The Bellmaker

29

Warm dusk stole through the twilight at the ponds edge in Redwall Abbeys grounds; moths fluttered softly over shimmering firelight reflections upon the still waters. Scarlet and gold flames flickered upward from the fire, their light forming a cave in the encroaching dark of night Oak Tom and his pretty wife, Treerose, had temporarily deserted their Mossflower seclusion to be at the festivities. Tom tended the fire while Treerose supervised the roasting of wheat ears.

Tarquin L. Woodsorrel was in fine form. He had taken command of his leveret family, who were laying out the food. “You there, thingummy, stop paddlin in the water an give y* sister some assistance to fill up the platesand wipe ypaws.

“Got it, pater, assist the sister, whats to be done?

Tarquin sent young hares scurrying as he explained,

“Simple, really, one small fruit pie to each plate, four candied chestnuts, three honeyed plums, and a good ladle of meadowcream to dip em in, per plate, per creature.

“But what about this scrummy cheese n celery dip, Papa?

“Oh, er, nip back tthe kitchens, you three, an get the small wooden bowls to put it in. You there, sir, whats yname? Dont put the cheese n celery stuff on the plates with the fruit pies. Not done, yknow.

“Papa, shall I slice these oat fails an put em round the salad in a nice pattern?

“What? Er, yes, theres a good little hare maidNo! Give me that knife, Ill do the slicin. You, whatsaname, will ycome out the water, please. Oh hares n horrors! Rosie, where are you? I cant control this bally brood of yours, mine, I mean ours. Stop scoffin those honeyplums, you rip!

Simeon and Mellus sat with their footpaws in the shallows, oblivious to the bustle around them.

“Ah, this is the life, Simeon. I havent done this since I was a Dibbun. Nothing like it for cooling the paws after a hot day.

“Indeed, it certainly is refreshing. The old Abbey pond, there was nothing like it when we were Dibbuns. Fished it in spring, swam around it in summer, sailed and skimmed pebbles over it in autumn, and skated on it in winter. What a useful thing it is to be sure, Mellus. Listen, I can hear Oak Tom planning other uses for our pond.

The sturdy squirrel had Blaggut and Slipp by their ears, shaking them sternly as he lectured on manners. “Its share an share alike at Redwall. If I catch either of you grabbing roasted wheat ears before the others Ill duck some courtesy into you in yonder pond, understand?

The two searats were dancing a little jig of agony as Tom tugged their ears, when the mousebabe intervened.

“They ad enuff now, Tom. Cmon, Blackguts an Slick, men Funtil wants you to put lanterns in our boats.

Oak Tom released the searats and watched them follow the mousebabe off to the boats, rubbing their ears and grumbling. The squirrel dusted his paws off reflectively. “I dont like those two; theyre trouble, you mark my words!

Treerose pulled roasted wheat ears from the embers at the fires edge and stacked them with others, ready to be dipped into the bowls of celery and cheese. “Oh, give mem a chance, Tom, she said. “Theyre not used to Abbey life like Redwallers are. Now, how many more wheat ears do I need?

Benches and logs had been placed in a circle not far from the fire. Everybeast found a seat, and the food was served. As Abbot Saxtus shared a bowl of dip andwheat ears with Brother Fingle, he looked around at the happy faces in the firelight, Dibbuns and old alike, enjoying themselves hugely.

Fingle watched his Abbot. “An acorn for your thoughts, Father, he said.

Saxtus licked dip from his whiskers pensively. “My moughts, Brother? You may have them for free. I was wishing that Joseph and his party were with us here to enjoy this evening, Mariel and Dandin too. May the fates be kind to them wherever they are. You know, Fingle, nothing gives me more pleasure than to see my Redwallers happy and well fed. Contentment, it is a thing I love dearly. I was never one for dashing off on quests and adventures. The Abbey and its life is sufficient for an old stay-at-home like me. Im glad I thought of this concert. Look at themdid you ever see a merrier, more peaceful bunch? Thats my adventure, the quest for contentment and happiness for all in my Redwall.

