| Subject: Chapter Three. |
Author:
Retina
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 14:53:06 02/23/03 Sun
In reply to:
Retina
's message, "The Alliance Saga: Novel" on 20:36:34 12/28/02 Sat
Chapter Three
The morning seemed as tranquil as most spring mornings did. Dew was still on the bough, among the budding flowers of the trees. Dawn had set a light, gray-blue hue into the previously dark sky, and and blonde sunlight filtered through the jade treetops, illuminating the lush forest canopy. The bluejay had awoken, and its chaste, shrill song of spring rose above the trees, creating an effect very much like an echo. The day seemed pleasant, for the most part, no one could deny, but troubled thoughts stirred in many a beast's hearts.
Firebrand flanked the Prince's right side, not bothering to hide her unease as the two squirrels surveyed the Southsward Army, preparing for full-out battle. With a forlorn sigh, the fiery-red squirrel turned to her friend and shook her head. "I fear for Salamandastron."
"And why do you say that?" Alexander snapped sharply, not bothering to hide his agitation of the whole situation from his voice. "Salamandastron has a good amount of valiant hares."
"But not enough," Firebrand interjected, as soothingly as she could manage. "They are outnumbered three to one, while Redwall only two to one. We should have chosen to aid the fire mountain. They could use our four-hundred."
Alexander smiled wryly, trying to lighten up the tension. "Come now, Firebrand. I've heard of a Long Patrol of five score hares defeat a corsair ship of vermin double their amount, and still have more than half the creatures left at the end of the skirmish." Then his voice dropped to a low mutter. "And the abbey's walls are not as sturdy as the mountain. They cannot hold as long."
Firebrand merely nodded, though it was obvious she was not completely convinced. Furrowing her eyebrows, she gazed northwards, towards the visible peak of the imfamous fire mountain, and sighed.
-*-
"Mm...I reckon there's about...mm, I dunno. Wotcha think, Brookie?"
The fem sea otter shrugged, peering over the ship rails out onto the shore, in where the corsairs were gathering. With a feigned nonchalant shrug, she turned to her right and glanced down at the harvestmouse, who was in control of the tiller. "I'll say more'n a thousand, mate. An' Salamandastron has around seven hundred. But o'course, that's includin' the unable beasts." Whiskers twitched, she straightened, glancing upwards. "Think we kin get ther' in time, eh Kor?"
Kor Goldentail furrowed his eyebrows, scratching at his bandana quizzically. "Depends on whether we get a bit more wind. Mayhaps we could send a few of the crew below deck?"
Snapping her head in the mouse's direction, Brook frowned stiffly as she said, "You know that area used to be for oar slaves before we stole th' ship, Kor."
"Aye," the harvestmouse nodded grimly. "But we need the speed. An' 'sides, they won't be slaves if they do th' work willingly, mm?"
The sea otter's only reply was a shrug as she waved absently, sauntering off as she called over her shoulder, "I s'pose I'll go talk t' Aroye. Give me a call if'n anything happens on shore, mate."
Throwing her a quick wink before she walked off, Kor grinned. "O'course, cully." But as he turned to glance at the shoreline again, his smile disappeared, and he sighed grimly. "Oy, Brookie..."
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 