4?

Some creatures said that Russa came from the deep south, others thought she was from the west coast, but even Russa could not say with any degree of certainty where she had come from. The red female squirrel had neither family nor tribe, nor any place to call home: she was a wanderer who just loved to travel. Russa Nodrey, she was often called, owing to the fact that squirrels homes were called dreys and she did not have one, hence, no drey.

Nobeast knew more about country ways than Russa. She could live where others would starve, she knew the way in woods and field when many would be hopelessly lost. Neither oldnor young-looking, quite small and lean, Russa carried no great travelers haversack or intricate equipment. A small pouch at the back of the rough green tunic she always wore was sufficient for her needs. The only other thing she possessed was a stick, which she had picked up from the flotsam of a tide line. It was about walking-stick size and must have come from far away, because it was hard and dark and had a luster of its owneven seawater could not rot or warp it.

Russa liked her stick. There was no piece of wood like it in all the land, nor any tree that produced such wood. It was also a good weapon, because besides being a lone wanderer, Russa Nodrey was also an expert fighter and a very dangerous warrior, in her own quiet way.

Off again on her latest odyssey, Russa stopped to rest among the cliff ledges not far from Camp Tussock. Happy with her own company, she sat by the streams edge, drank her fill of the sweet cold water, and settled down to enjoy the late-afternoon sun in a nook protected from the wind. The sound of another creature nearby did not bother Russa unduly; she knew it was a mole and therefore friendly. With both eyes closed, as if napping, Russa waited until the creature was right up close, then she spoke in perfect molespeech to it.

“Hurr, gudd day to ee, zurr, wot youm be a doin yurra-bouts?

Roolee, the husband of Osmunda, was taken aback, though he did not show it. He sat down next to Russa and raised a hefty digging claw in greeting. “Gudd day to ee, marm, noice weather usns be avin, burr aye!

Russa answered in normal speech, “Aye, a pity that some-beasts blunder along to disturb a bodys rest when all she craves is peace an quiet.

“Yurr, so tis, marm, so tis. Roolee nodded agreement. “Tho if ee be who oi think ee be, marm Mem at Camp Tussock will be pleased to see ee. Mayap youm koindly drop boi furr vittles?

Russa was up on her paws immediately. “Why didnt you just say that instead of yappin about the weather? Id travel three rough leagues fore breakfast if I knew me old friend Mem Divinia was still cookin those pancakes an hotpots of hers!

Roolee led the way, his velvety head nodding. “Burr aye, marm, ee Mem still be ee gurtest cook yurrabouts, shem doin pannycakes, ottenpots, an all manner o gudd vittles!

Russa ran several steps ahead of Roolee coming into Camp Tussock. Lynum was doing sentry duty at the stockade entrance. In the fading twilight he saw the strange squirrel approaching and decided to exercise his authority.

Barring the way with a long oak quarterstaff, he called officiously, “Halt an be recognized, who goes there, stranger at the gate!

Russa was hungry, and she had little time for such foolishness. She gave the husky hare a smart rap across his footpaw with her stick. “Hmm, youve grown since I last saw ye, she commented as she stepped over him. “Ywere only a fuzzy babe thenfine big hare now though, eh? Pity your wits never grew up like your limbs, ywere far nicer as a little un.

Mem Divinia wiped floury paws on her apron hem and rushed to meet the visitor, her face alight with joy. “Well, fortunes smile on us! Russa Nodrey, you roamin rascal, how are you?

Russa avoided Mems flour-dusted hug and made for the comer seat at the table, as she remembered it was the most comfortable and best for access to the food. She winked at Mem.

“Oh, Im same as I always was, Mem. When Im not trav-elin up an down the country, Im roamin sideways across the land.

Mem winked back at Russa and whispered, “Your visit is very timely, friend. I have something to ask of you. Then, on seeing the Colonel approaching the table, she quickly mouthed the word “later. Russa understood.

Colonel Cornspurrey De Fformelo Tussock viewed the guest with a jaundiced eye and a snort. “Hmph! Respects to ye, marm, I see youve installed yself in my flippin seat! Comfortable are ye, wot?

Russa managed a rare smile. “Aye, one seats as good as another. How are ye, yold fogey, still grouchin an throwin orders around like theyre goin out of style? Ive seen boulders thatve changed faster than you!

The conversation was cut short by Osmunda thwacking a hollow gourd with a ladle, summoning the inhabitants of Camp Tussock to their evening meal.

Mem Divinia and her helpers always provided the best of victuals. There was steaming hot, early-spring vegetable soup with flat, crisp oatmeal bannocks, followed by the famous Tussock hotpot. In a huge earthenware basin coated with a golden piecrust was a delicious medley of corn, carrots, mushrooms, turnips, winter cabbage, and onions, in a thick, rich gravy full of Mems secret herbs. This was followed by a hefty apple, blackberry, and plum crumble topped with Osmundas green-sap and maple sauce. Hot mint and comfrey tea was served, along with horse-chestnut beer and red-currant cordial. Afterward there were honeyed barleyscones, white hazelnut cheese, and elderflower bread, for those still wanting to nibble.