Brother Fingle accepted a fresh bowl of dip and wheat ears from a well-mannered Dibbun. “Here, Father Abbot, get some of this inside you before you content yourself off to sleep; youre starting to nod.

Tarquin produced his harolina, a cherished though slightly battered instrument. He tuned it, plucking the strings lightly, ears close to it. “There, good as the day I first serenaded Rosie and won her bally heart, wot? Righto, line up chaps, two to each corner, maids in the middle, bow to the center. Good, here we go with the mousemole reel!

Blaggut and Slipp found themselves hauled up among whooping and cheering Redwallers as Tarquin raised his voice:

“One, two, let me bow to you,

Away we go from the center through.

Oh there was a mouse in Mossflower,

And he was plump and cheery,

Lived right next to a mole so fair,

A little dark-eyed dearie.

Three, four, Ill tell you more,

Whirl your partner round the floor!

She baked a pie, oh my, oh my,

And said, Ive got no cherries,

Sir mouse when you go out abroad,

Will you bring back some berries?

Five, six, heres a fix,

Curtsy maids and gather sticks!

The mouse roved out into the woods,

And came back heavy laden,

With cherries and ripe fruit to boot,

To give unto the maiden.

Seven, eight, stand and wait,

Clap your paws, its very late!

The mole took up a wooden bowl,

The mouse he grabbed a ladle,

And as they ate that lovely pie,

They danced around the table.

Nine, ten and back to one,

Bow to your partners for the dance is done!

Laughing and panting, the dancers retired breathless to their seats. Blaggut whispered to Slipp, “We goin fer the treasure now, Capn? He was rewarded with a swift kick.

“We aint goin nowheres til I gets me wind back, bladderbrain. Whew, that dancin takes it outta a beast!

Tarquin cleared his throat officiously and took center stage. “Errahem! Father Abbot, Mellus marm, good creatures all, it is my singular honor to open the concert sing-in competition, wot? I have with me the jolly old prize for the winner; it is right here ... somewhere? The hare beckoned hastily to one of his leverets. “You there, thingybob, its under me seat. Bring the blinkin thing here, will you? Ah yes, as I was sayin, I have here with me the winners prize. As you can see, it is a badger drinkin vessel, hmm, chalice in fact, silver mounted, gold lined, with lots of rather jolly stones studded around it, precious gems, Id say. Now, whos goin t be the first to get up an warble off a song? Oh, by the way, we must thank our good chum Mellus for donatin this prize. Cheer for Mellus, thank you!

When the cheering died down, Mellus stood up, a grin of mischief on her broad face. “Thank you one and all. Now, as for the first singer, or singers, I think I have the privilege of choosing them. As is our custom at Redwall, guests first. Mr. Blaggut and Mr. Slipp, would you be so kind as to oblige us?

Willing paws seized the unwilling searats, who were hustled into the center of the circle, where they stood nervously shuffling from paw to paw. Slipp was not amused.

“O no, mates, we aint no singers, searaer, travelers like us aint much good at singin, are we Blaggut?

“I likes singin*, Capn. Couldnt we sing em The Slaughter of the Crew of the Rusty Chain? Thats a good un?

SHpps furious protests withered under Oak Toms stern proclamation, “If youre too shy to sing, theres always the pots to be washed!

That seemed to decide the issue. Taking up searat performing stances, the pair stood straddle-legged with paws clenched above their heads, and began singing in hoarse, off-key voices:

“Whoa, the Capn of the Rusty Chain, Aint feelin much surprise, Es deadern a duck on the ocean floor, While the fish nibble out is eyes. An the crew of the Rusty Chain, Aint feelin too much pain, O ycant wipe yer nose when yer eads chopped off, An theyll never see their tails again ...

