Marlfox (Redwall)
Page 36
It was a strange and exciting adventure our travellers had to relate. We listened eagerly to the tale of how they quested to bring back our stolen tapestry. Dibbuns sat wide-eyed as Gawjo told them of the lost island at the centre of the great lake and of how it was conquered. He said that now it was a place inhabited by water rats who live there peacefully in the castle, learning to farm the land for their food. All the slaves were freed, some to return to their homes, others being part of the force that came back to Redwall. Now that the curse of the Marlfoxes was lifted from the island it was a pleasant place to be, ruled over by a great fish eagle, whom all spoke well of. Abbess Song said that the bird’s name is Mighty Megraw. She wanted him to come to the Abbey with her, but he refused. We laughed at the curious speech of Megraw, and our Abbess herself has written down his parting words to her. This is what he said. ‘Leave mah island? Ach, awa’ wi’ ye, lassie. Ah’m King o’ this place, d’ken. Atop yon castle is mah perch, a bird would be oot o’ his mind tae leave a fine braw lake, full o’ bonny pikefishes, so easy tae catch an’ guid tae eat. Ah’ll bid ye fareweel, go an’ awa’ back tae yer Abbey an’ eat all manner o’ dreadful fruit an’ veggibles. Mebbe ah’ll gang aroond tae see ye wan day!’ I had great difficulty understanding this, but Dwopple and the Dibbuns didn’t. Often we have to bring them down from the walltops, where they stand watching for a visit from the one Dibbuns call ‘Mig’aw h’eagle’.
It is mid-autumn now, and the trees shed tears of brown and gold as their leaves fall softly to the quiet earth. We gathered in the last of our orchard’s russet apples yesterday. Mister Florian and his troupe decided to travel on, it was a sad parting, but after all they are strolling players. Well, scarce half a day’s journey down the path their cart fell entirely to pieces. Since they had eaten all the provisions they had been supplied with, Florian traipsed boldly back at the head of his troupe and enquired if dinner was ready (wot wot)! So the Wandering Noonvale Companions are installed in Redwall once more. Abbess Song was informed by Florian that it might take a season or three to build a new cart. We are all very fond of the old rascal, he may stay with us as long as he pleases.
Log a Log has taken his shrews off to see the Riverhead watervole tribe, where they will learn how to construct a new fleet of boats, lighter and faster than their old logboats. I hear Burble, the Riverhead Chief, is a very odd and humorous young watervole. His full title, I am told, is Chief Burble Bigthrone, Holder of Leafwood and Commander of the boat Swallow. Dann could hardly tell me for laughin’, of how Burble plundered his throne from the Marlfoxes’ castle and insisted on bringing it back home on Gawjo’s raft, polishing it the entire trip. We look forward to a visit from both Riverheads and Guosim at our Midwinter Festival.
What more is there to tell? Redwall’s harvest is in, days grow short and birds are flocking together in the trees for their long flight to the sunny places. Skipper and his otter crew are hauling in dead treetrunks from Mossflower Wood, fuel for the Abbey fires. I dearly love a good fire, particularly on some cold winter night when snow is driven by howling winds outside. We sit around a cheery blaze in Cavern Hole, roasting chestnuts, singing songs and telling tales, happy together in the warmth and safety of our beloved home, Redwall Abbey. They say our bells can be heard from afar at any time of day or night.
If you are travelling ’cross the flatlands, through the woods, or along the path, you may hear our twin bells. They will be calling you to come and join us, and we would be pleased to see you. Do call in someday, you will be made welcome by all who dwell within our walls.
Rimrose Swifteye, Apprentice Recorder to Friar Butty at Redwall Abbey in Mossflower country (and never too old to learn new skills).
Curtain!
NB
This narrative has been edited by Florian Dugglewoof Wilffachop, Actor Manager Impresario. Who insists that the entire tale is a drama, which he will be later performing as a play. Hence the three parts being named as acts, rather than books. We crave your indulgence for this deviation.