Tammo sat quietly, still out of favor with his father, the Colonel, since the battle-ax incident. He listened as Russa related the latest news she had gathered in her wandering.

“Last autumn a great storm in the west country sent the waves tearing up the cliffs, and a good part of em collapsed into the sea.

The Colonel reached for cheese and bread with a grunt. “Hmph! Used to patrol down that way, yknow, lots of toads, nasty slimy types, murderous blighters, hope the cliffs fell on them, wot! Anythin happenin at Salamandastron of late?

Tammo leaned forward eagerly at the name: Salamandastron, mountain of the Badger Lords, the mysterious place that was the headquarters of the Long Patrol.

Unfortunately Russa dismissed the subject. “Hah, the badger mountain, havent been there in many a long season. Place is still standin, I suppose ...

The Colonels monocle dropped from his eye in righteous indignation. “You suppose, marm? Tchah! I should jolly well hope so! Why, if Salamandastron werent there, the entire land would be overrun with Searats, Corsairs, vermin, Rapscallions, an ... an ... whatever!

Russa leaned forward as if remembering something. “Spoke to an owl last winter. He said a whole fleet of Rapscallions had taken a right good thrashin on the shores near Salamandastron. Wotsisname, the old Warlord or Firstblade or whatever they call him? Tunn! Gormad Tunn! He was wounded near to death. Anyhow, seems theyve vanished into thin air to lick their wounds since then. Ive seen no signs of Rapscallions, but if I were you Id sleep with one eye open, ycan never tell where theyll turn up next. Crudest pack o slayers ever to draw breath, that lot!

“I dont think we need worry too much about Rapscallions, Mem interrupted her friend. “They only plunder the coasts in their ships. Strange how they never sail the open seas like Searats an Corsairs. Whos the Badger Lord at Salamandastron now, have yheard?

Russa poured herself a beaker of tea. “Big female, they say, madder than midwinter, stronger than a four-topped oak, temper like lightnin, full o the Bloodwrath. Shes called Cregga Rose Eyes, wields a pike that four otters couldnt lift!

Osmunda nodded in admiration. “Hurr, shem gotn a purty name, awright.

Russa laughed mirthlessly. “Theres nought pretty about it! That ones called Rose Eyes because her eyes are blood red with battle light. Id hate to be the vermin that tried standin in her path.

All eyes turned on Tammo as the question slipped from his mouth: “Whats a Rapscallion?

The Colonel glared at his son. “Barbarian-type vermin, too idle twork, too stupid tbuild a decent home. Like ymother says, they only raid the coastlines, nothin for you tworry your head over. Mind ymanners at table, young un, speak when yspoken to an not before, sah!

Russa shook her head at the Colonels statement. “You an Mem are both wrong. Rapscallions are unpredictable, they can raid inland as easily as on the coast. I saw their Chiefs sword once when I was young. Its got two edges, one all wavy for the sea, an the other straight for the land. Theres an old Rapscallion sayin: Travel whither blade goes, anyside the sword shows.

The Colonel cut himself a wedge of cheese. “Huh! Whats all that fol-de-rol sposed tmean, wot?

“Have we not had enough of this kind of talk, swordsnvermin an war? cried Mem Divinia, banging her beaker down on the table. “Change the subject, please. Roo-lee, what dyou make of this weather?

The mole changed the conversation to suit Mem, who could see by the light in her husbands eye that he was spoiling for an argument with Russa.

“Ho urr, ee weather, marm ... Hurr ... umm ... Well, ee burds be a tellin usns twill be a foine springtoid, aye. Mayap missie Whinnll sing ee song abowt et.

Mem coaxed a young hedgehog called Whinn to get on her paws and sing. Whinn had a good voice, clear and pretty; she liked to sing and did not need much urging.

“Blow cobwebs out of corners, the corners, the corners,

Throw open all your windows

To welcome in the spring.

Now icicles are shorter,

And turning fast to water,

Out yonder oer the meadow,

I hear a skylark sing.

All through the earth a showing, a showing, a showing,

The green grass is a growing,

So fresh is everything.

Around the flowrs and heather,

The bees do hum together,

Their honey will be sweeter

When tis made in spring.

Tammo and the other creatures at the table joined in as Whinn sang the song once more, and there was much tapping and clapping of paws. The evening wore on, with everybeast getting up to do his bit, singing, dancing, reciting, or playing simple instruments, mainly small drums or reed flutes.

Owing to the amount of food he had eaten and the warmth of the oven fire, Colonel Cornspurrey had great difficulty keeping awake. With a deep sigh he heaved himself up and took a final draught of chestnut beer, then, swaying a little he peered sleepily at Russa Nodrey, and said, “Hmph, I take it youll be off travelin again in the momin, marm?

Russa looked as fresh as a daisy as she nodded to him. “Crack o dawnll be early enough for me. Thank ye for your hospitalityCamp Tussock vittles were as good as ever.