There was a pause as they consulted together, arguing over forgotten verses. Some of the gentler Red wallers closed their eyes and covered their ears as the song continued in the same bloodthirsty mode:

“O the boatswains got a spear in is liver, An the mates got a spear through is throat, An theyre usin the fat off an ole searat, To set alight to the boat.

Distressed cries began issuing from some of the Dibbuns, and a dispute arose with Slipp and Blaggut as to the next line.

“Ho theyve gone an skinned the cook ...

Slipp cuffed Blagguts ears soundly. “Puddenbrains, thats not til the next verse. I knows the line, it goes like this ...

“O they carved off the lookouts ears, An stuffed em up is no

“Enough! Stop this bloodthirsty ballad now! They were hauled unceremoniously back to their seats by an irate Mother Mellus as Tarquin called upon the next performer.

“Sorry about that, chaps, bad form, yknow! Sister Sage, I dont suppose youd like to warble us that absolutely splendid ditty about the robin an the cuckoo?

After a bit of persuasion the old Sister got up and began singing. Her voice was loud and clear for one of such great age.

The night wore on as performers came and went: singers, dancers, and those who liked to recite poetry. Blaggut had eaten his fill and quaffed enough cordial to float a small boat. His head nodded fitfully, eyes closing as his chin dropped onto his chest, Slipp tweaked his nose muttering, “Wake yerself up, dozeyguts, were going t get the treasure.

They detached themselves stealthily from the gathering, creeping off into the night. Blaggut cast frightened glances about him as he clung to Slipps tail.

“Couldnt we go back an sit by the fire, Capn? I dont like it out ere in the dark night; the black shadder might get us both!

Slipp whirled on his unfortunate companion. “Buck-etnose! I told yer never tmention that agin. Cummere!

“Eeeyoowcheeyee!

“Stop squealin, you limpet eaded oaf!

“I cant elp it, Capn. Yore bitin me ear. Yeek!

The mousebabe and Furrtil sat proudly with the cup between them. Saxtus looked inquiringly at Mellus. “I thought you said that the mousebabe was a rogue and a scamp, the worst of all the Dibbuns? he asked.

The old badger mother shrugged. “That doesnt stop him and Funtil from being the best singers. Hahaha, that was the best laugh Ive had in seasons, The Song of the Pirate Pond Dibbuns. They deserved to win. What do you think, Simeon?

The blind Herbalist seemed preoccupied. “What? Er, oh yes, by far the most comical ...

Mellus could tell that Simeons mind was elsewhere. “Whats wrong, old friend, are you tired? she said.

The blind one felt about until he found the badgers paw. “Slipp and Blaggut have gone, and I didnt follow them.

“But why should you follow them?

“Because that one called Slipp is up to no good. Until now, I have trailed them whenever they went off alone. Both of them think I am a black shadow that haunts them, and it keeps them out of mischief. But I was a bit slow tonight; Ive let them get away.

The badger stood up decisively. “Right, leave it to me. Ill find em!

“I have a pretty fair idea where they are, said Simeon, standing up with her. “Gone to dig up the Dibbuns treasure at the southeast wall corner.

The mousebabe and Furrtil picked up their trophy together. “Hurr, usns show ee whurr that be at! said Furrtil.

Tarquin was starting up another reel for all to join in as the four creatures went off after the searats.

Slipp was digging with the long kitchen knife he had stolen; Blaggut used a piece of stick. Together they dug and sweated until Blaggut felt his stick hit something hollow. “Haha, here it is, Capnthe secret idden treasure of the hAbbey.

Slipp ordered Blaggut out of the hole and began digging feverishly with the knife. In a short while he had unearthed a small rectangular box, of the type used in the Redwall kitchen to store salt or spices. It was oak, bound with brass strip, and had a broken lock. The searat Captain tugged it from the earth and, wiping it on his smock, he clambered from the hole grinning from ear to ear.

