along with them. Iris waved her bow. “Cease fire! Dandin, Meldrum, welcome! Your Majesty!
Egbert emerged from a dark tunnel and held out a cautionary paw to his friends. “Thats as close as I can get you by hidden ways, he said.
They came out into a long hallway broken in parts by broad flights of steps. Mariel let the wall tapestry drop back into place across the tunnel mouth. “Which way to the gatehouse, Egbert? she asked.
The mole scholar pointed. “As far as you can go, through the banqueting chamber, down another flight of stairs and first left. Er, its not that Im afraid or anything, but Im a scholar, not a warriorwouldnt I be in the way?
Mariel patted the moles paw understandingly. “Of course, youd be a liability if fighting broke out; wed have to look out for you. Besides, you must have other business to attend to.
Egbert pushed aside the tapestry that hid the tunnel. “Thank you, Mariel. Im sure Ill be around should you need me.
Muta and Rab waved good-bye as Mariel called softly, “Good luck and fortune go with you, Egbert the Scholar!
The mole poked his head back around the tapestry. “Through extensive research, I have found that luck and fortune have little to do with anything. It is brains like mine and a warrior mentality like yours, combined with the element of surprise, that invariably win the day!