Shuffling off to the dormitory, Cornspurrey called back, “Indeed twill, keep the noise down when ygo, Ill bid ye gnight now. An you others, dont sit up too bally late, work tbe done on the morrow.

When his father had gone to bed, Tammo watched his mother and Russa conversing earnestly in low voices. He knew they were discussing something important, but could catch only snatches of their conversation.

“Nay, tis impossible, Mem. I travel alone, yknow that!

“Well, theres a round score o pancakes to take along if youll help me, Russa.

“But I might not be goin anywhere near Salamandastron!

“Well then, take him as far as Redwall Abbey. Hell meet other warriors there, and the Long Patrol visits regularly. He wont be any trouble, I promise you. The Colonels forbidden him tgo, but therell only be trouble twixt the two of em if he has to stay.

“A score o pancakes you say, Mem?

“Make it thirty if ylike! Hell keep up with you an obey every word you say, I know he will. Do it as a favor to me an youll always be welcome to a meal at Camp Tussock!

“Hmm, thirty pancakes, eh, hah! And itd be one in the monocle for that old waffler, somebeast disobeyin his orders. Right then, Ill do it, but wed best leave tonight an be well away from here by the morn. Ill wait outside in the copse. Send him out when hes ready.

Russa departed, muttering something about preferring to sleep out under the stars. Mem Divinia started clearing the table.

“Come on now, all of you, off tbed, mind what the Colonel said, work tbe done tomorrow. Tammo, you stay here an help me to clear away. Good night all, peaceful dreams!

One by one they drifted off to the big dormitory cellar, which had been built beneath the stockade.

Osmunda nodded to Mem. “Theym all gone abed now, marm.

Mem took a haversack from her wall cupboard and began adding pancakes to its contents. “Tammo, put those dishes down and come here. Hurry, son, theres not much time.

Mystified, Tammo came to sit on the table edge near his mother. “Whatn the name o seasons is goin on, maim?

Osmunda smacked his paw lightly with a ladle. “Do ee be ushed now, maister, an lissen to ee mother.

Mem kept her eyes averted, fussing over the haversack. “Lackaday, Im not sure whether Im doin the right or the wrong thing now, Tammo, but Im givin you a chance to see a bit o life out in the world. I think tis time you grew up an joined the Long Patrol.

Tammo slid off the table edge, disbelief shrill in his voice. “Me, join the jolly ol Long Patrol? Oh, marm!

Mem pulled the haversack drawstrings tight. “Keep yvoice down or youll waken the entire camp. Our friend Russa has agreed to take you in tow. Shell keep you safe. Now dont be a nuisance to that old squirrel, keep up, and dont dare cheek her. Russa aint as lenient as me an shes a lot quicker on her paws than your father, so mind your manners. Theres enough food in the haversack to keep you going for a good while, also thirty of my pancakes for Russa. Come over here, Tamm, stand still while I put this on you.

Mem Divinia took from the cupboard a twine and linen belt, strong and very skillfully woven. It had a silver buckle fashioned in the image of a running hare. Attached to the belt was a weapon that was neither sword nor dagger, being about half the length of the former and twice the size of the latter. Tammo cast admiring glances at the beautiful thing as his mother set the belt sash fashion, running over his shoulder and across his chest, so that the buckle hung at his side.

The long knife had no sheath, but fitted neatly through a slot in the belt buckle. Carefully, the young hare drew the weapon from its holder. Double edged and keenly pointed, its blue steel blade was chased with curious designs. The cross hilt was of silver, set with green gems. Bound tightly with tough, red, braided twine, the handle seemed made for his paw. A highly polished piece of rock crystal formed the pommel stone.

Mem tapped it lovingly, saying, “This was made by a Badger Lord in the forge at Salamandastron; tis called a dirk. No weapon ever served me better in the days when I ran with the Long Patrol. Your father always preferred the battle-ax, but the dirk was the weapon that I loved specially. It is the best gift I can give you, my son. Take it and use it to defend yourself and those weaker than you. Never surrender it to a foebeast or let any creature take it from you. Time is running short, and you must leave now. Dont look back. Go, make Camp Tussock proud of you. Promise me youll return here someday, your father loves you as much as I do. Fate and fortune go witii you, Tamello De Fformelo Tussockdo honor to our name!

Osmunda patted his ears fondly. “Furr ee well, maister Tamm, oill miss ee!

Seconds later Tammo was rushing out into the night, his face streaked with tears and covered in white flour dust from his mothers good-bye embrace. Russa Nodrey materialized out of the pine shadows like a wraith.

“I hope my pancakes arent gettin squashed in that there bag. Looks like youve brought enough vittles with ye to feed a regiment for seven seasons. Right, come on, young un, lets see if those paws o yours are any good after all the soft livin youve been brought up with. Shift yself now. Move!

The young hare shot forward like an arrow from a bow, dashing away from his birthplace to face the unknown.