“You was right, mate. You aint been right many times in yer life, but you was this time. We got the treasure! Throwing open the box, he turned the contents out upon the ground. They both stood speechless a moment, looking. It was typical Dibbuns treasure: a pawful of moldy acorns, some fragments of colored glass, faded ribbons, two hawk feathers, and a spinning top made from stone. Just the sort of things a Dibbun would consider precious.

Blaggut scratched his head with a soil-grimed paw. “Boggle me braces, Capn. That aint no treasure; tis only liddle beasts playthings!

Slipp picked up the box and hurled it at the wall, smashing it to pieces in his rage. “Rubbish an pups trinkets! Secret idden treasure, eh? Ill secret idden treasure those two liddle scum when I get me claws on em!

Walking slightly ahead of Mellus and Simeon, the two Dibbuns materialized out of the night. Mousebabe pointed accusingly at Slipp, his voice shrill with anger. “Dirty ole searat, you breaked our treasure box t bits!

Slipp raised the long-bladed kitchen knife. “Yew snoutfaced liddle spawn, Ill carve ye to slices!

“No, Capn, dont arm the liddle uns! shouted Blag-gut, as he grabbed hold of Slipp.

The boatswain reeled back in agony as Slipp slashed the paw holding him from getting at the mousebabe. Slipp rushed at the Dibbun brandishing the knife and screaming, “Ill bury ye in yer own treasure ole!

He took a leap and was actually in midair when Mellus came bowling through like a furred thunderball. The two creatures collided with a roar and a scream, hitting the ground heavily. Simeon hurried forward, feeling the air about him as he called to the Dibbuns, “Mousebabe, Furrtil, stay out of the way, come to me!

Blaggut stood by helpless, his face a frozen mask of horror as Slipp rose from the ground. The great badger lay still, both paws clutching the knife handle as if trying to pull it free from her heart.

The screams of Mousebabe and Funtil cut the night like shards of broken glass. Simeons sightless eyes flickered this way and that as he pleaded, “What is it, Mellus? Are you all right?

Blaggut fell on all fours beside the stricken form. “Capn, youve slain the ole badger lady!

The searat Captain stood trembling. “The ole fool did it erself, he snarled, “jumpin on me like that! Got wot she deserved, orderin me round all the time!

Tears rolled down Blagguts face as he rocked back and forth. “You killed er, Capn! Oh, whatll we do now, Capn?

The Dibbuns were still screaming and clinging to Simeon. A brutal sneer lit Slipps face as he moved into action. Grabbing the badger chalice, which the little ones had dropped in their fright, he kicked Blaggut upright. “Well at least we aint leavin ere empty pawed. Come on, idiot, yore in this with me. Move yerself or stay ere an get torn t bits by the Redwallers. Im savin me own skin!

He slunk off, letting himself out by the small east wall-gate. Blaggut followed him into Mossflower, whimpering, “O, wotve we done, Capn? That was an appy place; I would ave lived there an been a searat no more. Now we got to run; we cant go back to the hAbbey, ever ... Slipp struck the weeping boatswain a heavy blow in his face. “Shut yer slobberin an git movin; theyll be comin after us soon, an I aint waitin for yew! Blaggut nodded dumbly and followed his Captain into the nighttime depths of the vast woodlands.

Father Abbot Saxtus sat on the ground, next to Melluss body, numb with shock. Oak Tom and Tarquin kept the Redwallers back, while Brother Mallen and Sister Sage took the Dibbuns and the very old back to the Abbey dormitories.

Tarquin L. Woodsorrel sniffed back his tears and kept a stiff upper lip. “Tom, as soon as its clear here Ill get my lance and you get your bow. Well track the murderers by night and have them slain by dawn!

The big squirrel grabbed Tarquins paw tightly. “No! First we must see Mother Mellus at rest; its the right thing to do. Those two searats will be lost by now; they dont know their way around Mossflower. I do! When Im ready, Ill track them down. No need for you to go; I travel best alone. Ill leave their carcasses for the ant folk to pick over!