This’un’s in better shape than yon pore liddle’ogmaid. Lend a paw’ere, Urtica. Don’t fret ye, missy, thou’rt safe.
Triss felt strong paws lifting her, then she passed out.
Unaware that it was the following dawn, Shogg opened his eyes slowly and looked about him. He was no longer at sea on the ship! The ground was still and firm. He tried to sit up, but a gentle paw pushed him back.
Lie thee still, riverdog, thou art with friends. Thou lookest hungered.
Fear not, we will be breaking fast soon now.
The otter stared up into the face of an enormous but kindly-looking hogwife. He tried to talk, but his tongue was so swollen that only a husky noise came forth. Dipping a gourd ladle into a pail, the hogwife supported his head and fed him some water. It was the coolest, sweetest thing Shogg had ever tasted. She checked him from gulping it greedily.
Nay, drink slow,’tis not good taken fast. My name is Downyrose. My husband, Bistort, and our son Urtica found thy craft whilst we were gathering kelp. What is thy name?
The otter’s voice sounded strange to him as he spoke. Name’s Shogg, marm. Where are me mates, Triss an’ Welfo?
Downyrose allowed Shogg to sit up, leaning his back against a rock wall.
They be safe, worry not. Here, sip now, I must be about my chores.
Shogg took the gourd ladle and did as she instructed. Whilst drinking, he took stock of his surroundings.
He was seated on a ledge at the edge of a cave, overlooking a steep, terraced valley. It was like some huge inverted bowl, with high rocks surrounding the entire area. Other caves were dotted about the slopes.
Families of hedgehogs could be seen, either breakfasting or tending the fertile green steppes. All manner of vegetables and fruit were flourishing in the soft, cool climate. A small waterfall threaded its way down the far slope, cascading over the rocky outcrops to end in a beautiful little forest situated on the valley bottom. One of the biggest hedgehogs Shogg had ever seen came ambling up to him. His facial quills were silvery and he wore a rustic brown farmer’s smock.
Sitting down next to the otter, the big fellow proffered his paw. A good morn to ye, sir. I be called Bistort, Patriarch of Peace Island.’Tis a fair an’ pleasant spot.
Shogg shook paws with Bistort. Aye, mate, it is that. How long have ye lived’ere?
Bistort moved his great head back and forth solemnly My clan an’ kin have been here since the days of my parents. They sailed here seeking peace and contentment away from all strife, slavery and war. I was the firstborn here, and have never been away from this isle.
The young otter nodded admiringly. Can’t say I blame ye, Bistort. Do otherbeasts ever come to yore island?
The big hedgehog winked. Nay, never. Thou art the first. Look ye at this rock. Strange, is it not?
Shogg inspected the rocks around him. They were a bluish-green colour.
Nice rocks, but what’ve they got t’do with it?
Bistort spread his paws to the valley beneath. Outside of all this, our island is practically invisible, a mere smooth-sided lump of stone sticking up out of the sea. Freebooters, corsairs and pirates have all sailed right by us. They see neither beach nor anchorage, so they think this nought but a big piece of stone, if they chance to sight it at all. Twas once a fire mountain, though no more. The soil is fertile, and we have only one hidden coveÑthy ship lies moored there.
Shogg chuckled. A secret island, eh. I want to thank ye for savin’ our livesÑwe’d’ave perished out there at sea. Me W TrissÑthat’s the squirrelmaidÑwe was worried about pore Welfo. She looked sure t’die soon. She ain’t dead, is she?
The hedgehog Patriarch nodded back toward the cave. Thy friend lives.
She is in there now, with our healer. But it will be some long time ere she is well again, methinks.
An apple came spinning through the air at Bistort. He ducked neatly and spiked it on his head quills. Another young hedgehog showed up.
He was a jolly-looking creature, winking at Shogg as he called to Bistort, See thee, old hog, my apples are ready before thine this season. Try that one for taste!
Bistort unspiked the apple from his head and munched on it. Mmm, good an’ firm with sap aplenty. Shogg, this cheeky beast is my son UrticaÑhe helped to rescue thee.
The otter rose and shook Urtica’s paw. Thankee, mate.’Ere’s my paw anere’s my’eart. I owe ye my life, an’ my friends’ lives too!
Urtica kept one paw behind his back as he shook paws. Welcome to Peace Island, Shogg. Thou art recovering well.
Bistort craned his head to see what his son was hiding. Art thou keeping something from thy father?
The young hedgehog scrunched his spines together, a sign of obvious embarrassment among his species. He produced a posy of brightly hued flowers, freshly gathered.
Tis nought but some flowers for Welfo, the hogmaid we rescued. When she wakens’twill be a welcome to her. He hurried past them into the cave, his spines bunched tight.
The big Patriarch took another bite of his apple. My son seems greatly taken with thy friend. I have never seen him so attentive to another creature. Still, she is a pretty young maid. Would thou like to visit her, Shogg?
The otter patted Bistort’s paw and winked knowingly. Oh, I’ll see’er later, mate. Let Urtica keep’er company awhile. We’ll visit Welfo after brekkist.
Triss emerged from the cave when Downyrose called their new acquaintances to eat. Shogg was pleased to see her up and about, even though she still looked a bit shaky.
Ahoy there, shipmate, yore lookin’ pawfresh an’ perky!
Triss sat beside Shogg as Downyrose and several other bustling hedgehogs served them a breakfast of fresh fruit, new baked bread and cool pale cider. You don’t look too bad yourself, young seadog. My, this looks good! I’m famished. They have a wonderful old healer hereÑshe’s treating Welfo with all kinds of herbs. I think she’ll be able to sit up soon.
She was awake when I left her.
Shogg sunk his teeth into a farl of the crusty bread. Sink me rudder, that’s good news. Mmm, this bread’s great. It’s full o’ hazelnuts an’
almonds. Tastes wunner-ful!
They did the delicious breakfast full justice. Downyrose insisted on heaping their plates several times. Lackaday, such skinny young things!
Bistort chuckled as he watched them tucking in. Not for long, my dearie, not with the way thou’rt feeding’em!
After breakfast they went into the cave for a visit with Welfo. Her eyes were open, and she was propped up on cushions, being fed fresh vegetable broth by Turna, the old healer. Welfo took the food without even glancing at the spoon as it was brought to her mouth; her eyes were fixed on Urtica. The young hedgehog sat staring silently back at her, the flowers still clutched in his paw. The visitors stood in silence for what seemed an age, as both Welfo and Urtica seemed unaware of their presence.
Shogg interrupted, asking and answering his own questions. Ahoy there, Welfo, me ole mate,’ow are ye?
Oh, Shogg, I’m fine, I’m much better, thank you!
Ho that’s nice, now you git yoreself well, missie, an’ eat lots o’ good vittles.
Oh, I will. Thank you for coming to see me!
Aye, an’ thank ye for chattin’ t’me, mate. Nice talkin’ t’ye!
He nudged Triss and Bistort, indicating the outside. We might as well be talkin’ t’the wall. Let’s go.